Who Should Avoid Ginger Tea? Important Health Considerations

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), while ginger is often praised for its health benefits, it can cause mild side effects in some individuals. The decision to drink ginger tea is not one-size-fits-all, as certain health conditions and medications can interact negatively with this potent herb.

Quick Summary

An overview of who should avoid ginger tea, including individuals with bleeding disorders, certain heart conditions, gallstones, and those on specific medications. It covers potential side effects and health considerations before consumption.

Key Points

Blood Thinners: Individuals on anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications should avoid ginger tea due to increased bleeding risks.
Heart Conditions: High doses of ginger can worsen certain heart conditions or cause an irregular heartbeat, especially in those on blood pressure medication.
Gallstones: People with gallstones should be cautious or avoid ginger tea entirely, as it can increase bile production and potentially cause pain.
Diabetes: Taking ginger with diabetes medication can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, so consultation with a doctor is necessary.
Pre-Surgery: Discontinue ginger tea at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery to minimize the risk of excessive bleeding.
Gastrointestinal Sensitivity: Though a remedy for nausea, ginger can trigger heartburn, gas, and bloating in some people, particularly at higher concentrations.
Medication Interactions: Always inform your doctor about ginger tea consumption, as it can interfere with how your body processes certain prescription drugs.

Medical Conditions That May Conflict with Ginger Tea

For many, a warm cup of ginger tea is a comforting and healthful ritual. However, the root contains powerful compounds that can have significant physiological effects. For certain individuals, these effects can be more harmful than helpful, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Bleeding Disorders and Anticoagulant Medication

Ginger has a natural anticoagulant or 'blood-thinning' property, which is one of the most critical reasons to exercise caution. For individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel, consuming ginger tea could significantly increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. This enhanced effect on blood clotting can be dangerous and warrants careful consultation with a healthcare provider.

Heart Conditions and Blood Pressure Issues

While some research indicates ginger may have a positive impact on heart health by potentially lowering blood pressure, high doses can pose risks for those with pre-existing heart conditions. In some cases, concentrated ginger may aggravate certain cardiac issues and lead to an irregular heartbeat. Additionally, those already on medication for high or low blood pressure should monitor their intake, as ginger can cause blood pressure to drop too low when combined with specific medications. Individuals experiencing a hypertensive crisis should also avoid hot ginger tea, as it may cause vasodilation and potentially increase the risk of arterial rupture.

Gallstones and Gallbladder Issues

Ginger is known to increase bile production in the liver. For people with gallstones, this increased bile flow can potentially aggravate symptoms and cause intense pain if a stone is blocking a bile duct. It is best to avoid ginger until the nature of any gallbladder problems is fully understood and a doctor has been consulted.

Gastrointestinal Sensitivity and GERD

While ginger is often used to soothe digestive issues like nausea, its spicy nature can have an opposite effect on some people, especially when consumed in high concentrations or on an empty stomach. For those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other sensitive gastrointestinal conditions, ginger can lead to heartburn, bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. Though some find relief, others may find it worsens their symptoms.

Diabetes Management

Though some studies show ginger may help regulate blood sugar, others are conflicting, and it is not currently recommended as a treatment for diabetes. For individuals with diabetes, especially those taking medication to lower blood sugar, ginger may cause blood sugar to drop too low, leading to hypoglycemia. Close monitoring of blood sugar levels is necessary, and consultation with a doctor is crucial before incorporating ginger into a diabetes management plan.

Ginger's Interactions with Specific Medications

Beyond general health conditions, ginger's active compounds can interact with various medications. It is imperative to be aware of these potential drug-herb interactions.

Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets)

As previously mentioned, ginger can slow blood clotting. This effect is amplified when combined with prescribed anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, raising the risk of bleeding and bruising significantly.

Blood Pressure Medication

Taking ginger with calcium channel blockers or other blood pressure medications can cause an overly dramatic drop in blood pressure. This can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, or other complications.

Diabetes Medication

Ginger's effect on blood sugar can be problematic when combined with diabetes medication. The synergistic effect can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).

Anesthesia and Surgery

Due to its effect on blood clotting, ginger should be avoided at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery. This precaution helps prevent excessive bleeding during and after the procedure.

Other Drug Interactions

Ginger may also affect how the liver processes certain medications. For example, it can affect the absorption and efficacy of drugs like cyclosporine and metronidazole. Always inform your healthcare provider about any herbal supplements, including ginger tea, you are consuming.

Comparison of Ginger Tea Risks and Benefits


Aspect	Potential Risk (Avoidance Advised)	Potential Benefit (Considered Safe)
Blood Clotting	Inhibits platelet aggregation; increases bleeding risk with blood thinners.	Can improve blood circulation in some healthy individuals.
Cardiovascular Health	High doses may worsen certain heart conditions or cause irregular heartbeat.	May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol in some individuals.
Gallbladder	Increased bile production may aggravate pain with gallstones.	Can aid digestion and bile flow in individuals without gallbladder obstructions.
Gastrointestinal	Can cause heartburn, gas, and stomach upset in sensitive individuals or at high doses.	Well-known for alleviating nausea and motion sickness.
Blood Sugar	Risk of hypoglycemia when combined with diabetes medications.	Some studies suggest it may help improve blood sugar control.

Conclusion

While ginger tea offers a host of potential health benefits, it is far from a universally safe beverage. Individuals with pre-existing bleeding disorders, certain heart or gallbladder conditions, or those taking specific medications must approach its consumption with extreme caution. Even in otherwise healthy individuals, high doses can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. The key takeaway is that personal health history, current medications, and existing conditions are critical factors. Before incorporating ginger tea into your routine, especially for medicinal purposes, it is always wise to consult with a healthcare professional. A thorough review of your medical profile will ensure you can enjoy its benefits without risking unintended consequences.

An excellent resource for checking drug interactions is the Drugs.com interaction checker, which can provide more detailed information on specific medication combinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should avoid ginger tea if you are on warfarin or other blood-thinning medications. Ginger can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising, and the combination with anticoagulants can be dangerous.

Individuals with low blood pressure should consume ginger tea in moderation, as high doses can have blood pressure-lowering effects and cause symptoms like dizziness or lightheadedness.

While often used for morning sickness, pregnant women should consult a healthcare provider before regularly consuming ginger tea. Some sources advise caution, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, as ginger can potentially increase the risk of bleeding.

You should be cautious with ginger tea if you have gallstones. As ginger increases bile production, it could aggravate symptoms if there is a blockage. It's best to consult a doctor first.

Yes, ginger may interact with diabetes medications by lowering blood sugar levels. Combining the two can cause an unsafe drop in blood sugar, so it is crucial to speak with your doctor.

Excessive intake of ginger tea can lead to side effects such as heartburn, diarrhea, gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort in some individuals.

No, you should stop consuming ginger tea at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery due to its blood-thinning properties, which could lead to excessive bleeding.