What Tea Helps Gerd?

We’ve been asked recently, “What Tea helps Gerd?” The topic is worthy of an article dedicated to its discussion, which is what we’re about to explore here. We’ll start by determining the meaning behind the term and how, exactly, it affects people. This will be followed by our recommendation of five types of Tea to combat the condition, each with something unique, indeed extraordinary, to offer.

Once you know the facts and you’ve decided on your favourite infusion, be sure to buy from The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company. Our family-run business has, since its founding in 1982, packed Loose Tea and Coffee fresh to order, ensuring quality and consistency with every delightful cuppa brewed. But we won’t get too ahead of ourselves because, first of all, we need to provide answers.

What is Gerd? Explained

Gerd stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, a long-term condition that is effectively chronic acid reflux. It happens when stomach acid flows back into the tube connecting your stomach and mouth (oesophagus). The ensuing backwash often irritates the lining of the oesophagus, which, if occurring frequently, becomes one of the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease symptoms.

Other Gerd symptoms include, but are not limited to, burning sensation in the chest area (also called heartburn), difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation of food or sour liquid. It remains unknown as to the precise causes, although there are several triggers such as eating large meals - specifically fatty or fried foods - and drinking certain beverages. Does that include Tea? It’s time to find out.

What Tea Helps Gerd?

We’ve established what Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is, so we can now move on to Gerd treatments. Rest assured that Tea isn’t one of the “beverages” mentioned above. On the contrary, it is one of the best options for fighting Gerd symptoms. The reality is that while the likes of Coffee and alcohol exacerbate the condition, Tea has the opposite effect - often in the most remarkable way imaginable.

The rest of our article will focus on five particular infusions: Lemon & Ginger, Black, Green, Camomile and Peppermint Tea. Two (Black and Green) come from the “real” Camellia sinensis (Tea) plant. The others are varieties of Herbal Tea and are not, as a result, “Tea” in the conventional sense - though no less loved in the Tea-drinking community. Fundamentally, we’ll talk you through how to treat Gerd with them.

Is Lemon & Ginger Tea Good for Gerd?

The best Ginger Tea for Gerd is one of the most famous pairings in the world: Lemon and Ginger Tea. The former component is a citrus fruit that needs no introduction. The latter (Zingiber officinale) is a member of the Zingiberaceae family that, when brewed, provides bold peppery notes and zesty overtones. Additionally, if not more importantly, it boasts Ginger Tea benefits for acid reflux and gerd.

The ancient Chinese philosopher, poet, politician and herbalist Confucius first realised its potential thousands of years ago. Since then, scientific studies have established that its consumption reduces the production of stomach acid. This is because of its anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds, which are capable of relieving gastrointestinal irritation while lessening gastric contractions.

Black Tea and Gerd

Black Tea is one of the most popular beverages available. It comes from the same Tea plant from where we get Green, White and Oolong Tea. The difference between each one happens at the factory, at which point Black Tea undergoes the most processing. The result is an unmistakably bold and invigorating infusion, perhaps most recognised by its caffeinated kick. But that same caffeine might be a problem here.

In our journey to discover what Tea helps Gerd, it became clear that not all types serve you well. Black Tea, unfortunately, is one such type. Its caffeine content seems to trigger Gerd symptoms due to it relaxing the lower oesophagal sphincter. Whether there are similar correlations between Decaffeinated Tea and Gerd has yet to be established. However, it might, at the very least, be a better option.

Green Tea and Gerd

This Tea has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its well-documented medicinal qualities. Like Black Tea, it begins as leaves on the Camellia sinensis plant. Unlike it, Green Tea undergoes only minimal processing, meaning it retains much of its natural chemical structure. Its lack of oxidation likewise contributes to its wealth of vitamins, minerals and other antioxidants.

Could it go further still and be the best Tea for Gerd? Not quite, we’re afraid to say. Despite containing less caffeine than its Black Tea counterpart, there is enough of the stimulant to make symptoms worse. These rules also apply to caffeinated Oolong and even White Tea. Consider drinking it instead for improved heart health, boosted immunity, reduced diabetes risks and weight loss.

Camomile Tea for Gerd

With “real” Tea out of the way, allow us to return to Herbal Tea for Gerd - specifically, Camomile Flowers. These derive from the Asteraceae (daisy) family, the two most common species of which are Roman Camomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and German Camomile (Chamomilla recutita). Both are a sweet and floral delight. Both are a Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Gerd) natural treatment.

Despite its unquestionable renown for reducing insomnia, Camomile Tea for Gerd could be an equally excellent choice because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties. The answers come from a 2006 review of studies, which found that it lowered gastric acidity. It’s nevertheless worth recognising that the scientific research in question involved a blend of ingredients, not just Camomile Flowers.

Does Peppermint Tea Help Gerd Symptoms?

We’re at the fifth and final Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease treatment: Peppermint Tea. One of the most easily recognisable Herbal Tea varieties available, Peppermint (Mentha piperita) derives from the aromatic, rhizomatous perennial plant of the same name. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family, as well as being a natural hybrid of Watermint (Mentha aquatica) and Spearmint (Mentha spicata).

Peppermint Tea has a cooling and refreshing character, one that, among many other noteworthy traits, appears to ease sore throats. Its antioxidants and menthol content, meanwhile, might help to decrease inflammation while soothing acid reflux and Gerd symptoms. If that wasn’t enough, the latest preliminary evidence indicates that it could be the best Tea for headaches and migraines.

Summary to What Tea Help

There we have it: You now know what Tea helps Gerd. The likes of Green and Black Tea don’t rank high, admittedly, but Lemon & Ginger, Camomile and Peppermint do. Of course, other options exist, including Hibiscus Tea Bags and Liquorice Tea. All of these - alongside approximately 1,000 more varieties - you can buy online or in-store at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company.

Author: Richard Smith

Partner at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company

Richard Smith is a Tea expert, entrepreneur, and owner of The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company. Part of a family of renowned Tea planters dating back four generations, he was born in Calcutta (Kolkata), India, where he spent his childhood between Tea Estates in Assam and Darjeeling.

In the late 1970s, having accumulated years of knowledge in the industry, Mr Smith and his mother, Janet Smith, moved to Kent, South East England, to establish a Tea business in the village of Pluckley. Their early days of packing Tea Bags by hand from chests of 10,000 prompted the creation of the company’s flagship infusion known as Pluckley Tea. It remains our most popular product today.

Mr Smith, who studied economics at London Polytechnic, has since specialised in over 1,000 types of Loose Leaf Tea - in addition to around 70 varieties of Roast Coffee - from around the world. These are now available at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, where everything is still packed by hand and fresh to order, not only to honour tradition but to ensure the utmost quality and consistency.