Tea is often recommended as a soothing reflux habit, but not all herbal teas are equal — peppermint, despite its reputation, is a common trigger, while several other options are genuinely calming.
Teas generally well tolerated
- Chamomile, often used for its mild, calming effect
- Ginger tea, which may help speed stomach emptying
- Licorice root tea (deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL, is the form most often discussed, since plain licorice root can affect blood pressure in large amounts over time)
- Fennel tea, traditionally used for digestive comfort
Teas to watch
Peppermint and spearmint relax the lower esophageal sphincter for many people, working against what you'd want from a "soothing" tea. Black tea and green tea both contain caffeine, which can also relax the LES, though usually less than coffee.
A simple blend to try
Chamomile and fennel together (roughly equal parts, steeped five to seven minutes) makes a mild, naturally sweet-tasting tea that many people find genuinely calming after a meal, without the caffeine or mint that undoes the intended effect.
