Ginger is a common ingredient in cooking and baking; it also has medicinal qualities, and you’ll sometimes see it recommended for minor health complaints and conditions. Ginger tea has a refreshing, spicy and aromatic taste. It’s often sliced or grated and then steeped in boiling water, but it’s commonly sold in teabags, too.
Ginger has a wide range of health benefits. We won’t dive into that for this post, but ginger may reduce nausea, acid reflux and heartburn; it can also improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation. Ginger is also commonly used as a digestive aid and can reduce the symptoms of a sore throat and cold; it may also boost the immune system. Ginger may not interact well with some medications, however, so always check with your doctor first.
Some teas lend themselves to specific times of the day. For example, black teas are caffeinated and often enjoyed during the morning and afternoon. Chamomile is associated more with evening and nighttime. But when’s the best time to drink ginger tea?
What’s the best time to drink ginger tea?
The short answer is you can drink ginger tea at any time of the day. It doesn’t contain caffeine, so it’s OK to drink in the evening and won’t interrupt sleep. It’s equally a popular morning drink. Many people find the sharp zing of ginger an ideal way to start the day. Of course, there are times when drinking ginger tea may be more beneficial for specific health complaints.
For example, it makes sense to drink ginger tea around one hour after a meal if you’re hoping it will aid digestion. It can also help with bloating, so drinking it after mealtimes or during the later stages of the day will maximise this benefit. To help with acid reflux, drinking it after a meal is most likely to be effective in helping reduce the unpleasant and uncomfortable sensations of heartburn.
Some people will drink ginger tea on an empty stomach because they believe it boosts metabolism. The best time then, therefore, would be between meals. For a sore throat, you could drink ginger whenever you feel the discomfort most keenly, and the same with nausea. Often earlier in the day will be most beneficial. Ultimately, ginger is fine to drink throughout the day and into the evening. We especially love having it during the cold winter months for its warming, soothing qualities when it’s chilly outside.
Ginger may not be suitable for those with a sensitive stomach. Ginger stimulates the body’s bile production, so it could cause stomach ache for anyone prone to that kind of sensitivity.
When’s the best time to drink ginger tea for acid reflux?
Acid reflux is no joke. It’s uncomfortable and painful, but taking ginger can help. According to Healthline, ‘ginger can reduce the likelihood of acid flowing from your stomach back into your oesophagus. If you suffer from this (and it’s safe for you to take ginger), then it may be worth adding some ginger into your diet. Drinking it after a meal is most likely to be effective in helping reduce acid reflux or heartburn. But it’s important to monitor how much ginger you’re eating or drinking because too much of it can make acid reflux symptoms worse. One or two cups of tea a day, however, will be OK for most people.