Is Ginger Tea Good For Bloating?

Ginger's sharp, distinct flavor accentuates ale, breads, cookies and Asian cuisine. In herbal medicine, ginger has long been used to treat a host of conditions, including stomach aches and nausea. Ginger tea makes a stomach-soothing beverage that is a pleasure to sip. Find it at your grocery store or make a homemade brew with slices of the fresh-peeled root.

Causes

Before you reach for bloating relief, consider its potential causes. Overeating and poor dietary habits are causes you can prevent. Swallowing a lot of air can cause bloating. This sometimes happens when you eat too quickly, chew gum or drink lots of carbonated beverages. Other causes of bloating include gastroesophageal reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance and other food intolerances. Consult your doctor for advice if bloating becomes chronic.

Ginger Basics

Ginger is a gnarled root that is similar in appearance to the trunk of a tree. The root's skin is thick and beige; its stem extends approximately 12 inches above ground. You'll find ginger in the produce section of your grocery store. Prepared tea bags are widely available over the counter.

Diuretic

For thousands of years, ginger tea has been a source of relief for people with an array of abdominal conditions. Modern uses include reducing pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, preventing nausea and vomiting following surgery and treating menstrual bloating and pain. Since ginger is a natural diuretic, it helps reduce bloating by increasing the volume of your urine. If bloating is not associated with menstruation, check with your doctor before using ginger as a diuretic because an underlying medical condition could be the cause. You might also consider drinking more water and cutting high-salt foods from your diet, which can lead to bloating.

IBS

Ten to 20 percent of the population has irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, at some time, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Excessive gas and bloating are a few of the bothersome symptoms that accompany IBS. Diet and exercise may help reduce the symptoms. A standardized herbal extract that contains ginger and a variety of other herbs is also shown to help. Talk to an herbalist about the right blend for your condition.

Side Effects

Since ginger tea is an herbal medicine, you should consult a medical professional about its safety before using it as a treatment for bloating. This is especially important if you are using medications, including blood-thinning drugs. In small doses, ginger is generally safe, although some people experience mild side effects, such as gas, heartburn, bloating and nausea. These side effects are most common with ginger powder, however.