Everyone knows the spice ginger. It’s a staple for holiday cookies such as gingerbread and is also a common ingredient in Asian cuisine.
But, did you know that ginger is also a traditional medicine? Ginger features in folk medicines and remedies from many cultures, mostly as a well to settle an upset stomach. Drinks like ginger tea and ginger ale have especially been used for this.
This is far from the only health benefit of ginger tea. You may think you’re just enjoying a pleasantly spicy, sweet beverage, but ginger tea may revolutionize your health for the better. In this post, you’ll learn all about the many benefits that can transform your body.
If you’re ready to learn all about ginger, what it is, the many benefits, how to prepare your very own delicious ginger tea and what you should be careful about, then this is the article for you.
We’ve carefully researched ginger and put together a review of everything you need to know about ginger tea and adding it to your diet so that you, too, can enjoy the advantages of this ancient medicinal plant.
What Exactly is Ginger?
The plant itself grows in a group of many stems with ribbed leaves and white or yellow flowers.
Ginger grows in tropical climates and has now been cultivated outside of Asia in Africa and Central and South America. (1)
The ginger root contains oils that have been linked to many medicinal purposes now recognized by modern scientists, doctors and researchers.
The active components in ginger include gingerols and shogaols. Through these potent substances, many benefits are gained. This tea has the potential to change your health dramatically for the better.
Ginger Tea Benefits: 14 Benefits Proven by Science
Here are the top benefits of drinking ginger tea:
- Treats Nausea
- Alleviates Muscle Pain
- Strong Anti-Inflammatory
- Could Lower Blood Sugar
- Reduces Risk For Heart Disease
- Lowers Risk of Stroke
- Prevents and Fights Cancer
- Reduce Menstrual Cramps
- Suppresses Appetite
- Slows Effects of Aging and Reduces Risk of Alzheimer’s
- Fights Infections
- Can Improve Digestion
- Benefits Respiratory System
- Fights Fungus
There are many ways to take ginger, but one of the most pleasant ways is in tea. You can also take ginger supplements or make use of extracts, essential oils or consume fresh ginger on its own.
Powdered ginger is probably what you know best, as you’ll find yourself sprinkling it into curries and baking it up into your pumpkin pies. However, a nice mug of ginger tea is one way to make sure you’re getting your daily intake of this powerful rhizome while also turning it into a comforting routine.
What are some of the main benefits of drinking ginger tea? Ginger has intrigued scientists and researchers due to the many uses it has in ancient medicinal traditions.
Today, the medical community is finally uncovering just some of the many things that ginger can do. Read on to learn 14 scientifically backed benefits of ginger tea:
1. Treats Nausea
One of the most common uses of ginger is for treating nausea and morning sickness in pregnant women. Ginger is often recommended for treating morning sickness because the spice doesn’t have many adverse side effects and is safe to take during pregnancy.
Ginger tea can also be beneficial for chemotherapy patients who also experience nausea. Studies suggest that ginger is effective for this use. Believe it or not, ginger has been found to be as effective as Dramamine and Gravol for treating sea sickness.
So, if you’re heading out for a cruise or planning a road trip, pack a thermos full of ginger tea and you’ll be sure to enjoy a puke-free trip.
2. Alleviates Muscle Pain
Although you may not feel immediate relief, ginger can help reduce muscle pain that progresses day to day by reducing pain felt from one day to the next.
For the best results, take ginger regularly. (2,3) This means you should make ginger tea part of your regular routine.
Over time your body’s aches and pains will be reduced and you’ll enjoy greater freedom of movement, even if you keep up with a strict exercise regimen.
3. Strong Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation is associated with many illnesses including arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and others. The immune system attacks or keeps working to protect us from infection where it doesn’t exist, which causes the body damage to its own tissues.
Some foods may promote greater inflammation, such as saturated and trans fats, corn and soybean oil, sugars, red meat, dairy and refined carbohydrates. Other foods and spices including ginger, can help reduce inflammation. (4)
In patients with osteoarthritis, which is a condition associated with inflammation, one study showed reduced pain in patients who took ginger with only mild side effects.
This could be related to ginger’s combined anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Ginger also accounted for a 30% reduction in pain for patients with osteoarthritis when compared to control groups.
So, not only does ginger improve your health overall by mitigating the effects of inflammation, it can also be a game-changer in terms of quality of life for people living with arthritis. That’s a compelling argument for taking ginger tea daily!
