Does Ginger Tea Give You Gas?
Ginger tea, made from the steeped roots of the ginger plant, has been used extensively throughout history for its many healing properties. Historically, herbalists have used ginger primarily as a treatment for common digestive complaints such as nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, intestinal pain, flatulence and colic.
Ginger tea, made from the steeped roots of the ginger plant, has been used extensively throughout history for its many healing properties. Historically, herbalists have used ginger primarily as a treatment for common digestive complaints such as nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, intestinal pain, flatulence and colic. Ginger tea may help reduce digestive gas. Although it could cause belching and heartburn, no scientific evidence suggests that ginger worsens flatulence.
Gas Treatment
Ginger is reputed to act as a carminative -- a compound that helps to break apart pockets of gas in the digestive tract. It may ease the pain associated with digestive gas, while enabling the body to expel it more effortlessly. According to the National Institutes of Health website MedlinePlus, one of the active constituent compounds in ginger tea has been isolated and used in over-the-counter anti-gas medications.
Dosage
As a holistic treatment for flatulence, the University of Maryland Medical Center advises patients to drink a tea made from 2 to 4 grams of fresh ginger root each day. An adult's total ginger intake should ideally remain below 4 grams of ginger root per day, since higher doses can cause unpleasant side effects. An ideal dose of ginger may depend on your own medical needs and the cause of your digestive complaints. Consult a health care provider for personalized recommendations.
Digestive Side Effects
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ginger tea can cause mild side effects, most often impacting the upper digestive system. Heartburn and mild stomachaches are common among people taking ginger. It can cause upper digestive gas, or belching. To prevent these side effects, take ginger supplements in capsules rather than as teas or extracts.
Considerations
Aside from ginger's chemical composition, other factors may play a role in the apparent increase in flatulence symptoms among ginger tea drinkers. Drinking from a straw can increase the amount of gas in the human digestive tract. Carbonated beverages, including those made with ginger, can have a similar effect. Enzyme supplements, charcoal and simethecone may help ease digestive gas and related symptoms.