Does Tea Make You Poop?
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Time to read 5 min
Introduction
The Viral Walmart Tea Incident
So, you’ve probably seen that viral TikTok video where a woman claims she had an explosive emergency in Walmart after drinking a so-called "Chinese green box detox tea." Naturally, the internet went wild, and suddenly, everyone started questioning whether Chinese tea is secretly a laxative in disguise.
Let’s set the record straight. Traditional Chinese tea isn’t going to have you sprinting to the nearest bathroom, but it does have some fantastic digestive benefits. Let’s break it down!
But is there any truth to this? Let’s break down the facts about traditional Chinese tea and its effects on digestion.
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Do Traditional Chinese Teas Cause Diarrhea?
The short answer: No, traditional Chinese tea does not cause diarrhea. However, certain herbal teas marketed as "detox" teas contain strong laxatives like senna leaves, which can lead to urgent bowel movements and, in extreme cases, diarrhea.
Traditional Chinese teas, such as green tea, oolong tea, black tea, and pu-erh tea, do not contain these artificial laxative ingredients. Instead, they work with your digestive system in a natural and gentle way.
How Does Traditional Chinese Tea Help With Constipation?
- Stimulates Digestion: Teas like pu-erh and oolong help activate your digestive system and improve gut motility
- Supports Gut Health: Fermented teas are rich in probiotics, promoting a balanced gut microbiome.
- Relieves Bloating & Discomfort: Herbal teas like ginger tea and chrysanthemum tea help relax the digestive tract, making bowel movements smoother..
- No Harsh Laxatives: Unlike detox teas with artificial laxatives, traditional Chinese teas work naturally and won’t cause dependency
- Keeps You Hydrated: Tea helps soften stool and keep things moving. Dehydration is a major cause of constipation!
Best Tea For Digestive System
How Does Chinese Tea Affect Digestion?
While Chinese tea won’t send you running to the bathroom, it does support a healthy digestive system in various ways:
1. Aids Digestion & Reduces Bloating
Oolong tea and pu-erh tea help break down fats and aid digestion, making them popular after meals.
Green tea contains catechins that promote gut health and improve digestion.
2. Helps with Constipation
Drinking warm tea, especially pu-erh or black tea, stimulates bowel movement by improving intestinal motility.
The natural hydration from tea helps soften stool and ease constipation.
3. Balances Gut Bacteria
Fermented teas like pu-erh and dark tea contain probiotics that promote a healthy gut microbiome, reducing bloating and discomfort.
4. Gentle Detoxification
Unlike detox teas with artificial laxatives, traditional Chinese teas naturally support liver function and gently detoxify the body without harsh side effects.
"The caffeine and theophylline in Wuyi Rock Tea can stimulate the production of stomach acid, helping with digestion and relieving stomach discomfort."
What Tea Helps With Constipation
Pu-erh Tea – The Gut-Friendly Powerhouse
This fermented tea is packed with probiotics and digestive enzymes that help break down food and prevent bloating. It’s a go-to after a heavy meal, especially if you’ve indulged in greasy or rich foods.
Wuyi Oolong Tea – The Metabolism Booster
Oolong tea sits between green and black tea in terms of oxidation, making it a well-balanced option. It helps break down fats, reducing bloating and sluggish digestion.
Black Tea – The Stomach Soother
If you tend to suffer from constipation, black tea can provide gentle stimulation for your digestive system. It’s warm, comforting, and easy on the stomach.
Ginger Tea – The Bloating Buster
Okay, so this isn’t technically a traditional Chinese tea, but it’s often used in Chinese medicine to combat bloating. Ginger helps relax your intestines and promotes smoother digestion.
Anhua Dark Tea (Hei Cha) – The Hidden Gem
Dark tea, a lesser-known fermented Chinese tea, works wonders for digestion. It supports gut health and has been used for centuries to help with bloating and sluggish digestion.
Best Tea For Constipation
Why Some People Experience Stomach Discomfort from Tea
While traditional Chinese tea is beneficial for digestion, some people might experience mild stomach discomfort. Here’s why:
Drinking Tea on an Empty Stomach – Green tea, in particular, is high in tannins, which can irritate an empty stomach and cause mild nausea.
Caffeine Sensitivity – Some people are more sensitive to caffeine, which can mildly stimulate the digestive system.
Poor-Quality or Over-Brewed Tea – Low-quality teas or over-steeped tea can be harsh on the stomach due to excessive tannins.
If you experience discomfort, try drinking tea after meals, opting for lower-caffeine teas, or steeping your tea for a shorter time.
One of Red Rock Tea House's best sellers and crown jewel of black tea, Da Hong Pao, is part of our "Rock Rhyme" collection. The prestigious tea is celebrated for its deep, complex flavor profile.
Cultivated from the rocky terrains of the Wuyi Mountains, Da Hong Pao is known as the 'Big Red Robe' in the tea world for its superior status and rich history.
This premium organic oolong tea boasts a bold, full-bodied taste with layers of roasted, woody notes and hints of floral and fruity aftertaste. Each steeping unfolds more of its character, making Da Hong Pao a perfect choice for multiple infusions.
Known for its high concentration of antioxidants, our Da Hong Pao Oolong Tea offers not only a enriched taste experience but also numerous health benefits. Red Rock Tea House is here to provide fresh, high-quality loose-leaf tea straight from our tea field in Wuyi Mountain.
Conclusion
Traditional Chinese tea does not cause diarrhea or uncontrollable bowel movements. The viral Walmart tea incident likely involved a detox tea with laxative ingredients, which is very different from authentic Chinese teas. Instead, traditional teas support digestion, help with constipation, and promote gut health without the harsh side effects of detox teas.
Chinese traditional loose leaf tea supports digestion naturally
Drinking tea correctly maximizes its benefits. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach if you have a sensitive gut and always opt for high-quality tea to reduce irritation.
Tea can be a daily digestive aid. Regular consumption of the right teas can improve digestion over time and prevent digestive discomfort.
So, next time you hear someone ask, "Does Chinese tea make you poop?"—you’ll have the answer!
The Author: Camille Liu
Camille comes from an extended tea-making family, which has passed on their knowledge from generation to generation. At Red Rock Tea House, our story continues through Camille. She has been cultivating tea at her family farm for over 100 years! This heritage continues today at our company!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can drinking too much tea cause diarrhea?
While traditional Chinese tea is generally gentle on digestion, drinking excessive amounts—especially on an empty stomach or if you have caffeine sensitivity —can lead to stomach irritation and loose stools.
What’s the best Chinese tea for bloating?
If you're feeling bloated, pu-erh tea, chrysanthemum tea, and oolong tea are great choices as they help break down fats and improve digestion. Ginger tea is also an excellent herbal option for soothing bloating.
Is detox tea the same as traditional Chinese tea?
No, detox teas often contain strong laxatives like senna or cascara , which can cause diarrhea. Traditional Chinese teas support digestion naturally without forcing bowel movements.
How often should I drink tea for gut health?
For digestion benefits, drinking 1–3 cups of tea per day is a good habit. Just be sure to stay hydrated with water as well , since too much tea without enough hydration can lead to dehydration and constipation.
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