Acid reflux is a condition that affects about 20% of Americans and it's related to gastroesophageal reflux disease. It occurs when stomach acid goes into the esophagus due to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) not closing completely. Various teas and natural remedies can help ease and soothe uncomfortable symptoms including heartburn, nausea, coughing, and sore throat. In this guide, we ranked and reviewed the best teas for acid reflux.

If you want to get some for yourself, we have a collection of the best teas for acid reflux right here in tea bags, loose leaf, or iced tea pouches.

What is the Best Tea for Acid Reflux?

1. Yaupon Tea

Yaupon is the only naturally caffeinated plant native to North America. It has unique properties that traditional teas lack. One of these benefits is theobromine, which you may know better in association with chocolate. It’s the compound that makes you feel better when you eat it. It helps elevate your mood and boost your focus and attention. When combined with the caffeine in yaupon, there is a synergistic effect on these benefits, reducing those hangry feelings that come with fasting.

Benefits:

• Theobromine acts as a muscle relaxer to calm those sounds of hunger.

• Benefits for your immune system from the antioxidants that remove free radicals in your body.

• Gives the gentle boost of energy from caffeine tempered by an interaction with polyphenols that can reduce the negative effects on mood.

Side Effects:

• May cause sleeplessness due to caffeine if large amounts of yaupon are consumed all at once.

Try our CatSpring Yaupon tea to make fasting more enjoyable. It’s organic, non-gmo, kosher, sustainably grown, and naturally caffeinated.

2. Ginger Tea

Ginger tea, made with ginger root, helps soothe an upset stomach that can contribute to acid reflux. Compounds in ginger tea can ease an inflamed esophagus while also soothing an upset stomach. Some of the compounds may reduce the chance of stomach acid traveling into the esophagus. As a rule of thumb, one cup of ginger tea contains about 250 milligrams of ginger so aim to drink two to four cups of this tea to alleviate feelings of nausea.

Benefits:

• Prevent acid from traveling into your esophagus thanks to phenolic compounds that may improve LES contractions and prevent acid from escaping your stomach.
• Reduce inflammation and swelling in your stomach due to anti-inflammatory properties and compounds such as gingerol and shogaol.
• Combat nausea thanks to ginger’s active ingredient, gingerol, that’s been shown to relieve an upset stomach in pregnant women and chemotherapy patients.

Side Effects:

• Makes heartburn worse because it relaxes the muscle that prevents stomach bile from entering the esophagus.

3. Licorice Root Tea

Licorice root has a long history of usage across Asia and Europe, even dating back to the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. Made from the root of the licorice plant, it has been used to treat an upset stomach, treat respiratory problems, and decrease inflammation. Contemporarily, people use licorice to remedy acid reflux and other intestinal issues.

Benefits:

• Protect your esophagus thanks to compounds that line the stomach and esophagus with mucus and protect it from too much acid.

• Ease your stress thanks to sedative properties that can help you relax.

• Hydrate your digestive system by washing away any debris in your system.

Side Effects:

• May elevate the stress hormone, cortisol production, due to glycyrrhizin accumulation when consumed over long periods of time.

4. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is primarily brewed from one of two daisy-like species of flower and commonly known for its stress-relieving properties. It’s long been believed to have health benefits though many are still under research. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a great option for those experiencing acid reflux.

Benefits:

• Relax muscles to soothe your stomach and ease pain and reduce irritation

• Its anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to boost your immune system while also reducing bloating and swelling in your stomach.

• Ease nausea and increase relaxation to soothe symptoms.

Side Effects:

• Chamomile does make you drowsy so be aware before consuming.

5. Marshmallow Root Tea

Marshmallow is part of the malvaceae plant family which has the distinction of being mucilaginous. This means they have a gelatinous consistency and can be used in recipes to thicken up soups and broths. In the body, they can increase mucus production in mucous membranes. Marshmallow tea can contribute to the expansion of mucus in organs, relieving the inflammation and irritation.

Benefits:

• Increase mucus production to help line your digestive tract and improve digestion due to compounds such as mucilage that strengthen your stomach lining.

• Ease pain as a study has found that marshmallow may have analgesic or pain-reducing properties.

• Reduce risk of ulcers due to antioxidant properties that combat effects of inflammation.

Side Effects:

• May cause an upset stomach and it should only be consumed for up to four weeks at a time.

6. Turmeric Tea

Turmeric has long been used in India in various dishes and is known quite well for its distinctive yellow color caused by curcumin. Ongoing research is determining the effects of curcumin in turmeric tea but it may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. Cucumin has been found to ease inflammation. Peppery with a taste of ginger, this tea is tasty and helpful.

Benefits:

• Protect your intestinal system thanks to curcumin’s ability to protect from damage and help soothe the lower esophagus from damage.
• Stimulate blood flow which helps to flush out more of the toxins.
• Reducing inflammation can relieve inflamed tissues throughout the body and even improve skin appearance.

Side Effects:

• When consumed in high doses turmeric tea can hurt some people's stomachs.

7. Fennel Tea

Made from dried fennel seeds, this tea has oils that relieve gas, bloating, constipation, and abdominal pain. It originates in the Mediterranean though it is now found all over the world. It's long been used to improve digestion and has a relaxing aroma. Tasting like licorice, this is a good option to try to help relive acid reflux symptoms.

Benefits:

• Relaxes your muscles which improves digestive flow and can help remove toxins from your system.

• Antibacterial properties can help support healthy microbiomes.
• Improve sleep by relaxing your muscles, thereby allowing you to relax and unwind at the end of the day.

Side Effects:

• Some people may be allergic to Fennel so be sure and consult your doctor before trying.

The Bottom Line

Owing to their amazing healthy-boosting properties, these are some of the best teas and herbal remedies for acid reflux. They can help soothe heartburn symptoms of nausea and stomach pain while also helping you relax and reduce stress.

If you want to get our best tasting tea for acid reflux, check out our organic, naturally caffeinated CatSpring Yaupon tea here.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and shouldn’t be taken as medical advice. If you have serious health-related issues you should reach out to a medical professional. While we have studied the scientific research available, this is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.