4. Could Lower Blood Sugar
Ginger could be an important natural medicine for improving diabetes or pre-diabetes because it’s been shown to lower blood sugar.
In one study, ginger impressively reduced fasting blood sugar by 12%! In this case, ginger supplements were used, however it’s possible that ginger tea benefits individuals in a similar way.
Not only can controlling blood sugar help people at risk for or already living with diabetes, but may also help you lose weight. Insulin resistance has been a weight loss concern cited by numerous experts and many diets including the GOLO diet, apple-cider vinegar diet, among others.
Getting blood sugar under control can help reduce insulin resistance and the negative health affects with which it’s associated, including being overweight. Add a cup (or 3) of ginger tea to your daily routine and see what a difference it can make in your weight loss journey!
5. Reduces Risk For Heart Disease
Ginger has been proven to reduce levels of important elements in the body which are risk factors for heart disease.
One case showed that ApoB and ApoA-I ratios were reduced by 28% through ginger consumption.
Oxidized lipoproteins were also reduced by 23% (5). Another study which looked at the effects of ginger oil on reducing cholesterol levels, a major factor in heart disease.
These impressive results show that ginger could be a powerful weapon against heart disease.
6. Lowers Risk of Stroke
A stroke is a blood clot that prevents blood from flowing to the brain. The effects of a stroke can be deadly. But, ginger helps us out yet again. Ginger lowers the risk of blood clots associated with both heart attacks and strokes.
How? Ginger is a natural blood thinner. The rhizome contains salicylate which is known for its ability to prevent blood clots in a way similar to aspirin, which contains acetyl salicylate acid.
But, ginger has fewer side effects than aspirin and may be safer to take. So, don’t reach for your mini-aspirin, ask your doctor about taking ginger instead.
7. Prevents and Fights Cancer
This is a particularly impressive one of the benefits. Ginger contains powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. When energy is consumed by your body’s cells, free radicals are produced, which is normal.
However, excess production of these free radicals can harm the body and lead to DNA damage responsible for many chronic illnesses, including cancer.
Thus, the antioxidant effects of 6-shogaol especially are helpful for reducing this damage and lowering the chances of getting cancer.
These elements are also responsible for controlling various kinds of cancers. Studies have shown that ginger may even cure breast cancer and control other cancers such as colorectal, gastric, ovarian, liver, skin and prostate cancers. These impressive findings show just how powerful this common spice really is.
8. Reduce Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps are no fun, and cause many women to reach for pain medications such as ibuprofen. The bloating, crampy, painful abdomen makes work and life seem impossible.
However, one study showed that ginger supplements were equally effective at reducing menstrual discomforts when compared to common analgesics like ibuprofen and mefenamic acid.
This natural alternative may set a new standard for women seeking pain relief. Next time you get your period, try having a pot of ginger tea instead of grabbing the bottle of ibuprofen.
9. Suppresses Appetite
To use ginger tea in this way, take hot ginger tea made using about 2 grams of ginger powder just after each meal. This simple solution might give you the extra edge you need to lose weight.
Combined with a healthy lifestyle, you can make progress on your road from overweight to just the right size.
You may even consider drinking green tea alongside your ginger. Green tea also offers weight loss benefits that complement ginger tea perfectly.
10. Slows Effects of Aging and Reduces Risk of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is an illness associated with inflammation. In general, cognitive decline and aging is related to the inflammation and damage that builds up over time. Ginger can inhibit the inflammatory response that occurs in the brain (6).
Furthermore, ginger may be just good for cognitive function. In one study, reaction times and working memory improved for women after taking ginger.
Studies in rats show that ginger can help with recovery from brain damage and improves memory impairment. This research shows you can keep your brain as sharp as a tack by taking ginger tea.
11. Fights Infections
Ginger may help fight bacterial infections by means of its active compounds including gingerols. This substance is known to help stop bacteria from growing. In one study, garlic and ginger were tested against bacteria that were resistant to drugs.
This is certainly promising, since many bacteria are becoming resistant to the first-line antibiotics used by doctors. So, if you feel like you’ve gotten a bug, you may want to try ginger before heading to the doctor.
12. Can Improve Digestion
Indigestion is marked by bloating and discomfort. While there are many natural remedies to help improve digestion such as lemon water and flat tummy water, another one to add to your list is ginger tea.
