Ginger tea is good for acid reflux and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat digestive problems. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants can relieve acid reflux symptoms. But if you have too much, you can make your symptoms worse.
What is acid reflux?
Acid reflux, also called heartburn, happens when your stomach acid, and possibly your stomach contents, comes back out of your stomach and up into your esophagus or food pipe.
Acid irritating the inflamed lining of your food pipe causes the burning sensation you may feel in your chest.
Often, acid reflux happens because you have too much pressure on your stomach or your lower esophageal sphincter is weak.
Your lower esophageal sphincter is a ring of muscle between your lower esophagus and your stomach. In normal circumstances, your lower esophageal sphincter would let food into your stomach, then shut tight so food can’t reflux. However, food can flow back into your esophagus if your sphincter muscle is loose.
Common acid reflux triggers include:
- spicy foods
- acidic foods
- high-fat foods
- fruit juices
- eating too many large meals
- obesity
- too much alcohol
- smoking
Because triggers vary between people, it’s a good idea to keep a food diary and log your symptoms so you can see what gives you acid reflux.
Acid reflux symptoms
Besides acid refluxing into your food pipe, you may experience any of the following common symptoms of acid reflux:
- burning sensation
- chest pain
- bitter taste in your mouth
- sore throat
- digestive problems
- upset stomach
- feeling like there is a lump in your throat
- weight loss
If left untreated, chronic acid reflux may cause other problems in your digestive tract, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcers, Barret’s esophagus, and in rare cases, esophageal cancer.
Health benefits of ginger tea
A soothing cup of ginger tea is a great way to relieve problems in your gastrointestinal tract. Ginger root is a widely used natural remedy in traditional Chinese medicine for digestive system ailments.
Inflammation in your digestive tract is the most common symptom of acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease. In small doses, the natural anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help relieve irritation caused by stomach acid (1).
The consumption of ginger can also increase gastric contractions, which speeds up the digestive process, which can help reduce stomach acid, gas, flatulence, and bloating (1, 2, 3).
Ginger root contains antioxidant phenolic compounds, gingerol and shogaol, which are its main active ingredients. They are very good at reducing nausea, vomiting, pain, and stomach cramps, which are often associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (4).
Ginger tea is caffeine-free. Caffeinated drinks loosen your lower esophageal sphincter muscle which makes you more likely to suffer acid reflux.
Other health benefits of ginger
The consumption of ginger is a natural treatment option for many other conditions:
- anti-tumor properties (5)
- colds
- fever
- improved blood circulation
- joint pain
- muscle pain and cramps
- constipation
- diarrhea
- stress relief
- motion sickness
- morning sickness
Risk factors of taking ginger root for acid reflux
If you have any of these conditions, you should not use ginger root as a home remedy for acid reflux:
- gall stones
- heart problems
- bleeding disorders
Also, ginger root may interact with certain medications like Warfarin, which is a blood thinner. It’s a good idea to seek medical advice before using ginger root as a natural remedy for acid reflux.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may also want to check with your doctor to be on the safe side. Although a study found 1500mg of ginger per day was safe for pregnant women (1).
How much ginger tea is good for acid reflux?
Ginger is generally regarded as safe by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Clinical studies suggest up to four grams of ginger per day for up to three months (6) is safe.
Four grams of ginger equals about two teaspoons of fresh ginger, which should be enough for at least 2 cups of ginger root tea per day.
Side effects of too much ginger tea
Ginger is rarely associated with adverse effects, but the best way to take ginger is in small doses. Too much ginger, at doses of six grams or more, can make your acid reflux symptoms worse, and you might experience the following mild digestive problems:
- mild diarrhea
- heartburn
- gastric irritation
How to make ginger tea for acid reflux
It’s a good idea to make ginger tea from scratch so you know what’s in it.
Tea bags are a great way to make a quick cuppa, but one important thing about buying ginger tea is to check the ingredients list on the box. Often other ingredients in the tea can give you acid reflux symptoms.
How to make ginger tea:
- Peel a small piece of fresh ginger root, or you can leave the skin on but scrub it clean.
- Cut it into thin slices and place it in a cup. Or you can grate it and place it in a strainer or tea ball.
- Pour over hot water or boiling water and allow to steep for 15 minutes.
- Taste it and add more water if its too strong for you. You can also add a little honey if you like it sweet.
- Depending on how strong you like your ginger tea, you may be able to re-use the ginger for your next cup of tea.
Don’t use artificial sweeteners as they can increase stomach acid production and give you heartburn symptoms.
Other herbal teas for acid reflux
You can drink your ginger tea in different ways by experimenting with flavor combinations. Ginger tea can be mixed with other beneficial herbal teas to relieve digestive problems.
Besides ginger tea, these are some of the best teas for acid reflux symptoms:
Chamomile tea
The anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile tea help promote healthy digestion.
