Ginger tea — whether from fresh ginger or a store-bought tea bag — can have some side mild effects. Some people notice heartburn, diarrhea, gas, and abdominal pain after drinking ginger tea.
This article will discuss the potential side effects of ginger tea, alongside some possible benefits.
It will also look at the safety of consuming ginger tea during pregnancy.
According to one
Some side effects — such as heartburn, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort — might occur when a person consumes more than
The sections below will look at these potential side effects in more detail.
Heartburn
Heartburn occurs due to acid reflux causing a burning sensation in the lower chest.
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Digestive effects
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- abdominal pain, or stomachache
- gas and bloating
- diarrhea
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Bleeding
Ginger may encourage bleeding. This is because it
There are also concerns that ginger may interact with blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, according to the
For this reason, people should avoid consuming ginger before undergoing surgery. Those with bleeding disorders should also talk with a doctor before consuming any form of ginger.
Although ginger tea can cause some side effects, it also has some potential health benefits.
The sections below will look at these in more detail.
Reduced nausea and vomiting
Gingerols and shogaols, which are active compounds in ginger, may help relieve nausea and vomiting.
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Pain relief
Ginger may also help relieve pain and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
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Ginger may also help relieve muscle pain. A
Weight loss
Ginger tea may help a person lose weight. For example, one
- suppressing lipogenesis, which is the metabolic process that contributes to the storage of fat
- inhibiting intestinal fat absorption
- controlling appetite
Better blood sugar control
Ginger tea may also help people with type 2 diabetes achieve better blood sugar control.
For this reason, ginger may have a role in helping control blood sugar levels.
Improved heart health
Ginger tea may help improve heart health and lower blood pressure.
- lowering hypertension
- preventing heart attacks
- lowering cholesterol
Ginger tea is safe to drink. However, people should avoid consuming more than
The
During pregnancy
- stillbirth
- a low birth weight
- preterm birth
- a low Apgar score, which is a test to check the newborn’s heart rate, muscle tone, and other signs
However, pregnant people should still consult a healthcare provider before consuming ginger.
A person can make ginger tea using store-bought tea bags. However, if they want to make their own ginger tea, they can do so using:
- Fresh ginger: Boil thinly sliced pieces of ginger for a few minutes.
- Dried ginger: Pour boiling water over the dried ginger and let the tea steep.
- Powdered ginger: Stir a small amount of powdered ginger into some boiling water.
The side effects of ginger tea may vary from person to person. It may cause heartburn, stomach upset, diarrhea, and bloating.
Although ginger tea comes with several side effects, it may also offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- pain relief
- better blood sugar control
- reduced nausea from morning sickness and chemotherapy
- improved heart health
- reduced hypertension
However, pregnant people and those with gallstone disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure should talk with their healthcare provider before incorporating ginger tea into their wellness regimen.
Q:
Other than warfarin and some other blood-thinning drugs, can ginger tea interact with any medications?
A:
Ginger tea is generally safe when a person consumes it in moderation, but people should consult their healthcare provider before adding it to their diet if they have any medical condition or take any prescription or over-the-counter blood-thinning medication, any diabetes medication, any blood pressure medication, or metronidazole (Flagyl).
Katherine Marengo, LDN, RDAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.