For many people with IBS, a cup of tea is more than just a hot drink.

It's a moment of calm before the school run. A break between meetings. A chance to sit down and breathe before replying to that email marked "urgent" (which usually isn't).

And if you choose the right tea, it might do your gut a favour too.

While tea won't magically cure IBS (sadly, we are still waiting for that one), certain herbal teas have been traditionally used to help soothe digestion, reduce bloating and support a calmer tummy.

Here are some of the best teas to try if your gut cannot stomach coffee:

Peppermint - best for: bloating, cramping & general discomfort

The IBS classic.

Peppermint is one of the most commonly recommended herbs for digestive discomfort, and for good reason.

It may help:

• Relax the muscles of the digestive tract
• Ease bloating
• Reduce abdominal discomfort
• Support more comfortable digestion

If you've ever found yourself clutching a hot water bottle while questioning your life choices after lunch, peppermint tea is a good place to start.

Ginger Tea - best for: nausea, indigestion & post-meal discomfort

Ginger has been used for centuries to support digestion and settle unsettled stomachs.

Many people find it particularly helpful when they feel:

• Nauseous
• Overly full
• Uncomfortable after eating

It also adds a lovely warming kick that feels surprisingly comforting on stressful days.

Chamomile Tea - best for: stress & evening relaxation

Think of chamomile as the tea equivalent of someone telling you, "It's going to be alright."

Chamomile is often associated with relaxation and sleep, but it may also help support digestion.

Because stress and IBS are often close friends (unfortunately), anything that helps you unwind may indirectly help your gut too.

Fennel Tea - best for: bloating & digestive discomfort

Fennel is often used to support digestion and reduce feelings of bloating and trapped wind.

Some people find it helps ease that uncomfortable "I've only eaten a sandwich but somehow look six months pregnant" feeling.

Worth noting: fennel isn't suitable for everyone following a strict low FODMAP diet, so listen to your body and introduce it gradually.

Turmeric Tea - best for: supporting overall digestive health

Turmeric has become famous for its anti-inflammatory properties and continues to attract interest from researchers looking at digestive health.

While more research is ongoing, some studies suggest turmeric may help support people experiencing IBS symptoms.

Plus, it makes you feel slightly more healthy just by holding the mug!

What About Black Tea & Green Tea?

This is where things get a little more personal.

For some people with IBS, the caffeine in black tea and even the small amount in green tea can trigger IBS symptoms, meaning more urgency and more trips to the loo. 

Bottom line is, you know your gut, so if you know caffeine tends to aggravate you, you may find herbal teas a gentler option.

That doesn't mean everyone with IBS needs to give up their morning coffee forever. (We're not monsters.)

It simply means paying attention to how your own body responds.

The Best Tea For IBS?

One of the most frustrating things about IBS is that there isn't a single solution that works for everyone.

The same is true for tea.

What helps one person's symptoms may do very little for someone else.

The good news is that tea is a simple, low-risk place to experiment.

Try a few options. Keep track of how you feel. Give each one a fair chance before moving on.

And most importantly, use the time to slow down.

Because sometimes the tea itself helps.

And sometimes it's the fact you've finally sat down for five minutes.

Your gut will probably appreciate both.

Put the kettle on. Your gut deserves a little kindness.