This spicy, delicious tea benefits your stomach by helping it to empty faster after eating, studies say.
Furthermore, ginger has been found to help break up and expel intestinal gas, relieving discomfort and feelings of bloating.
Ginger has been used for thousands of years to improve digestion. This, on top of the scientific evidence, is proof that it works. However, ginger should be taken in moderation, as this spice, due to its strength, is also known to irritate some people’s stomachs.
13. Benefits Respiratory System
The respiratory system is susceptible to infections caused by viruses and bacteria. One of the most well-known respiratory viruses is RSV. However, fresh ginger can combat this and other respiratory viruses, keeping coughs and flu-like symptoms at bay. The key element?
The ginger must be fresh. Use fresh ginger root to make your tea to gain the anti-viral advantages. (7) Another study showed that ginger is quite effective against streptococcus. Strep throat anyone?
If you feel that familiar tingle in your throat, before you call the doctor’s office and cross your fingers you’ll get some antibiotics prescribed, try taking some ginger tea for a few days. It may just fight off the infection and save you from an expensive doctor’s bill.
14. Fights Fungus
Just like ginger fights bacterial and viral infections, this powerful rhizome also combats funguses. Ginger was a strong performer in a study of many plant extracts explored for their antifungal properties.
The rhizome performed even better than many commonly prescribed anti-fungal medications, knocking out funguses that were resistant to the same medicines.
In these cases, along with the tea, ginger may be applied topically together with other essential oils. Tea-tree oil is another well-known anti-fungal you can try along with ginger oil.
Are you impressed yet? This astounding list of scientifically backed evidence in support of ginger tea is quite amazing for a small rhizome. It truly earns the name super food, a status that many other spices and herbs attempt to achieve.
The bottom line on ginger tea?
Whether you suffer from a chronic health condition or not, it’s in your interest to drink this tea. Scientists continue to study the components of this potent spice to discover how each of the mechanisms work and how effective it is.
However, the evidence thus far suggests that ginger offers many health advantages for both treatment and prevention of major chronic conditions and diseases that claim the lives of people every day.
From cancer to Alzheimer’s, everyday infections, to pain, stomach discomforts, diabetes and heart disease, ginger has been shown to play an important role.
What’s the best news? It’s easy to obtain its benefits. Ginger tea is very easy to make and incorporate into your everyday routine. When you consider the wealth of benefits to be had, the small investment of your time and money is nothing.
How to Prepare Ginger Tea for Maximum Benefits
Here are some tips for preparing a delicious ginger tea to enjoy at any time of day:
- Use about 2 grams of powdered ginger or 1-2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger root per cup of ginger tea.
- Boil water, 1 cup of water for each cup of tea.
- Add the ginger to the water and allow it to steep for at least 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea into your mug and enjoy!
If desired, you can add some extras to your ginger tea such as lemon, cinnamon, turmeric, and honey or another sweetener. Some of these ingredients including turmeric, honey, and cinnamon are also known for their many health benefits, so you might get a double or triple dose of goodness if you add these in.
Turmeric is great for weight loss and anti-inflammation, so if you’re using ginger for weight loss, consider pairing these two.
Variations on ginger tea include a regular iced tea/lemonade mix with a strong ginger syrup. Others enjoy a watermelon smoothie with a touch of ginger and lemon. Add lemongrass to your ginger tea mix for another pleasant flavor.
Some of these combinations may sound a bit odd at first, but once you taste them, you’ll fall in love. And you’ll enjoy the many benefits while sipping these drinks.
If you enjoy drinking ginger tea and the many health advantages it brings, you may also consider using ginger in your cooking. Ginger is used in many Asian dishes and especially in stir-fries and sushi.
Make sure you search for a few recipes and add this delicious spice to your chicken, beef, seafood and vegetable stir-fries.
We suggest that you take ginger tea daily. If possible, drink 1 to 3 cups each day to enjoy the many benefits ginger tea has to offer. Add this root to your grocery list or keep the powder on hand.
You can enjoy ginger tea instead of your morning coffee, or as a mid-morning break or just before bed. If you make it part of your routine, you’ll be more likely to take it regularly and thus experience more of the benefits
This tea is soothing and pleasant in taste, not to mention that it will result in drastic improvements in your health.
