How a Daily Ginger Shot Could Be Give a Natural Boost

Ginger shots have gained popularity as a quick way to enjoy this root’s various health benefits. Ginger shots are concentrated juice shots made with fresh ginger and additional ingredients, including water, lemon juice, honey, and turmeric.

The research on ginger shots is limited, but there is considerable evidence of the benefits of ginger root. Ginger possesses various biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, cardiovascular, and respiratory.

Ginger shots may not be for everyone, but there are other ways to reap the benefits of ginger, including with supplements and ginger tea.

1. May Boost Your Immune System

Ginger may boost the immune system because it contains antimicrobial properties that fight off harmful viruses and bacteria. Ginger shots may also contain additional immune system-boosting ingredients like turmeric and honey, which can provide further protection against illness and infections. 

Ginger has immune-boosting properties and can help to ward off colds and the flu during the winter months. If you get sick, ginger shots may help reduce the severity and duration of the common cold or other respiratory infections.

This is due to ginger root’s bioactive compounds, including gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone, which strengthen your immune system and reduce inflammation.

Ginger can also reduce sore throat, relieve congestion, improve nausea, and provide antioxidant defense.

2. May Aid Digestion and Ease Discomfort

Ginger shots might be helpful treatments for nausea and vomiting. They may also help manage digestion and stomach discomfort by accelerating the movement of food through the stomach. 

Research shows that ginger may be effective in treating nausea and vomiting in morning sickness during pregnancy. It also relieves postoperative nausea (nausea from anesthesia in surgery) and nausea related to chemotherapy treatments. 

If you want to try ginger shots to manage morning sickness or chemo-induced nausea, it is best to talk to a healthcare provider first. 

One study on chronic indigestion found that consuming ginger and artichoke preparations before a meal could significantly improve ingestion symptoms like bloating, belching, heartburn, nausea, and stomachache. The ginger-artichoke preparation was also found to be safe and well tolerated by the study participants. 

3. May Support a Balanced Metabolism

Ginger is thought to have metabolism-boosting properties. Because of this, it may help with weight management, obesity prevention, and energy metabolism (how cells produce and use energy obtained from nutrients).

A 2023 report analyzed studies of the effects of red pepper, ginger, and turmeric on weight control, weight loss, and energy metabolism. They found that red pepper, ginger, and turmeric affected energy metabolism through various mechanisms, including thermal effect, basal metabolic rate (BMR), total energy expenditure, oxygen consumption, and lipid (fat) oxidation.

Ginger’s ability to help you lose weight may also be attributable to specific anti-inflammatory properties. One 2018 rat study found that ginger root could lower body weight and white adipose tissue (fat tissue). White adipose fat is often linked to inflammation, and lowering its effects can help manage both obesity and inflammation.

4. May Improve Blood Flow and Inflammation

One of the components in ginger, 6-gingerol, has been studied for its effects on blood pressure. 

The research shows that 6-gingerol may help control arterial blood pressure and hypertension by improving vasodilation (widening of blood vessels due to relaxing their smooth muscle) and regulating sodium levels. It also suggests that high ginger supplement doses might be beneficial for managing blood and heart health. 

5. May Ease Menstrual Cramps and Joint Pain

Ginger has been found to be helpful for managing dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) and reducing menstrual pain. It can be just as effective as Novafen (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, caffeine), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The main difference is that ginger is a natural herb with little or no side effects or adverse effects. 

Ginger also contains many potent anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants—substances that protect the body from oxidative stress and free radicals.

Numerous studies have found that ginger extract can reduce inflammation from arthritis conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease mainly affecting the joints) and the wear-and-tear joint disorder) osteoarthritis. Further, other ingredients found in ginger shots, including turmeric and honey, also have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

6. May Relieve Muscle Soreness 

Ginger’s anti-inflammatory compounds, including gingerol and shogaol, have the potential to reduce inflammation related to muscle soreness and pain.

One small study of a supplement that contained ginger and Vitex negundo found it reduced exercise-induced knee joint discomfort within four hours of administration.

However, a study of people taking 4 grams of a ginger supplement for five days found they had did not have reduced delayed muscle soreness after intense physical activity compared to the study participants who took a placebo.

7. May Help with Blood Sugar Control

Ginger can help manage blood sugar levels. Research shows that it may help people with type 2 diabetes. 

One study asked participants to take ginger supplements ranging from 1 to 3 grams daily over several weeks. Researchers found that ginger supplementation was effective at improving fasting blood sugars and hemoglobin A1c (a measure of blood sugar control over a few months’ time). 

Research has also found that 6-gingerol may be helpful for regulating glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a hormone that can help control blood sugar levels. GLP-1 supports insulin release and promotes better glucose (blood sugar) movement into the muscles to improve energy.

