Are Ginger Shots Actually Worth It for Your Health?

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 5,000 years ago, ginger was used in ancient Chinese and Indian medicine for its therapeutic properties. Today, wellness shots packed with concentrated ginger promise to boost immunity and improve digestion, but are ginger shots actually worth it?

Quick Summary

This article analyzes the scientific evidence behind ginger shots, examining their potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and nausea, against downsides like high sugar content and acidity. The discussion covers practical advice on homemade versus store-bought options and emphasizes that ginger shots supplement, but don't replace, a healthy diet.

Key Points

Proven Anti-inflammatory Effects: Ginger contains gingerols and shogaols, which help reduce chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
Effective Digestive Aid: Drinking ginger can accelerate stomach emptying and significantly reduce bloating, gas, and nausea.
Immunity Support, Not a Cure: While ginger won't stop an oncoming sickness, its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can support a healthier immune system over time.
Consider Sugar Content: Many store-bought ginger shots contain high levels of added sugar. Making your own shots at home gives you full control over the ingredients.
Potential for Side Effects: Due to its concentrated nature, ginger shots can cause heartburn, stomach upset, or act as a mild blood thinner in large doses. Start with small amounts to assess your tolerance.
Shots vs. Supplements: Some studies showing significant health benefits used more potent ginger supplements than a typical shot provides. Ginger shots are best viewed as a supplement to, not a replacement for, a healthy diet.

The Science Behind the Ginger Shot Hype

Ginger shots, small concentrated drinks made from fresh ginger root, are a modern take on an ancient remedy. The primary beneficial compounds found in ginger are gingerols, shogaols, and zingerone, which possess potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While a daily shot is a popular habit, it is important to understand the evidence backing these claims.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Power

Inflammation is a natural and necessary bodily response, but chronic inflammation can be detrimental to your health. The antioxidants in ginger combat oxidative stress and can help reduce inflammatory markers in the body. Studies have shown that ginger extract can help reduce inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis. Regular consumption may contribute to a long-term reduction in overall inflammation, rather than providing immediate relief. Many ginger shots also contain turmeric, which has its own anti-inflammatory compound, curcumin, further amplifying this effect.

Digestive Relief

For centuries, ginger has been a go-to remedy for upset stomachs, and modern science supports this use. Studies indicate that ginger can help speed up gastric emptying, which can improve indigestion, reduce bloating, and ease intestinal cramping. It is also famously effective at soothing nausea and is often recommended for morning sickness during pregnancy, as well as for chemotherapy-related nausea.

Potential for Immune Support

While a ginger shot is not a cure-all, its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties can help support a healthy immune system. Acute inflammation is part of a healthy immune response, but chronic inflammation can weaken it. By fighting chronic inflammation, ginger helps create a healthier environment for your immune system to function optimally. Many shots are also fortified with other immune-boosting ingredients like vitamin C from lemon juice.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: What’s the Difference?

When considering ginger shots, you have two main options: making them at home or buying pre-packaged versions. Both have distinct pros and cons that can impact their cost, ingredients, and potency.


Feature	Homemade Ginger Shots	Store-Bought Ginger Shots
Cost	Typically more affordable per serving.	Significantly more expensive.
Ingredients	You control all ingredients, including ginger concentration, added fruit juices, and sweeteners.	Ingredients and ratios are pre-determined; often contain added sugar to improve flavor.
Freshness	Highest level of freshness and potency, as it's made just before or on the day of consumption.	Can vary, and pasteurization can reduce some nutrient content.
Convenience	Requires time for preparation, including blending and straining.	Very convenient, grab-and-go option.
Control	Full control over dilution, allowing you to tailor the spice level to your preference.	Limited control; flavor and intensity are fixed.

For most people, making homemade ginger shots offers the best value and control over ingredients, ensuring you avoid unnecessary sugars found in some commercial brands.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

While generally safe, ginger shots are not for everyone. The concentrated, spicy nature of ginger can cause side effects for some individuals.

Stomach Irritation: For those with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux, the intensity of concentrated ginger can cause heartburn or general abdominal discomfort. Diluting the shot with water or having it with food can help mitigate this.
Blood-Thinning Effects: Ginger can have mild blood-thinning effects, which may be a concern for individuals on anticoagulant medications like Warfarin. It is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider in these cases.
Added Sugar Content: Many store-bought or even homemade recipes use fruit juices and honey to make the shot more palatable, significantly increasing the sugar content. This can negate some health benefits and is a concern for those managing blood sugar levels.
Dental Health: The acidic nature of ingredients like lemon and fruit juice, coupled with the potential for turmeric to stain, can impact dental enamel and tooth color over time. Drinking through a straw and rinsing with water afterward can help minimize this effect.

Other Ways to Enjoy Ginger's Benefits

Taking shots is not the only way to incorporate ginger into your routine. For a gentler approach, ginger tea is a fantastic option. You can easily make it at home by steeping fresh ginger slices in hot water. Incorporating grated ginger into meals, such as stir-fries, dressings, or smoothies, also allows you to reap the benefits without the intense concentration of a shot. Ultimately, the effectiveness of ginger depends more on consistent, moderate intake over time rather than a single, high-dose shot.

Conclusion: So, Are Ginger Shots Actually Worth It?

For those who enjoy the taste and are looking for a convenient way to add a potent, natural anti-inflammatory and digestive aid to their diet, ginger shots can be a worthwhile addition. The benefits for digestion, inflammation reduction, and overall wellness are supported by traditional use and some scientific evidence. However, they are not a magic bullet, nor a substitute for a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. The "worth" of a ginger shot depends on your specific health goals and preferences. If the cost or flavor of store-bought versions is a deterrent, a more sustainable and affordable habit might be to create your own shots or simply incorporate fresh ginger into your daily cooking.

For a deeper dive into the health benefits of ginger root and its bioactive compounds, you can refer to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) publication on ginger.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a ginger shot cannot cure a cold. While ginger's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may help soothe symptoms like a sore throat or congestion, a ginger shot alone will not prevent or cure an illness.

Making your own ginger shots is often better because it's more cost-effective and gives you complete control over the ingredients. Store-bought versions can contain high amounts of added sugars, diminishing some of the health benefits.

The amount of ginger can vary widely. A homemade shot with 1-2 teaspoons of fresh grated ginger is typically considered a safe and effective dose, generally containing up to 4 grams of ginger.

Common side effects include mouth irritation, heartburn, abdominal discomfort, and sometimes diarrhea, especially if consumed in large, concentrated amounts. Individuals with sensitive stomachs should start with a small, diluted portion.

While some studies suggest ginger can modestly aid weight loss by decreasing hunger and boosting metabolism, it is not a magic solution. For noticeable results, ginger must be combined with an overall balanced diet and active lifestyle.

Individuals on blood-thinning medications (like Warfarin), those with diabetes on certain medications, or people with a sensitive stomach should consult a doctor before consuming high doses of ginger. The concentrated acidity can also be problematic for dental health.

Some people prefer drinking ginger shots on an empty stomach to kick-start digestion. However, for those with a sensitive stomach, it is best to take it with food to prevent potential irritation or heartburn.

Ginger shots use fresh, whole-food ingredients, while supplements are often more potent and regulated differently. The concentration of beneficial compounds can be higher in quality supplements, but shots provide the advantage of a whole-food source.