Remember, although you can drink ginger tea as much as you want, it’s best to be aware of adverse effects. As with any herb or supplement, there may be side effects that impact you even though ginger is typically considered safe. Before you add a lot of ginger to your diet, check through the side effects just in case.
Side Effects of Ginger
Some people report mild stomach discomfort, diarrhea and heartburn from taking ginger. This is probably due to the fact that the spice is quite potent, and if taken in excess, could result in these unpleasant effects.
If you notice these side effects, lower your intake of ginger and see if the symptoms subside. (1)
Similarly, if you are considering applying ginger to the skin, it may cause irritation in some people.
Take note that if you are diabetic and already taking medication, ginger may interfere with your drugs. Talk to your doctor before taking ginger because, as you’ll remember, it can lower your blood sugar.
You may even be able to reduce your dosage of diabetes medicines if you take ginger. But, you should always do this under the supervision of your doctor.
During pregnancy, it’s also best if you consult with your doctor about drinking ginger tea. This tea can be wonderful for curing morning sickness, but due to the sensitive and unique nature of each pregnancy, it’s important to let your doctor know beforehand.
Ginger Tea Advantages are Many
Ginger tea is a powerful tool for combating many illnesses and maintaining your good health. Whether you are suffering from arthritis or want to improve your cognitive function and prevent cancer, ginger tea can help!
The scientific research has shown over and over again that ginger is a safe and effective alternative to many traditional medicines like painkillers, antibiotics and may even be an alternative treatment for cancer.
So, get out to the supermarket and purchase some ginger powder or fresh ginger root to enjoy the many benefits today! There’s really no excuse.
Are you already drinking ginger tea? Tell us about your experiences with ginger tea in the comments section below. How often do you drink it? How has it helped you? What recipe do you use?
Article Sources
- Ginger. WebMD.
- Black, Christopher D and Patrick J. O’Connor. Acute effects of dietary ginger on muscle pain induced by eccentric exercise. National Library of Medicine, November 2010.
- Wilson, Patrick B. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) as an Analgesic and Ergogenic Aid in Sport: A Systemic Review. National Library of Medicine, October 2015.
- RD Altman and KC Marcussen. Effects of a ginger extract on knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis. National Library of Medicine, November 2001.
- Khandouzi, Nafiseh et. al. The Effects of Ginger on Fasting Blood Sugar, Hemoglobin A1c, Apolipoprotein B, Apolioproprotein A-I and Malondialdehyde in Type 2 Diabetic Patients. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Winter 2015.
- Azam, Faizul et. al. Ginger components as new leads for the design and development of novel multi-targeted anti-Alzheimer’s drugs: a computational investigation. Drug Design, Development and Therapy, 23 october 2014.
- Chang, Jung San et. al. Fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) has anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines. Journal of Ethnopharmoacology, 9 January 2013.
Hello;
Thanks for this very informative article, do i don’t like ginger but i might be forced to give it a try
Thanks for reading! If you mix it in with lemon and honey it isn’t quite as strong. Give it a try!
My mother used ginger tea for EVERYTHING. Honestly, if we got the flu, ginger tea; if we had a headache, ginger tea; I’m sure if we ever brake something she would say, ginger tea to heal faster, you know?!
I take ginger every day before bed time already for several years. No only improved my sleep but help me with my sore back caused by osteoarthritis. I really recommend this marvelous bulb that is full of healthy benefits.
All these are facts. I’m a nutritionist and I always advise people I meet to always include ginger in their medical care for different health issues. It helps a lot and is purely natural so expect a good result after use. I wish more people know about this and not only take it as a tea or in their cooked meals.
True. I use it a lot for menstrual cramps. My sister introduced it to me after she found out that I use ibuprofen for my cramps. Turns out it has a lot of side effects and infertility issues could arise so she just had to come to my rescue. A hot ginger tea is all I need to relax my bloating stomach.
All these are facts. I’m a nutritionist and I always advise people I meet to always include ginger in their medical care for different health issues. It helps a lot and is purely natural so expect a good result after use. I wish more people know about this and not only take it as a tea or in their cooked meals.
Thanks for your input Ajasweb! You’re right, ginger is medicinal and when used regularly can make a big difference for a variety of health issues.
Thanks for your input Ajasweb! You’re right, ginger is medicinal and when used regularly can make a big difference for a variety of health issues.
