What Is the Best Tea for Acid Reflux? A Practical Guide

Acid reflux causes a burning sensation behind the breastbone, sometimes reaching the throat. Certain herbal teas may help soothe symptoms, though they work best alongside — not instead of — the lifestyle changes your doctor recommends.

What Causes Acid Reflux?

Heartburn happens when stomach acid moves back up into the esophagus. NIDDK estimates that about one in five American adults has GERD. Common triggers include eating large or spicy meals, lying down soon after eating, being overweight, and certain foods and drinks.

If you have heartburn more than twice a week, that may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is worth discussing with a doctor.

Is Tea Acidic?

Yes, most teas are mildly acidic, though less so than coffee, soda, or fruit juice. Black tea sits around pH 4.9. Some herbal teas, including ginger and mint, are considered more alkaline-leaning and gentler on the stomach for people prone to reflux.

Best Teas for Acid Reflux

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is caffeine-free and traditionally used for digestive discomfort; Memorial Sloan Kettering notes it's commonly used to relieve symptoms of indigestion, alongside nausea and bloating. Many people find a cup has a soothing effect on the digestive tract.

Ginger Tea

Ginger contains compounds that may help relieve inflammation in the esophagus and support digestion by helping food move through the stomach more efficiently, which can reduce the chance of acid backing up.

Licorice Root Tea

Licorice root has traditionally been used to help soothe the esophageal lining and ease the sensation of acid and burning. Choose deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) products where possible, since regular licorice root can raise blood pressure even in moderate amounts.

Fennel Tea

Fennel is a traditional remedy for gas and bloating, and some people use it to help calm symptoms associated with GERD.

Papaya Leaf Tea

Papaya leaf tea is caffeine-free and contains papain, an enzyme that may support protein digestion and ease general stomach discomfort.

Teas and Drinks to Limit

• Coffee, strong black tea, and caffeinated soft drinks can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and trigger reflux in some people.
• Milk is a common home remedy, but research suggests it can temporarily neutralize acid before stimulating more acid production — not a reliable long-term fix.
• Citrus or very acidic teas may aggravate symptoms in sensitive people.

Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Acid Reflux

• Eat smaller meals and avoid lying down for at least 2–3 hours after eating.
• Chew slowly and avoid tight clothing around the waist.
• Sleep on your left side, and consider raising the head of your bed slightly.
• Limit fried, fatty, and heavily spiced foods.
• Stay active with regular, moderate exercise.

Side Effects and Precautions

Herbal teas are generally gentle, but a few notes:

• Licorice root (not DGL) can raise blood pressure with regular, high-dose use — avoid it if you have hypertension, unless your doctor approves it.
• If reflux is frequent, severe, or accompanied by difficulty swallowing or unexplained weight loss, see a doctor rather than relying on tea alone, since untreated GERD can damage the esophagus over time.

FAQ

Is ginger tea good for acid reflux?

Many people find it helpful for easing mild reflux symptoms and supporting digestion, though it isn't a guaranteed fix for everyone.

Is green tea good for acidity?

Green tea affects people differently — some find it soothing, while its caffeine content can trigger symptoms in others. Try a small amount first to see how your body responds.

Does milk help acid reflux?

Not reliably. Milk may offer brief relief but can increase acid production afterward.

The Bottom Line

Chamomile, ginger, licorice root, fennel, and papaya leaf teas are commonly used to ease mild acid reflux symptoms, but they work best paired with meal-timing and lifestyle changes. See a doctor if symptoms are frequent or severe.

For more digestion-focused options, see our guides on teas for bloating and indigestion and best teas for acid reflux.