What not to mix with ginger tea? A guide to safe combinations

October 1, 2025 •

4 min read

While over 60 drug interactions with ginger have been reported, knowing what not to mix with ginger tea is essential for safety and health. This potent herbal remedy, though beneficial for many, can have adverse effects when combined with certain medications and in specific health conditions.

Quick Summary

This guide explores crucial interactions between ginger tea and various medications, including blood thinners and diabetes drugs. It also covers food combinations to reconsider and provides safe consumption guidelines based on health conditions like gallstones or pregnancy.

Key Points

Drug Interactions: Ginger can increase bleeding risk when mixed with blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin.
Diabetes Risk: Combining ginger with diabetes medication can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).
Blood Pressure Concerns: Individuals taking blood pressure medication should be cautious, as ginger may lower blood pressure further.
Precautions for Health Conditions: Those with gallstones, bleeding disorders, or pregnant women should consult a doctor before consuming ginger tea.
Consumption Amounts: High consumption of ginger can cause digestive issues like heartburn or diarrhea.

Critical Drug Interactions to Avoid

Ginger's active compounds can interact with various medications, potentially amplifying or altering their effects. For your safety, it's vital to consult a healthcare provider before regularly consuming ginger tea, especially if you are taking prescription drugs.

Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets)

Ginger has natural antiplatelet properties, meaning it can slow down blood clotting. When combined with prescription blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin) or antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix), it can significantly increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. Some common medications that slow blood clotting include:

Warfarin (Coumadin)
Aspirin
Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

Diabetes Medications

For individuals with diabetes, ginger's ability to lower blood sugar levels can be problematic. When taken with diabetes medications like metformin or insulin, it can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, leading to hypoglycemia. Close monitoring is essential, and dosage adjustments may be necessary under a doctor's supervision.

High Blood Pressure Medications

Ginger may also have blood pressure-lowering effects. If you are already taking medication for high blood pressure, such as calcium channel blockers (e.g., nifedipine, amlodipine) or ACE inhibitors, adding ginger tea could cause your blood pressure to drop too low. This can lead to dizziness or an irregular heartbeat.

Medications Processed by the Liver

Ginger can influence how quickly the liver processes certain medications, potentially altering their effects and side effects. This is a complex area, so always consult a pharmacist or doctor about potential interactions with your specific prescriptions, particularly for drugs that are substrates of Cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Food and Herb Combinations to Reconsider

While ginger pairs well with many foods, some combinations are best approached with caution, either due to potential health reactions or reduced nutrient absorption.

Iron-Rich Foods: Tea, in general, contains compounds like tannins and oxalates that can inhibit the absorption of iron. If you are prone to iron deficiency or consume iron-rich vegetables, nuts, or legumes with your tea, consider waiting to drink your ginger tea to maximize iron absorption.
Turmeric: The combination of ginger and turmeric is popular for its anti-inflammatory properties, but it can cause stomach problems, such as gas, acidity, or constipation, in some sensitive individuals.
High-Acidity Combinations: Adding lemon to ginger tea is common, but consuming this acidic drink on an empty stomach may cause acid reflux or heartburn in people with a sensitive digestive system.
Excessive Spicy or Cold Foods: Consuming excessively spicy foods with ginger can exacerbate stomach irritation. Conversely, mixing hot ginger tea with cold foods or drinks can weaken digestion.

When to Use Caution with Ginger Tea

Beyond mixing with other substances, some health conditions warrant a cautious or limited approach to consuming ginger.

Gallstones: If you have gallstones, high consumption of ginger should be avoided. Ginger can stimulate bile flow, which could worsen symptoms or increase the risk of a stone becoming lodged in the bile duct.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: While moderate amounts of ginger are often used to combat morning sickness, pregnant individuals should consult their doctor before regular use. High consumption of ginger is sometimes advised against, especially closer to the due date, due to potential bleeding risks. There is also insufficient data on its safety for breastfeeding.
Upcoming Surgery: Due to its blood-thinning properties, ginger should be discontinued at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Excessive Consumption: Regardless of other factors, over-consuming ginger can cause side effects. Limit intake to avoid mild issues like heartburn, diarrhea, and general stomach discomfort.

Common and Problematic Ginger Tea Pairings


Feature	Generally Safe Combinations	Potentially Problematic Combinations
With Other Herbs/Spices	Cinnamon, Cardamom, Honey, Mint, Lemongrass	Turmeric (can increase stomach irritation for some), Ginkgo (can increase bleeding risk)
With Foods	Fruit (e.g., apples), vegetables (e.g., carrots), healthy spices	Iron-rich foods (can inhibit iron absorption)
With Medications	Consult a healthcare provider before combining	Blood Thinners: Warfarin, Aspirin Diabetes Meds: Metformin, Insulin Blood Pressure Meds: Calcium channel blockers
For Health Conditions	General digestive support (in moderation)	Gallstones (stimulates bile flow) Bleeding Disorders (can increase bleeding risk) Pre-surgery (increases bleeding risk)

Conclusion: Prioritize Safety with Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is a celebrated beverage with numerous health benefits, but it is not without potential risks. It's crucial to be mindful of what you mix with ginger tea, particularly regarding potent medication interactions that can lead to severe complications. Limiting intake to a moderate amount, especially avoiding high consumption, is key to preventing common side effects like heartburn and indigestion. For those with pre-existing conditions like gallstones or who are pregnant, discussing ginger consumption with a doctor is a necessary precaution. By understanding the potential interactions and health risks, you can continue to enjoy ginger tea safely and without compromising your wellness goals. Always consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating large amounts of ginger, especially in supplement form, into your routine.

For more information on the health benefits of ginger, visit the Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not recommended to drink ginger tea if you are taking blood-thinning medication. Ginger can slow blood clotting, and combining it with drugs like warfarin or aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding.

In large quantities, ginger can cause mild side effects including heartburn, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. The risk increases with overconsumption, and for some, combining it with acidic ingredients like lemon may exacerbate symptoms.

Mixing ginger with milk is generally considered safe and is a common practice in many cultures. The fat in milk can help soothe the irritation of the ginger for those with sensitive stomachs. However, some individuals may find it heavy or difficult to digest.

People with gallstones should be cautious and consult their doctor about ginger tea consumption. High consumption of ginger may increase bile flow, potentially worsening symptoms by increasing the risk of a stone blocking the bile duct.

While ginger can help with morning sickness, pregnant individuals should consult a healthcare provider before drinking ginger tea regularly, especially in larger quantities. There are some concerns about high consumption and bleeding risk, particularly late in pregnancy.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) generally recognizes ginger as safe for most people without underlying health conditions. However, exceeding a moderate amount can increase the risk of side effects like heartburn and digestive upset.

There are no significant, well-documented food interactions with ginger tea. However, some sources suggest that combining it with iron-rich foods might slightly inhibit iron absorption due to compounds found in tea.