I’ve been avoiding ginger like the plague until well into my 30s but things changed after I was left with an ugly infection in my throat after a bad cold. I’ve tried a lot of over the counter pills and teas but nothing worked. A coworker was visiting me and she gave me ginger tea without actually telling me what it was, that’s how adamant I was towards ginger. I didn’t like it at first but now it’s part of my morning routine; I wake up at 5, meditate and then drink a cup of ginger tea to which I add a thin slice of lemon.
I agree, Diane, ginger is great 🙂 I’m glad you like it now.
I’m Rema and I love ginger tea, it has helped me with my acid reflux and weight loss in only a month time. I wasn’t loosing weight before no matter what I used. After learning about and how it helps I got started at once and still keep it up. I buy the ginger root, cut it up and boil a few pieces at a time, add some raw honey and drink it off and on through out the day. Then eat the cubes after that.
I’ve been growing my own ginger for several years. It’s so easy, I’m surprised more people don’t! Plus, there’s the added benefits: a nice plant growing in the yard or on the patio and fresh ginger leaves and stalks to add to the tea mix….not to mention a steady supply of extremely fresh ginger, fresh ginger tea and ginger lemonade whenever you want!! If you try, you’ll see it’s very easy to grow, almost fail proof, and you’ll begin using it daily in recipes you never even considered before……
Love ginger it’s certainly an excellent medicinal remedy for many ailments, I use it regularly when I feel a cold coming, or just a refreshing
Comforting drink. It also settles your stomach,and lovely used in cooking especially a curry, and after reading all the benefits I would recommend everyone to try it.
Thanks for the info on this marvellous spice.
Would you still get the same results if you used tea bags?
My hubby & I just started drinking ginger tea, it took some getting used to but it is a regular occurance now. As we are not long into seeing the benefits we are looking forward to many years of good health & pain relief. We’re in our 40’s and wish we’d known about this years ago as it may have prevented the things we have now. Nevermind onward & Upward into a long healthy, happy adventure.
in my country Indonesia ginger is very often used as an herbal medicine, and there are also types of red ginger. which tastes good too. ginger mixed with honey and lemon is more delicious.
Ginger tea bags have the same benefits as raw ginger???
I started drinking Ginger/Leomon Grass tea after suffering from severe heartburn for more than 18 months. Within 3 weeks the heartburn was reduced and practically gone after 4 months. NO more ANTACID! I would recommend it to anyone with heartburn issues.
GINGER TEA is served here and there in Asian countries. I usually buy Organic tea. Blend it up and add to fresh water on the pot. Filter it after hot and add Raw Honey. It’s absolutely amazing and refreshes you within a minute. Sometimes I add Malta pieces in my tea. It’s great taste. Is there any health-benefit of Malta tea?
This is great news! I am excited! I’ve been looking for something to help with inflammation. I have ostaporosis and have a great deal of soreness in my body due to inflammation. I hope this helps!
Excellent article, yes Ginger have many benifits and its very delicious, a natural remedey to most day to day health related issues, anyone should enjoy as a afternoon tea or evening tea for better results,
I used asprin for years to prevent heart disease, then when I had a very bad series of nose bleeds I stopped and got palpatations shivering and breathlessness, and my blood pressure went up. After seeing a GP, having my nose quarterised and having blood tests and an ECG, I was given Blood pressure tablets which appear to be helping. Blood thinners were suggested and I froze knowing that they can lead to bleeds and heart failure, dispite their purpose. I am now considering ginger and have already started drinking the tea, gingerbread and green tea mix. I hope this is enough but wonder if I should also have the supplements?
Are there same benefits using organic tea vs regular tea?
I’ve been drinking ginger tea for several weeks, during my fast. Approximately 2xs per week. My hands have ached from joint pain and there has been a noticeable difference. I will continue to use it well after the fast!
I work 3rd shift and no matter what I eat seems to upset my stomach or make it bloated and gassy. I remembered that I like ginger tea. I decided to try it sometimes during my shift it has helped tremendously and I will keep it in my drinking rotation along with peppermint tea and of course water.
I am very prone to kidney infections, I have started drinking spiced ginger tea (TWINNINGS)
in hope it will work, as I’m fed up of taking antibiotics. I am not a pill lover.
Reading all the remarks I am hoping ginger tea will help.