Based on NIH | Can I drink ginger tea on an empty stomach while taking omeprazole, or will it interfere with the medication or irritate my stomach?

Most people can drink ginger tea while taking omeprazole without any known interaction, and it generally does not irritate the stomach in fact, ginger may help settle it. Omeprazole labeling highlights interactions with certain drugs and herbs (for example, St. John’s wort and rifampin), but ginger is not listed among known interactions. ^{[1] [2]} Ginger is widely used for nausea, indigestion, and gas, and evidence suggests it can calm the digestive system. ^{[3] [4]}

Does ginger interact with omeprazole?

• Omeprazole is processed by liver enzymes and has well-described interactions with specific medicines and supplements such as clopidogrel, methotrexate, St. John’s wort, and rifampin, and patients are advised to take it before meals. Ginger is not included on these interaction lists, and there is no established interaction between ginger and omeprazole. ^{[1] [2]}
• Patient information also emphasizes general lifestyle tips (eat slowly, avoid big meals, watch caffeine/alcohol) but does not warn against ginger. This further supports that ginger is not a routine concern with omeprazole. ^[5]

Will ginger tea irritate an empty stomach?

• Ginger has properties that can stimulate saliva and digestive juices and help calm the stomach and intestines, which may ease indigestion and nausea. These effects suggest ginger is unlikely to irritate the stomach for most people and may actually soothe it. ^{[6] [3] [4]}
• Reviews of ginger indicate gastroprotective (stomach-protecting) actions in various settings, including anti-nausea benefits. While much of the data are from preclinical studies with mixed results in some situations, the overall trend does not show gastric irritation as a common problem. ^[7]
• That said, very high doses of fresh ginger can have additional effects like mild blood-thinning in some contexts, and sensitivity varies by person. If you notice burning, cramping, or reflux after ginger tea on an empty stomach, consider taking it with a small snack or reducing the strength. ^[6]

Practical tips for taking both safely

• Timing: Omeprazole should be taken before meals for best effect. You can have ginger tea at other times of day; there’s no requirement to separate by hours, but spacing it from omeprazole by 30–60 minutes around breakfast is a simple routine. ^{[1] [2]}
• Portion and preparation: Start with a mild cup (e.g., 1–2 thin slices steeped 5–10 minutes) and see how you feel. If you’re sensitive on an empty stomach, try ginger tea with a light snack like crackers.
• Watch for individual reactions: If you have a history of gastritis, ulcers, or reflux flares with spicy foods, begin with small amounts and avoid very concentrated ginger.
• Medications affecting bleeding: If you take anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, it’s reasonable to keep ginger intake moderate and discuss with your clinician, because high amounts of ginger can influence platelets. This is a general precaution and not specific to omeprazole. ^[6]

Bottom line

• There is no known interaction between ginger tea and omeprazole in standard amounts, and ginger is unlikely to irritate the stomach for most people even on an empty stomach. ^{[1] [2] [6] [3]}
• If your stomach is sensitive, try a weaker brew or drink it with a small snack and adjust based on your comfort. Seek medical advice if you notice persistent pain, worsening heartburn, or signs of bleeding (black stools), or if you take blood thinners and consume large amounts of ginger. ^[6]