The 6 Best Herbal Teas for Acid Reflux in 2024

Are you familiar with the benefits of herbal teas for acid reflux? If not, you may be pleasantly surprised by the information in this SANE MD blog post.

If you suffer from acid reflux, you likely know how challenging it can be to find relief from the primary symptoms of acid regurgitation and heartburn.

Acid reflux is a common condition affecting about 20% of the US population, and certain foods and beverages can aggravate symptoms. However, specific foods and drinks, such as herbal teas, can help ease acid reflux pain and provide much-needed relief.

Join us as we discuss the best herbal teas for acid reflux in 2024—and beyond!

• Herbal teas for acid reflux contain compounds that support the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, reduce stomach acidity and inflammation in the digestive tract, protect the stomach and esophagus from the damaging effects of stomach acid, ease gastric contractions, and more.
• Several herbal teas for acid reflux can help reduce the occurrence and symptoms of acid reflux, including ginger, licorice, chamomile, turmeric, slippery elm, and marshmallow root teas.
• See your doctor if you experience intense and frequent symptoms of acid reflux, which could indicate a more severe condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux is a condition caused by the improper relaxation of the ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) at the bottom of the esophagus. The LES opens to let food and drink pass into the stomach, then closes tightly to prevent stomach contents from flowing back up, allowing for digestion.

But stomach acid flows into your esophagus when the LES fails to close completely, leading to acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

While acid reflux is occasional, GERD is a chronic recurrence of these symptoms. If not treated, GERD can cause inflammation and harm to your esophagus.

Symptoms of acid reflux and GERD can include:

• Heartburn
• Regurgitation (swallowed food coming back up into the mouth)
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Hoarseness
• Burping

If you’re struggling with acid reflux, sipping low-acidic tea and other drinks can relieve these symptoms.

Infographic Text

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Acid Reflux

Medicine and Healthcare Infographic

Medical Treatment and Prevention

Hearburn Symptoms

• Food regurgitation
• Burning and pain in chest
• Bloating
• Bad taste in mouth
• Chronic cough
• Sore throat
• Stomach pain

Heartburn Causes

• Bad diet
• Obesity
• Unhealthy lifestyle
• Medications
• Eating close to bedtime
• Pregnancy

Heartburn Prevention

• Avoid trigger food
• Have small meals
• Avoid alcohol
• Do not lay down after meals
• Stop smoking
• Lose weight

At the top right of the page, there are cartoon images showing 3 stomachs:  healthy stomach, GERD Stomach, and Acid Reflux

The healthy stomach shows the lower esophageal sphincter firmly closed.

The GERD and acid reflux stomach show the lower esophageal sphincter open with stomach acid flowing into the esophagus

End Infographic Text

Why Herbal Teas for Acid Reflux?

If you suffer from acid reflux or GERD, drinking specific teas can prevent its occurrence or soothe the uncomfortable sensations associated with its symptoms.

In researching the best teas for acid reflux, opt for caffeine-free herbal teas, which are great for calming symptoms like heartburn and nausea. Herbal teas are made from various herbs, plants, and spices and are known for their numerous health benefits.

Here are six of the best herbal teas for acid reflux and GERD.

1. Ginger Tea

Ginger, a flowering plant, has been a significant component of traditional Chinese medicine. While ginger products are available in the market, they are mostly made from the ginger root. Ginger has been used as an herbal remedy for various purposes, including reducing the symptoms of acid reflux.

Drinking ginger tea in moderation can be highly advantageous for acid reflux patients.

Ginger is a natural source of antioxidants and compounds that can enhance overall health and relieve inflammation and other symptoms. Additionally, the compounds found in ginger can help reduce the occurrence of stomach acid traveling to the esophagus, ease gastric contractions, and soothe gastrointestinal discomfort.

Ginger tea is also known to alleviate nausea, making it an excellent option for those who experience this acid reflux symptom.

2. Licorice Root Tea

Another great tea for acid reflux is licorice root tea. Licorice root has been used as an herbal remedy since the dawn of time. Licorice root tea has numerous benefits for people suffering from acid reflux and GERD.

It can alleviate symptoms such as heartburn, inflammation, and upset stomach. The main active component in licorice root is glycyrrhizin, which boosts mucus production. This helps protect the stomach and esophagus from acid damage.

Add the fact that licorice has soothing properties that relax you, and this root becomes a priceless tool in battling stomach acid.

3. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is among the very best herbal teas for acid reflux. It is derived from the chamomile plant native to Europe and the Americas and belongs to the same family as daisies, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums. It shares a similar appearance to daisies.

But the chamomile plant isn’t just pretty. It can be a potent weapon for destroying acid reflux symptoms of digestive discomfort or pain. Its soothing properties may help relax your overworked stomach muscles. Additionally, chamomile tea can help combat stress, which is often linked to digestive issues and acid reflux.

This calming beverage’s alkaline properties can also help neutralize stomach acid (2).

