Avoiding electronic devices before going to bed, maintaining a comfortable temperature in the room and following the same nightly routine each day are some of the most frequent recommendations to get a good night’s sleep. However, for many, the best way to achieve this is to drink some hot tea to help them fall asleep. And the truth is that they are right.
Popular infusions such as chamomile, linden, lavender, valerian, and lemon teas have been shown to be effective in promoting relaxation. But what about ginger tea ? Is it advisable to take it before going to bed, or not?
Contrary to what many people think, ginger tea can be useful to promote sleep and combat insomnia. While the effect of this infusion may vary from person to person, it appears to be beneficial in most cases.
Index
Ginger tea before bed: right or wrong?
For starters, ginger tea is not a “real” tea . Unlike green and black teas, this one is not prepared from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, but from the root or tuber of ginger . That means that it is naturally caffeine-free and that essentially its consumption can be compatible with rest. But even so, there is some debate about it.
While a large number of people claim that drinking ginger tea before bed helps them relax and fall asleep better, others report experiencing the opposite effect. It is important that we bear in mind that each organism can respond differently to the same food or ingredient.
Advantages of drinking ginger tea before bed
According to scientific evidence and the experience of many, this infusion is good before going to bed for several reasons. People say that1:
- Being a hot drink, it promotes natural relaxation after a long day.
- The healthy compounds in ginger fight nausea, stomach pain, and indigestion – complaints that often lead to nightmares, nighttime awakenings, and other problems that affect sleep.
- Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic power, it helps to relieve any inflammation or pain in the body, creating a feeling of calm and well-being before rest.
- A cup of this infusion offers hydration during the night, without the diuretic effect of other drinks, such as green tea or coffee.
Other additional benefits to consider are 2 3:
- The strengthening of the immune system . Ginger is rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy compounds that help strengthen immune function.
- The weight loss . Drinking ginger tea, either before bed or on an empty stomach , has been seen to help you lose weight in less time , possibly by activating metabolism, burning fat, and eliminating toxins.
- The production of antioxidant and anticancer properties . Different studies have observed that the gingerol compounds present in ginger have an antioxidant and anticancer effect in the body.
- The assimilation of nutrients . This infusion promotes better absorption of the nutrients found in our food.
It may interest you:
- 15 Unique Benefits and Healing Properties of Ginger
- Ginger for Weight Loss – Benefits, How to Use and Contraindications
- Ginger Reducing Cream – Uses, Preparation and Contraindications
- What is the Ginger used for on an empty stomach (Tea, Water, Shots)? [Resolved]
Possible downsides
Some people claim to have experienced the following symptoms as a result of drinking ginger tea before bed :
- Palpitations
- Agitation
- Difficulty falling asleep
How to prepare ginger tea for sleep?
Ginger tea can be purchased in stores and pharmacies, but if you prefer, you can prepare it yourself at home. Simply chop or grate a small piece of the fresh rhizome and let it sit in a cup of hot water to release the beneficial compounds.
Many people are used to adding other ingredients, either to enhance its flavor or its healthy properties. This includes honey, cinnamon, and lemon ; However, these are the two most recommended combinations to take at night:
- Ginger and turmeric tea . Not only does it help us sleep better, but it also has digestive, analgesic and anti-inflammatory action on our body.
- Chamomile, honey and ginger tea . It is ideal to promote relaxation, combat stress and therefore obtain a better night’s sleep.
All the details on this topic in: Ginger Tea – Benefits, Properties, Combinations, Uses, Recipe
Are there contraindications or side effects?
Although ginger tea is usually a safe infusion in most cases, its excessive consumption can cause some side effects, including insomnia itself and various stomach-related symptoms.
It is also important to note that the use of ginger is contraindicated in some people . It is advisable not to take it before going to sleep without first being well informed.
Keep reading at:
- Ginger Contraindications – Side Effects and Correct Dosage
- Ginger in Pregnancy – Benefits, Contraindications, Dosage
Final thought
Will drinking ginger tea before bed keep me awake? The reality is that only you can answer this. Although it is a highly recommended drink to drink on an empty stomach or before going to sleep, it is known that not everyone experiences the same effects. The result may vary depending on the person, the amount of ginger used, nighttime habits and the time elapsed between drinking tea and going to bed, among other aspects.
Learn more about ginger
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1687157X18300210
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/gingerol
My name is Louise Hammond, and I am the creator of this website, a place to find information about tubers, bulbs and medicinal roots. In Dreamsship.com I show the properties, benefits, characteristics, photos and images, ways of growing and how to make delicious meals from starchy vegetables.