Ginger Tea: Does It Have Any Bad Side Effects? (2024)

Overview

Native to southern China, ginger grows in warm climates worldwide. The spicy, aromatic root of the ginger plant has been used by many cultures in cooking and in medicine.

Most people use it as a spice or eat it with sushi, but ginger can also be made into tea. All you need to do is steep a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger in a pint of boiling water, and you’ve got yourself two tasty servings!

Ginger tea doesn’t seem to have serious side effects. For one thing, it would be difficult to drink enough of the tea to expose yourself to anything irritating or harmful. In general, you don’t want to consume more than 4 grams of ginger a day — that’s quite a few cups!

Many people think ginger can increase bile production, but there is no scientific evidence of this. Still, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor before you use ginger tea if you have a history of gallbladder problems.

One possible minor side effect of drinking ginger tea is heartburn or stomach upset, similar to how you feel when you eat chilies or other spicy foods. You could mistake this irritation for a ginger allergy.

However, you might have an allergy to ginger if you experience a rash or discomfort in your mouth or stomach after drinking ginger tea.

Ginger may help lower blood pressure, so you might experience lightheadedness as a side effect. Ginger also contains salicylates, the chemical in aspirin that acts as a blood thinner. This can cause problems for people with bleeding disorders.

But again, you’d have to consume much more than the recommended 4 grams of ginger a day to experience that effect.

Some say ginger tea can cure coughs and other respiratory problems. Studies show that ginger can reduce blood pressure and may be as effective as some typically used medications.

Gingerol, a component of ginger, has been shown to suppress tumor growth in the lab. Many users claim ginger tea alleviates arthritis pain and muscle aches.

Ginger tea is also traditionally used for stomach problems, most famously for preventing or stopping nausea. It may help with nausea due to chemotherapy or surgery. Using ginger to relieve morning sickness during pregnancy is controversial.

Be sure to check with your doctor before taking anything to ease nausea if you’re pregnant, undergoing cancer therapy, or facing surgery.

Too much of anything — even something natural — is bound to cause problems. But if you’re generally in good health and you like the zing that ginger provides, drink up and don’t worry.

Ginger namesakes
  • It may be good for you, but there is no evidence that ginger tea was a favorite of either Ginger Rogers or Ginger Spice.
  • There is no proven link between consuming ginger and having a child with ginger hair. However, the gingerol in ginger can actually suppress hair growth!
Ginger good

Ginger and ginger tea are both good for stopping nausea and upset stomach, including symptoms caused by pregnancy and chemotherapy. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any supplement, regardless of dosage.

Ginger Tea: Does It Have Any Bad Side Effects? (2024)

FAQs

Ginger Tea: Does It Have Any Bad Side Effects? ›

Some of the most common side effects of drinking large amounts of ginger tea are gas, bloating, heartburn, and nausea. Studies recommend keeping your intake of prepackaged ginger tea under 4 cups per day.

Is drinking ginger tea every day bad for you? ›

Ginger tea is generally regarded as safe for most people to consume daily. However, if you intend to consume a large amount every day, you should consult your doctor, especially if you are on any medications. A cup of ginger tea every day can help your digestive system and prevent indigestion, nausea, and heartburn.

What are the negative side effects of ginger? ›

It is rare to have side effects from ginger. In high doses it may cause mild heartburn, diarrhea, and irritation of the mouth. You may be able to avoid some of the mild stomach side effects, such as belching, heartburn, or stomach upset, by taking ginger supplements in capsules or taking ginger with meals.

Can ginger cause high blood pressure? ›

Several studies in both humans and animals have shown that ginger consumption can lower blood pressure levels in certain ways. Ginger acts as a natural calcium channel blocker and ACE inhibitor. Meanwhile, calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors are both medications used to treat high blood pressure.

Is too much ginger bad for your kidneys? ›

Consuming foods and drinks with antioxidants, like ginger water, can help prevent and fight the negative side effects of ROS. One study found that that ginger could prevent or slow down kidney failure.

Who cannot take ginger? ›

The most noteworthy concern is for those with bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, where the blood doesn't clot properly, says Dr. Staller. “Ginger has mild anticoagulant, or blood-thinning, properties, which means it may increase the risk of bleeding,” he says.

Is too much ginger bad for the liver? ›

Fortunately, ginger is a food that has all the elements needed to prevent and treat liver problems. Experts suggest that ginger supplementation represents a new treatment strategy for NAFLD by improving the body's antioxidant activity, reducing inflammation and insulin resistance.

Can too much ginger affect your heart? ›

Bleeding disorders: Taking ginger might increase your risk of bleeding. Heart conditions: High doses of ginger might worsen some heart conditions.

Can too much ginger be toxic? ›

How much ginger should you take daily? Ginger is safe to eat daily, but experts recommend limiting yourself to 3 to 4 grams a day — stick to 1 gram daily if you're pregnant. Taking more than 6 grams of ginger a day has been proven to cause gastrointestinal issues such as reflux, heartburn and diarrhea.

Does ginger tea make you pee a lot? ›

Lifestyle factors that may result in frequent urination: Drinking too much water/fluid. Diuretics – foods/beverages that relieve water retention such as alcohol, tea, coffee, soda, parsley, ginger, etc. Spicy, salty, or acidic foods that irritate the bladder.

Does ginger interact with medications? ›

Official answer. Over 60 drug interactions are reported with ginger, and may include anticoagulants like warfarin, aspirin, or other blood thinners and pain medicines like morphine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.

Why can't diabetics have ginger? ›

Can people living with diabetes safely consume ginger? While more research is necessary, some evidence suggests ginger may help manage blood sugar levels. As such, people with diabetes can safely consume ginger as part of a healthy eating plan.

What happens when you drink ginger tea on an empty stomach? ›

Improved circulation: Ginger is known to promote healthy blood circulation. Drinking ginger juice on an empty stomach may contribute to improved blood flow, benefiting cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of vascular complications.

Who should not drink ginger water? ›

People with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and gallstones should talk to their doctor before taking ginger as a supplement.

How much ginger tea is too much? ›

Ginger tea doesn't seem to have serious side effects. For one thing, it would be difficult to drink enough of the tea to expose yourself to anything irritating or harmful. In general, you don't want to consume more than 4 grams of ginger a day — that's quite a few cups!

Does boiling ginger destroy nutrients? ›

Lemon and ginger are normally good sources of vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, vitamin B6, magnesium, and potassium. However, dehydrating and boiling the ingredients tend to remove these nutrients, leaving only small amounts in the final tea.

How many cups of ginger tea a day is OK? ›

One cup of ginger tea contains an average of 250 milligrams of ginger, so you should drink two to four cups of ginger tea per day to get the best results when it comes to curing feelings of nausea (3) The tea may also help soothe tummy discomfort caused by bloating and cramps.

How many times a week should I drink ginger tea? ›

We at the Center for Better Bones suggest that you drink 3 to 4 cups of ginger tea a day. We use ginger as a great digestive aid and it is very good for your health. If you would like to learn how to make ginger tea, read Dr. Brown's fresh ginger tea article on the Better Bones blog.

What does ginger do for your body everyday? ›

Health Benefits of Ginger

Gingerol, a natural component of ginger root, benefits gastrointestinal motility ― the rate at which food exits the stomach and continues along the digestive process. Eating ginger encourages efficient digestion, so food doesn't linger as long in the gut. Nausea relief.

Can ginger tea reduce belly fat? ›

Whether you consume ginger tea or relish it raw by adding it to the salad, drinks or cooking it with your curries, ginger goes well with everything, but if you are trying to shed belly fat and lose weight, then pairing this spice herb with lemon can work wonders.

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