Black tea is generally considered mildly acidic, with a typical pH level between 4.9 and 5.5, making it less acidic than coffee or sodas but slightly more acidic than green or white teas. While some teas are classified as alkaline based on their effect after digestion, the brewed black tea itself is acidic, though its impact is usually minor and can be reduced by adding milk or water.
Generally, white tea and certain green teas are considered the least acidic options available. Because they undergo minimal processing and oxidation, their pH levels often remain close to neutral or can even be slightly alkaline.
True teas should also be avoided when dealing with heartburn as the caffeine can make stomach acid even worse. True teas are those that come from the camellia sinensis plant. Namely, black tea, green tea, oolong tea, white tea, and Pu'er tea too.
What tea is good for heartburn? Earth Mama's Organic Heartburn Tea is a soothing blend of organic marshmallow root, lemon balm, and chamomile, along with the added benefit of spearmint and raspberry leaf.
Most herbal infusions, green tea, rooibos, and yerba mate have an alkalizing effect which can work to neutralize acidity in the body. Once they are digested and assimilated, these alkaline teas work to raise the pH level in the body.
On a daily basis, this is a really simple tip: squeeze half a lemon or lime into a glass of water and you'll get a highly alkalized drink that is great for your gut and your cells. While lemons and limes taste acidic, they metabolize alkaline in your body!
“Green tea wins as the most healthy tea,” says Ashley Simper, the manager of dietetic services with OSF HealthCare “Drinking green tea, at least three or more cups a day, leads to health benefits when it comes to cardiovascular disease, cancer and the overall risk of mortality.”
Below are eight of the best herbal teas for acid reflux and GERD.
Chamomile tea: A cup of chamomile tea can be soothing, especially before bed, but during pregnancy it may be best to skip it. One observational studyOpens a new window of more than 600 pregnant women concluded that regular chamomile consumption resulted in a higher risk of preterm delivery and lower birth weight.
Lemon water
Lemon juice is generally considered very acidic, but a small amount of lemon juice mixed with warm water and honey has an alkalizing effect that neutralizes stomach acid. Also, honey has natural antioxidants, which protect the health of cells.
Coffee and tea – Caffeinated beverages aggravate acid reflux. Opt for teas without caffeine. Carbonated beverages – The bubbles expand in your stomach, creating more pressure and pain. Choose plain water or decaf iced tea.
Drinking large amounts might cause side effects due to the caffeine content. These side effects can range from mild to serious and include headache and irregular heartbeat. Drinking very high amounts of black tea containing more than 10 grams of caffeine is likely unsafe.
However, tea is also related to some clinical symptoms including heartburn and reflux. Tea consumption is reported to be associated with GERD, especially in Asian population. Theoretically, theophylline, a component of tea, may contribute to relax the LES, leading to esophageal acid reflux.
“Never squeeze your teabags, as this can make your tea taste bitter due to the release of tannic acids,” explains Angela Pryce, senior tea buyer at Whittard. “Instead lift it out carefully after 3-5 minutes of brewing.” Our expert Dr Bond says five minutes is the optimum time to let your tea brew.
There are several ways to make your tea less acidic without sacrificing flavor:
Full-fat yogurts may actually trigger acid reflux symptoms in sensitive individuals. Opt for low-fat or non-fat versions if you're managing heartburn. Flavored yogurts can contain high levels of sugar, artificial sweeteners, and additives that may irritate your stomach and increase acid production.
Recommendations for Chamomile
People taking anticoagulants (such as warfarin), sedatives (including alcohol), iron supplements, tamoxifen, hormone replacement therapy, and estrogen-containing oral contraceptives should talk to their doctor before using chamomile.
Commonly used herbs during pregnancy were known to be raspberry, fennel, peppermint, ginger, thyme, chamomile, sage and green tea10. Linden, peppermint-lemon, ginger have been reported to be the most commonly used herbal products in pregnancy during 1st and 2nd trimesters in a study conducted in Turkey11.
Living With
Drinking ginger tea or chewing on a small piece of fresh ginger before meals may help alleviate gastritis symptoms.
Black Tea, unfortunately, is one such type. Its caffeine content seems to trigger Gerd symptoms due to it relaxing the lower oesophagal sphincter. Whether there are similar correlations between Decaffeinated Tea and Gerd has yet to be established. However, it might, at the very least, be a better option.
When you next make a cup of tea don't throw away the old bag because it has many uses that you might not know about. Black tea contains tannic acid and theobromine which removes heat from sunburn so rubbing cold tea water on sore skin will soothe pain. Old tea bags can also be used to flavour rice or pasta.
There's no single "World No. 1 Tea" as it depends on metrics (production, consumption, quality), but black tea is most consumed globally, while China leads in production, followed by India. Highly revered teas include China's Da Hong Pao ("King of Teas"), India's Darjeeling, and Turkey's high per capita consumption.
Matcha (young Green tea leaves ground into a bright green powder) is nutrient-loaded. It is high in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that fight against free radicals and prevent cell damage, boosts our immune system and strengthens nails and skin, among many other benefits.