The Science Behind It: Does Ginger Tea Calm the Stomach?

December 24, 2025 •

4 min read

For over two millennia, ginger has been a traditional remedy for numerous digestive issues, from nausea to bloating. But beyond traditional wisdom, does ginger tea truly calm the stomach, and what is the scientific basis for this widespread belief? This article explores the evidence behind ginger's digestive benefits.

Quick Summary

Ginger tea soothes upset stomachs by enhancing gastrointestinal motility and reducing inflammation. Its active compounds speed gastric emptying and combat nausea and bloating effectively.

Key Points

Gastric Motility: Ginger tea contains gingerol, which speeds up the rate food exits the stomach, easing indigestion and fullness.
Nausea Relief: Numerous studies confirm ginger tea's efficacy in alleviating nausea caused by morning sickness, motion sickness, and chemotherapy.
Bloating Reduction: By improving digestion and acting as a carminative, ginger tea helps reduce bloating and gas buildup.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help soothe irritation in the gastrointestinal tract, contributing to overall gut comfort.
Pregnancy Safe (in moderation): The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recognizes ginger as a safe remedy for morning sickness.
Mild Side Effects: Excessive consumption can lead to mild heartburn or abdominal discomfort, but ginger is generally safe for most individuals.

The Powerful Compounds in Ginger

Ginger's medicinal properties are primarily attributed to its bioactive compounds, with the two most significant being gingerol and shogaol. Gingerol is the more abundant compound in fresh ginger, while shogaol is formed when ginger is dried or cooked, intensifying its pungent flavor and potency. These compounds work together to produce a wide range of effects that are beneficial for the digestive system.

How Ginger Aids Digestion

One of the main ways ginger tea helps calm the stomach is by boosting gastrointestinal (GI) motility, which is the process of food moving through the digestive tract. The key benefits include:

Accelerated Gastric Emptying: Gingerol stimulates contractions in the stomach's antrum, which helps food move out of the stomach more quickly. When food empties from the stomach faster, it can relieve feelings of fullness, indigestion, and discomfort.
Carminative Effects: Ginger acts as a carminative, helping to prevent and expel gas from the intestines, which reduces bloating and flatulence.
Protective Properties: The tea can help protect the gastric lining and encourage efficient digestion by ensuring food doesn't linger too long in the gut.

Targeted Relief for Stomach Ailments

Ginger tea's ability to settle the stomach is not a one-trick pony. It provides targeted relief for several specific digestive complaints.

Easing Nausea and Vomiting

Ginger has long been a go-to remedy for nausea, and scientific studies back up its effectiveness, especially for nausea caused by:

Pregnancy: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recognizes ginger as an acceptable, non-pharmaceutical remedy for morning sickness.
Chemotherapy: For cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, ginger may help reduce the severity of acute nausea experienced within the first 24 hours post-treatment.
Motion Sickness: Some research suggests ginger is more effective than a placebo at reducing motion sickness symptoms like dizziness and nausea.

Unlike some anti-nausea medications that target the central nervous system, ginger primarily works by acting directly on the stomach.

Combating Bloating and Indigestion

Feelings of fullness, pressure, and abdominal distension are often caused by slow digestion and gas buildup. Ginger tea can offer relief by:

Improving Gastric Emptying: As mentioned, accelerating digestion helps prevent the buildup of gas that leads to bloating.
Reducing Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can soothe the gastrointestinal tract, which can be irritated during episodes of indigestion.
Stimulating Digestive Enzymes: Long-term, repeated consumption of ginger may stimulate the activity of digestive enzymes like lipase and amylase, further aiding digestion and nutrient absorption.

Brewing Your Own Ginger Tea

Making your own ginger tea is simple and ensures you get the full benefits of the fresh root. Here is a basic recipe:

Prepare the ginger: Peel and thinly slice a 2-inch piece of fresh ginger root.
Boil the water: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
Steep the ginger: Add the sliced ginger to the boiling water, cover, and reduce the heat to a simmer for a period of time for a potent brew.
Strain and Serve: Strain the ginger slices out before serving. You can add a slice of lemon or a tablespoon of honey to taste.

Herbal Tea Comparison: Ginger vs. Peppermint

While both ginger and peppermint teas are popular for digestive relief, their mechanisms of action and primary benefits differ. Understanding these differences can help you choose the best option for your specific symptoms.


Feature	Ginger Tea	Peppermint Tea
Primary Mechanism	Increases gastric motility, anti-inflammatory	Relaxes muscles of the GI tract
Best For...	Nausea, motion sickness, general indigestion, bloating	Gas, bloating, indigestion, muscle spasms in the gut
Key Compounds	Gingerols and Shogaols	Menthol
Flavor Profile	Spicy and warming	Cooling and minty
Effect on Stomach	Promotes efficient emptying	Relaxes stomach and intestinal muscles

Safe Consumption and Potential Side Effects

Ginger is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. However, excessive consumption can lead to minor side effects in some people, including heartburn, abdominal discomfort, and gas.

If you are pregnant, have gallstones, or are on blood-thinning medication like warfarin, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before using ginger, as it may increase bile flow or interfere with clotting. For most people, consuming ginger tea in moderation is generally safe and beneficial.

Conclusion: A Time-Tested Stomach Soother

So, does ginger tea calm the stomach? The evidence overwhelmingly supports this traditional belief. Through the powerful effects of its compounds, primarily gingerol and shogaol, ginger tea can effectively relieve a wide range of digestive complaints. By speeding up gastric emptying, fighting inflammation, and easing nausea, it offers a scientifically-backed, natural remedy for an upset stomach. However, for chronic or severe digestive issues, it is always best to consult a medical professional to determine the root cause of your discomfort.

Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials

Frequently Asked Questions

The effects of ginger tea can be felt relatively quickly, often within 30 minutes to an hour of consumption, particularly for nausea. Its ability to speed gastric emptying provides rapid relief from feelings of fullness and discomfort.

Both fresh and powdered ginger are effective for tea. Fresh ginger contains higher levels of gingerol, while drying increases the concentration of shogaol, a more pungent compound. Using fresh, grated ginger is often preferred for a flavorful, potent brew.

Yes, ginger tea can be consumed daily in moderate amounts. As with any remedy, it's best to listen to your body and adjust as needed.

Drinking excessive amounts of ginger tea can cause mild side effects like heartburn, abdominal discomfort, and gas. These symptoms usually occur with very high doses and can be avoided by moderating intake.

Yes, ginger tea is generally considered a safe and effective remedy for morning sickness during pregnancy. It is advisable to consult a doctor before starting any new herbal supplements.

While often used for children, it's advisable to consult a pediatrician before giving ginger tea to children, especially those under two years old. Children are more sensitive, and healthcare provider guidance is essential.

Some individuals find ginger tea helps protect the gastric lining and can alleviate heartburn symptoms caused by indigestion. However, others report that higher doses can sometimes cause or worsen heartburn, so it's important to monitor your personal reaction.