4. Turmeric Tea

Did you know that turmeric is a flowering plant closely related to ginger? The rhizomes of turmeric are often used in cooking, as well as for herbal remedies and tea.

One of turmeric’s main compounds is curcumin, which has been shown to protect the digestive tract and ease the effects of acid reflux. By safeguarding both the esophagus and lower sphincter from stomach acid (4), curcumin helps alleviate discomfort.

Additionally, turmeric tea is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the risk of GERD, which can be caused by oxidative stress. So, studies suggest that turmeric tea for acid reflux is the way to soothe your symptoms.

5. Slippery Elm Tea

Slippery elm tea is made from the inner bark of the slippery elm tree, a native tree of North America. This tea has been used for centuries by Native Americans due to its many health benefits.

When mixed with water, the inner layer of the bark creates a gel that helps to coat the upper digestive tract, relieving acid reflux and other digestive discomforts.

In other words, slippery elm tea for acid reflux should be your go-to remedy for heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms.

6. Marshmallow Root Tea

For centuries, marshmallow root has been used as a natural remedy to alleviate problems in the digestive system. When combined with water, marshmallow root creates a gooey substance, hence the name.

Drinking marshmallow root tea effectively treats acid reflux by forming a protective layer on the stomach lining that helps to soothe irritation caused by acid.

Apart from its coating properties, marshmallow root tea for acid reflux can also reduce digestive tract inflammation and relieve tense muscles. It is a soothing and magical solution for digestive discomfort.

Worst Herbal Teas For Acid Reflux

Despite the many benefits of certain herbal teas for acid reflux, some can make the problem worse. Herbal teas that are bad for acid reflux and GERD include:

Mint teas. Mint, whether in spearmint or peppermint tea, can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), causing acid reflux and leading to heartburn for some people.

Fruit-infused herbal tea: Many herbal tea products contain orange or lemon, which sounds delicious. However, the acidity of these fruits relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, enabling stomach contents to backflow into the esophagus, which can trigger heartburn and other symptoms in some individuals.

Other Foods and Beverages to Avoid

Other foods and beverages that relax the LES, increase the risk of acid reflux, and cause uncomfortable digestive symptoms include:

• Caffeinated beverages, such as “regular” teas (i.e., black tea, green tea, oolong tea, etc.), coffee, and sodas
• Acidic fruits and acidic juices, i.e., citrus fruits, tomatoes, pineapple
• Alcohol
• Spicy foods
• Fatty foods
• Fried foods
• Chocolate
• High-fat foods, such as dairy
• Processed foods

Tips for Managing Acid Reflux

Treating acid reflux and GERD involves lifestyle changes, including closely monitoring your diet to avoid foods and beverages that increase stomach acidity and worsen symptoms. (See section above).

You’ll also need to make certain lifestyle adjustments, including:

• Eating smaller meals throughout the day
• Elevating the head of your bed six inches while sleeping
• Avoiding eating shortly before bedtime
• Refraining from wearing restrictive clothing around your waist

It is advisable to consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice regarding GERD and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the condition.

Apart from home remedies and over-the-counter medications, such as antacids, a doctor may suggest advanced treatments such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 receptor blockers, and even surgery to manage GERD effectively.

Summary

In conclusion, many methods exist to improve digestive health and address acid reflux. One possible solution that’s both easy and tasty is drinking herbal tea.

Research has shown that certain herbal teas can form a protective coating around your stomach and esophagus to shield them from stomach acid. Additionally, these teas can help reduce inflammation, strengthen your lower esophageal sphincter, and offer other benefits.

Rather than relying on antacid tablets or probiotics, why not try a new herbal tea and see if it positively impacts your digestive system?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GERD and acid reflux the same thing?

Acid reflux is a common condition caused by a backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, which can cause a mild burning feeling in the middle of the chest after eating or lying down. If this happens often and for a long time, it can be a more severe condition called Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause damage to the body over time. Pay attention to any symptoms you may be experiencing and seek medical advice if you have concerns.

What triggers acid reflux?

Various factors, including acidic or high-fat foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, chocolate, coffee, cheese, and peppermint, can cause acid reflux and the resulting heartburn. Spicy foods or large meals can also be culprits. Certain medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, sedatives, and blood pressure, can also contribute to reflux.

What is the best herbal tea for acid reflux?

Any of the teas listed above can help with acid reflux. These teas include:

• Ginger tea
• Licorice root tea
• Chamomile tea
• Turmeric tea
• Slipper elm tea
• Marshmallow root tea

Does peppermint tea help acid reflux?

No. Unfortunately, peppermint can negatively impact the lower esophageal sphincter between the stomach and esophagus, which can cause stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus and worsen symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.

1- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/definition-facts#:~:text=see%20your%20doctor.-,How%20common%20is%20GERD%3F,the%20United%20States%20have%20GERD.

2- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4177631/

3- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.807

4- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6471759/