It contains substances that soothe the lining of your esophagus. Also, chamomile tea can reduce stomach acidity as effectively as antacids.
LEARN MORE: Is Chamomile Tea Good For Acid Reflux? Is There Any Better?
Marshmallow root tea
The medicinal properties of marshmallow roots come from the mucilage, a sap-like substance produced by the plant that contains antioxidants.
Marshmallow root tea has anti-inflammatory effects and coats the digestive tract and stomach, preventing acid from giving you that burning sensation.
Licorice tea
Licorice is one of the most widely used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. It increases mucus production, which coats the lining of your stomach and esophagus and protects it from stomach acid.
Licorice root extracts can treat helicobacter pylori bacteria, which commonly causes stomach problems for acid reflux sufferers. Licorice tea can also protect against a sore throat.
Green tea
You may be able to tolerate green tea if you have mild acid reflux symptoms. The only way to know is to try it for yourself.
Green tea does contain caffeine and tannins but not as much as black tea. Caffeine increases stomach acid production and relaxes your lower esophageal sphincter muscle. Tannins increase acidity as well.
LEARN MORE: Is Green Tea Good For Acid Reflux?
FAQs about ginger tea for acid reflux
Is spiced ginger tea good for acid reflux?
Ginger root tea has a mild spicy flavor and is well known for soothing acid reflux symptoms due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. For additional flavor and health benefits, you could try adding other mild spices such as:
- Cloves can improve movement of food through your digestive tract and can help fight acidity.
- Cinnamon, in small amounts, has anti-inflammatory properties and lowers blood sugar levels.
- Turmeric aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties, but you’re unlikely to get health benefits due to the high dosage needed.
- Fennel can sooth your upset stomach.
Hot spices such as pepper, chilies, and nutmeg can aggravate symptoms of acid reflux.
Is lemon ginger tea good for acid reflux?
Lemon and ginger tea is good for acid reflux. Ginger is one of the best natural remedies for acid reflux due to its soothing properties. It is rich in antioxidants and has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Although lemon is acidic, small amounts become alkaline in your stomach and can help neutralize stomach acid.
LEARN MORE: Is Lemon Tea Good For Acid Reflux? (How To Get Best Results)
Is turmeric ginger tea good for acid reflux?
Ginger tea is good for acid reflux due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric also has many beneficial properties that can help reduce acid reflux symptoms. However, it’s unlikely you could consume enough turmeric in a cup of tea to get any health benefits.
Is mint and ginger tea good for acid reflux?
Ginger tea is good for acid reflux due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. On the other hand, mint can relax your lower esophageal sphincter muscle, which can allow stomach acid to reflux back up into your esophagus.
Is ginger ale good for acid reflux?
Ginger ale is not suitable for acid reflux sufferers. Because of its carbonation, the gas in ginger ale increases pressure in your stomach which can cause acid reflux. Ginger ale may contain caffeine, which relaxes your lower esophageal sphincter muscle. Ginger ale, like all sodas, is high in sugar, which makes your stomach produce more acid. Also, most commercially-made ginger ales don’t contain enough ginger to have health benefits.
Best foods for acid reflux
A healthy diet is arguably the most important thing in curing your acid reflux and digestive problems. Proper nutrition and good eating habits usually address the root cause of your symptoms.
Natural remedies are a great way to ease your acid reflux symptoms while you get your diet under control, but they won’t address the root cause.
The best foods for acid reflux include:
- whole grains
- most vegetables
- non-citrus fruits
- lean protein
- some seeds and nuts
- herbs
Other dietary changes that are a great option to reduce your acid reflux symptoms include:
- weight loss and eating small healthy meals will put less pressure on your stomach and lower esophageal sphincter and will result in less acid reflux symptoms
- avoid your acid reflux trigger foods
- eat at least 3-4 hours before lying down
LEARN MORE: Best Alkaline Foods For Hyperacidity And Quick Reflux Relief
Other natural ways to reduce acid reflux
If you have severe acid reflux symptoms, it’s unlikely ginger tea will give you heartburn relief by itself, but you can use it alongside other lifestyle changes and home remedies.
- reduce stress by doing yoga or meditation
- gentle exercise
- try other natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar or probiotics
- adjust your sleep position
- minimize alcohol
- quit smoking
LEARN MORE: 33 Proven Ways To Get Rid Of Heartburn Naturally
If natural remedies don’t work for you, you may need to consider other treatment options.
The best option is usually to start with over-the-counter medications such as antacids, H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPI). Then progress to prescription medications if your heartburn symptoms have not resolved.
Consult your doctor if your acid reflux symptoms don’t resolve within two weeks.
LEARN MORE: What You Need To Know About PPI Drugs For Heartburn
Is ginger tea good for acid reflux?
Ginger tea is good for acid reflux due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. Scientific evidence suggests you can have up to four grams of ginger per day, enough for at least two cups of ginger tea.
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