8. May Improve Cholesterol Levels

High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (considered “bad” cholesterol) can increase your risk for heart disease because it leads to clogged arteries. Triglycerides are the most common form of fat in the bloodstream, and too much of them increases your risk of heart disease.

One 2022 Current Pharmaceutical Design review looked at 26 trials related to ginger consumption, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol. Researchers found that ginger significantly reduced LDL and triglyceride numbers and increased beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Doses as low as 1,500 milligrams (mg) were effective. 

Unfortunately, it can be challenging to add high doses of ginger to your diet, especially if you do not like the taste of ginger. It may be possible to get higher amounts with ginger supplements. 

9. May Reduce Your Risk of Certain Cancers

Ginger has been found to have anticancer properties due to gingerol and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Research shows that these compounds may reduce the risk for certain cancers, including colorectal, pancreatic, liver, lung, and breast cancers.

More research is needed on the effects of ginger on cancer risk and treatment. Most studies to date have not involved humans.

10. May Boost Mood and Energy

Research shows that ginger’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects could be beneficial for managing mental health and increasing energy levels. 

A compound in ginger, dehydrozingerone, has been found to increase brain chemicals linked to improved mood and increased energy. A 2021 animal model study found that when ginger was given to the animals, it made them more active and increased their feel-good brain chemicals, including noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin.

Research also suggests that 6-shogaol and 6-gingerol compounds in ginger may be helpful for preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Some animal studies suggest that antioxidants and bioactive compounds found in ginger can inhibit inflammatory responses in the brain to prevent cognitive decline.

Should You Really Take a Shot Every Day?

Ginger shots are a popular beverage containing ginger, lemon, honey, and turmeric. They can be a tasty option for boosting health.  If you enjoy ginger shots and don’t have any health conditions or take any medications, you can enjoy them daily. 

However, ginger shots cannot replace a healthy diet or lifestyle. It is still essential to eat right, exercise, make healthy lifestyle choices, and consult a healthcare provider to manage health conditions.  

Potential Downsides

Most of the ingredients in ginger shots are considered safe for most healthy people. However, there are some downsides to ginger shots that are worth noting. 

For example, in large doses, ginger shots can lead to side effects, including:

• Abdominal discomfort
• Allergic reaction 
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Mouth and throat irritation

Ginger shots can stain teeth due to the ginger and other ingredients used, like turmeric. The frequency of consumption and individual dental habits may also affect tooth staining. 

Who Should Avoid Taking a Ginger Shot?

Ginger shots may be safe during pregnancy and lactation, but you should check with a healthcare provider first about consuming concentrated ginger (such as ginger shots). Some research suggests that ginger may not be suitable for people close to labor and those with a history of vaginal bleeding or pregnancy loss.

Ginger may also have blood thinning effects and is not recommended for people taking warfarin and other blood thinners. It may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in people who take medications to manage diabetes.

Other Nutritional Benefits

Ginger root provides macronutrients and micronutrients, including:

• Carbohydrates 
• Fats
• Proteins
• Minerals
• Vitamins

The exact nutrition amounts will vary depending on the specific product or ingredients. Ginger shots can be purchased premade or made to order at a juice bar or specialty health food store, or you can make your own at home.

Ginger root also contains various bioactive compounds. These include:

• Lipids
• Organic acids
• Phenolics
• Polysaccharides
• Raw fibers
• Terpenes

These compounds have been found to have various benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, cardiovascular protective, respiratory protective, anti-obesity, antidiabetic, antinausea, and antiemetic (preventing vomiting).

Ginger Shots vs. Supplements

Supplements are an alternative to ginger shots if you are looking to get ginger in your diet. You may get a more potent dose of ginger from supplementation than you would with a ginger shot.

Before starting any supplement, it is essential to know that supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way as prescription medicines. Supplements may carry harmful risks, including contaminated ingredients and incorrect dosing details. They may also interact with any prescribed medications you may be taking. 

If you are unsure about the safety of ginger supplements or have a medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider first. They can help you decide whether you might benefit from ginger supplements and explain any health risks. When purchasing ginger supplements, make sure you buy from reputable companies. 

Summary 

Ginger has been used for hundreds of years to treat various ailments, including pain, nausea, digestive issues, and more. Research supports its benefits for digestive health, immune support, weight loss, and managing inflammation, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Ginger may also improve mood and protect brain health. 

Ginger is generally considered safe. It can be consumed in ginger shots, concentrated drinks that combine ginger with ingredients like honey, turmeric, water, and lemon. If you take certain medications like blood thinners and blood-sugar-lowering medications or are pregnant or lactating, talk to a healthcare provider before adding ginger shots into your daily routine. 

Ginger shots are available premade or made to order at a juice shop or specialty health food store. You can also make your own at home.

You may also consider ginger supplements or ginger tea as an alternative to ginger shots. If you are taking supplements, make sure you purchase them only from reputable companies and contact your healthcare provider if you have health conditions or other concerns.