Yogi Ginger Tea & GERD

Yogi Ginger Tea is promoted as a digestive aid, but if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, you will find that not all substances that help with digestion are good for your condition. You need to avoid peppermint, an ingredient in this tea, because it can worsen your condition. Conflicting information on ginger and GERD exists, so check with your doctor before using any tea containing ginger.

Identification

GERD is characterized by heartburn and acid reflux. Stomach acid flows back into your esophagus, or food pipe, from your stomach when you suffer this condition. Ginger is approved by Germany's Commission E for treating heartburn, bloating and other dyspeptic complaints. On the other hand, one of the possible side effects from ginger is heartburn. Bloating, flatulence, diarrhea and stomach discomfort are other possible side effects.

LES Pressure

Some herbs, such as peppermint, relax your lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, which is the trapdoor that closes off your esophagus after food or fluid enters your stomach. That's why it's not good for GERD, even though it is a digestive aid. Ginger alone does not appear to change LES pressure at rest, so it is unlikely to worsen your condition if you suffer from GERD, according to a 2010 study published in the "Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand."

Evidence

According to the National Institutes of Health there is not enough scientific evidence to rate ginger's effectiveness for many conditions it is traditionally recommended for, such as heartburn. NIH does rate ginger as "possibly effective" for post-surgery nausea, morning sickness prevention and dizziness.

Interactions

Using ginger along with some medications used to treat GERD, such as famotidine and lansoprazole, may reduce the drugs' effectiveness, according to "The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide," by George T. Grossberg and Barry Fox. It also may interfere with the effectiveness of antacids such as calcium carbonate, as well as antacids that combine aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide or calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide.