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What Tea is Good for Acid Reflux?

While over-the-counter treatments are available, many seek out natural remedies to help manage symptoms, and tea is often top of the list!

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Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat. It can be uncomfortable, disruptive, and, for a lot of people, a recurring issue. While over-the-counter treatments are available, many seek out natural remedies to help manage symptoms, and tea is often top of the list!

But not all teas are equal when it comes to soothing acid reflux. While some herbal teas have naturally calming and anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease symptoms, others, like highly caffeinated or acidic blends, may make things worse. The key is knowing which teas can soothe rather than irritate.

At Café du Monde, we offer a wide selection of premium herbal teas and infusions, and we’re here to help you find the right blends to support your comfort, digestion, and overall wellbeing, including our suggestions for the best teas for acid reflux.

Lemon Tea

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid travels back up into the oesophagus, often causing a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), a sour taste in the mouth, bloating, or a feeling of food being stuck in the throat. It can be triggered by certain foods, stress, eating too quickly, or lying down after meals.

Diet plays a significant role in managing acid reflux, and many people turn to soothing, warm liquids like herbal tea to help ease discomfort. Tea for acid reflux can help by relaxing the digestive tract, reducing inflammation, and promoting hydration, which are all important for keeping acid levels in check. However, it’s important to note that not all teas are suitable for those with acid reflux. Highly caffeinated or acidic teas, such as strong black teas or citrus-based blends, can actually worsen symptoms. The key is choosing low-acid, caffeine-free herbal teas that are gentle on the stomach and known for their calming properties.

The Best Tea for Acid Reflux Relief

Ginger Tea

Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory known for calming the digestive system and reducing irritation in the stomach and oesophagus. It helps to stimulate digestion, support gastric emptying, and reduce the likelihood of acid travelling upwards, making it a great natural remedy for acid reflux.

In addition to easing heartburn, ginger tea is also commonly used to relieve nausea, bloating, and indigestion. Its naturally caffeine-free profile means you can enjoy it at any time of day without worrying about triggering reflux symptoms.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a gentle, floral herbal infusion that offers a range of benefits for those dealing with acid reflux. Known for its naturally calming effects, chamomile can help reduce stress and anxiety, two common triggers of reflux symptoms. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe the lining of the oesophagus and reduce irritation caused by stomach acid. Additionally, chamomile’s relaxing nature can promote better digestion and sleep, both of which are important for managing acid reflux, especially if symptoms tend to flare up at night.

Liquorice Root Tea (DGL)

Liquorice root tea, particularly in its deglycyrrhizinated form (DGL), is another herbal option that may help ease acid reflux symptoms. DGL liquorice is known to coat and soothe the lining of the oesophagus and stomach, creating a protective barrier that can reduce the impact of stomach acid and support healing.

Some studies suggest that DGL may help reduce the frequency and severity of reflux, especially when taken before meals. However, it's important to use it in moderation and choose DGL versions, as regular liquorice can raise blood pressure and cause side effects when consumed in excess.

Marshmallow Root Tea

Though not as widely known as ginger or chamomile, marshmallow root tea is a traditional herbal remedy with several notable benefits for acid reflux. It contains a natural substance called mucilage, which becomes gel-like when steeped and helps to soothe and coat mucous membranes throughout the digestive tract.

This coating action can create a protective barrier along the oesophagus and stomach lining, helping to reduce irritation caused by acid reflux. Its gentle nature makes it a well-tolerated option for those looking for natural, non-caffeinated support.

Slippery Elm Tea

Slippery elm tea is another excellent herbal option for those suffering from acid reflux. Like marshmallow root, it contains mucilage, a thick, gel-like substance that helps coat and soothe the lining of the throat, oesophagus, and stomach. Historically used in traditional medicine to treat a range of digestive issues, slippery elm is known for its ability to reduce irritation, calm inflammation, and protect the gastrointestinal tract from acid-related discomfort. It can be particularly helpful when reflux causes a sore throat or a raw, burning sensation.

While it may not be as readily available as more common teas, slippery elm tea is valued for its gentle, protective effects, making it a trusted natural remedy in many wellness routines.

Turmeric Tea

Turmeric tea is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, largely thanks to its active compound, curcumin. This makes it a useful option for people dealing with acid reflux, as reducing inflammation in the digestive tract can help minimise irritation and discomfort. Some evidence also suggests turmeric may help reduce acid production, potentially easing reflux symptoms.

However, turmeric is quite potent, and in larger quantities, it may irritate the stomach in sensitive individuals. For this reason, it’s best enjoyed in small amounts and as part of a broader routine that includes other gentle herbal teas.

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Teas to Avoid with Acid Reflux

While many herbal teas can help soothe acid reflux, some can actually worsen symptoms and are best avoided if you’re prone to heartburn or digestive discomfort.

Peppermint Tea

Although commonly used for digestion, peppermint can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) (the muscle that keeps stomach acid from rising up into the oesophagus). When the LES relaxes too much, it can make reflux symptoms worse. For this reason, peppermint tea may aggravate acid reflux in some people, especially after meals.

Black and Green Tea

Both black and green teas contain caffeine, which can increase stomach acid production and contribute to reflux symptoms. While green tea contains less caffeine than black tea, it may still be problematic for sensitive individuals. If you enjoy these teas, consider switching to decaffeinated versions or opting for herbal alternatives.

Citrus-Based or Fruit Teas

Teas with ingredients like lemon, orange, hibiscus, or berry flavours are often quite acidic, which can trigger reflux symptoms. Even naturally caffeine-free fruit teas may be too harsh for those with sensitive digestion. If you love fruity flavours, look for low-acid blends or pair them with soothing ingredients like chamomile or ginger.

Tips for Drinking Tea with Acid Reflux

To get the most out of tea without aggravating acid reflux, we recommend the following advice. 

  • Choose low-caffeine or caffeine-free options such as chamomile, ginger, or marshmallow root tea to reduce the risk of triggering symptoms.

  • Drink in moderation: aim for 1 to 2 cups per day, especially if you're trying a new tea.

  • Avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach or right before lying down, as this can increase the likelihood of reflux.

  • Brew a milder cup by using more water or shorter steeping times, particularly with stronger herbal teas.

  • Test your tolerance slowly, starting with small amounts to see how your body reacts before making a new tea part of your daily routine.

 

The Best Tea for Acid Reflux

While there are many teas that can help reduce acid reflux, you may have to try a couple and see what works best for you. Luckily, at Cafè Du Monde, we have a huge range of teas available for you to try. Whether you prefer loose leaf, silken tea pyramids, or a typical tea bag, take a look through our online shop and browse our range of flavours.

Our Range Of Coffee

Newby Peppermint Tea Bags

Newby Peppermint

Often mistakenly called Peppermint tea, Peppermint is a tisane proffering intense menthol flavours and a wonderfully uplifting aroma.

£6.00

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Newby Ginger & Lemon Silken Pyramids Tea Bags

Ginger & Lemon

An invigorating combination of ginger and lemon, this spicy tisane is a classic blend by Newby.

£9.00

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Newby Chamomile Tea Bags

Newby Chamomile

Chamomile, known as chamomile tea, is in fact not a tea at all. Made purely from aromatic white and yellow chamomile flowers, this time-honoured beverage is perhaps the world’s most famous tisane.

£6.00

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