As an herbalist, I’m a huge fan of HippyBritt’s Nutrient Dense Tea Blend.
(Well, actually, I’m a huge fan of all of her Handcrafted, Organic, Herbal Tea Blends.)
Herbs work best when combined, and every one of HippyBritt’s tea blends was created with intention by an expert iridologist who has been studying and using herbs for over a decade.
Each blend is a combination of hand-selected, wild-crafted herbs that work synergistically to support your body.
(Plus, they are sustainably packaged, and taste great without any sweetener!)
While Nutrient Dense was created with the intention of filling in nutritional gaps and supporting children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers, its combination of herbs is also extremely soothing for the stomach and the digestive tract.
Whenever my stomach is upset, or I feel like I need digestive system support, I sip on some Nutrient Dense tea.
The combination of the cozy mug in my hands, with the gently warming ginger, and all the other soothing herbs, can be quite comforting.
For me, it feels like a hug in a mug.
What Makes Nutrient Dense So Soothing?
Every one of the herbs in this tea blend possesses properties that are suited for stomach soothing.
Nettle Root
Nettle root contains compounds including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and lignans that have anti-inflammatory properties.
Since it can reduce inflammation in the stomach lining, nettle root can also have a soothing effect on the stomach and digestive system, along with easing symptoms such as bloating or indigestion.
Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root is rich in mucilage, a sticky substance that swells in water and forms a gel-like consistency. This gel can coat and soothe irritated or inflamed areas including the stomach lining and the digestive tract.
Because of this, marshmallow root is often used to help ease: heartburn, indigestion, stomach ulcers, gastritis, and the symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases (crohn's disease & ulcerative colitis).
Marshmallow root also contains phenolic acids and flavonoids, which is why it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The anti-inflammatory properties of marshmallow root can help reduce inflammation in your gut.
Oat Straw
Oat straw also contains mucilage, (which was described above) along with various polyphenolic compounds, such as avenanthramides, that have anti-inflammatory effects.
The mucilage, along with the other compounds, work together to help alleviate stomach discomfort, and support overall digestive health.
Red Raspberry Leaf
Red Raspberry Leaf contains compounds, including vitamins, minerals, and magnesium, that have anti-inflammatory effects.
These compounds can also help relax muscles and ease inflammation and irritation in the stomach and intestines.
Astringent herbs like red raspberry can also help tighten tissues, and treat mild diarrhea.
Dandelion Root
Dandelion root contains powerful antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory effects throughout your GI tract.
Plus, it can stimulate bile production, which aids digestion, and can have a mild laxative effect, which can help promote regular bowel movements and help alleviate constipation.
Lemon Balm
Since the Middle Ages, lemon balm has been used to soothe both stomachs and stress.
Lemon balm contains several compounds, including rosmarinic acid and eugenol, with powerful anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
Lemon balm contains terpenes, such as citronellal and citral, which have calming properties and mild muscle-relaxing effects.
So lemon balm can help relax the muscles in the digestive system, and help ease digestive discomfort, such as cramping and spasms, along with an upset stomach and gas.
Since stress and anxiety can create or exacerbate digestive distress, lemon balm's calming effects can also help soothe your stomach by reducing stress-related symptoms.
Overall, the combination of lemon balm’s anti-inflammatory, muscle-relaxing, antioxidant, and anxiolytic properties are what contribute to its ability to soothe the stomach.
Alfalfa Leaf
Alfalfa leaf is another herb that contains mucilage, and compounds with anti-inflammatory effects.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), alfalfa leaf is known as “Zi Mu Ye,” and it’s used to promote digestion, alleviate symptoms of indigestion, and support overall gastrointestinal health.
Plus, alfalfa leaf is considered an alkaline herb. That means, it can help balance your body's pH levels. Excess acidity in the stomach can contribute to digestive discomfort such as heartburn or indigestion. Consuming alkaline herbs like alfalfa leaf can help neutralize excess stomach acid, and provide relief from these symptoms.
Alfalfa leaf can also stimulate the appetite, and help ease constipation, bloating, and gas.
Horsetail
Horsetail contains compounds with anti-inflammatory effects, and supports overall digestive health.
Ginger
The ginger plant contains bioactive compounds, including gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone.
These compounds have potent anti-inflammatory effects and can help relax and reduce inflammation in your stomach and gastrointestinal tract.
Ginger is well-known for its ability to ease nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and bloating, along with promoting the expulsion of gas.
Final Thoughts
Herbs are absolutely incredible. Each one possesses a plethora of compounds with diverse properties. So each herb can have a wide range of applications and effects.
Combining herbs, also known as herbal synergism, can enhance and increase their therapeutic effects.
While it may not have been her main intention when creating her Nutrient Dense tea blend, this particular combination of herbs possess properties that are both amazing for filling in nutritional gaps, along with soothing stomachs.
How amazing is that?
***This herbal breakdown is for informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.***