Unlocking Wellness: What is the best time to take ginger and honey?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

For centuries, ginger and honey have been revered in traditional medicine for their potent healing properties and wide range of health benefits. The answer to what is the best time to take ginger and honey is not one-size-fits-all, as the optimal timing depends largely on the specific health outcome you wish to achieve.

Quick Summary

The ideal time to consume ginger and honey is based on individual needs; use in the morning to boost metabolism and digestion, and in the evening to promote relaxation and soothe colds or coughs.

Key Points

Morning Boost: Consuming ginger and honey in the morning can stimulate metabolism, aid digestion, and provide a natural energy boost.
Evening Calm: Taking ginger and honey at night can promote relaxation, soothe sore throats, and help with nighttime digestion.
Symptom-Specific: For ailments like colds, flu, and nausea, timing your intake to when symptoms are most bothersome can maximize relief.
Individual Needs: The best time is personal; some find ginger stimulating at night, while others find it calming.
Preparation Matters: Opt for a warm tonic in the morning for energy, or a calming tea in the evening for relaxation.

Ginger and honey, a powerful duo revered in ancient and modern wellness practices, offer a versatile approach to natural health. Both ingredients are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, but when and how you take them can significantly impact their efficacy. Understanding the optimal timing allows you to target specific health concerns, from kickstarting your day to winding down for a restful night.

Morning Ritual: Boosting Metabolism and Digestion

Starting your day with a warm tonic of ginger and honey is a popular practice for those seeking an energizing boost and improved digestion. When consumed on an empty stomach, it can stimulate your body and prepare it for the day ahead.

Benefits of Morning Consumption

Kickstarts Metabolism: Research has shown that ginger can have a thermic effect on food, meaning it increases the energy required to digest and absorb what you eat. This can be a helpful tool for weight management.
Aids Digestion: Ginger stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, which helps alleviate indigestion, bloating, and other discomforts throughout the day.
Relieves Nausea: This is especially beneficial for those who experience morning sickness during pregnancy or motion sickness.
Provides Natural Energy: Honey's natural sugars offer a quick, sustained energy release without the crash associated with caffeinated beverages.
Boosts Immunity: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of both ingredients help to strengthen the immune system from the start of your day.

Evening Elixir: Promoting Relaxation and Soothing Ailments

While a morning dose is energizing, a cup of ginger and honey tea in the evening can be a calming and soothing ritual. For those who don't find ginger overly stimulating, its relaxing properties can aid sleep and nighttime recovery.

Benefits of Nighttime Consumption

Soothes Colds and Coughs: Honey is a natural cough suppressant and soothes sore throats, while ginger's antimicrobial properties can help fight infections. Taking it before bed can reduce coughing and promote better sleep during illness.
Promotes Relaxation: The soothing warmth of the tea and ginger's natural compounds can help calm the nerves and prepare the body for sleep. Honey may even promote melatonin production, which regulates sleep cycles.
Aids Nighttime Digestion: If a heavy dinner is causing discomfort, ginger's ability to soothe the digestive system can help you feel lighter and prevent indigestion from disrupting your sleep.
Combats Inflammation: Ginger's anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce joint and muscle pain that might hinder a restful night.

Comparison: Morning vs. Evening Use

To help you decide the best time for your needs, here's a comparison of morning versus evening consumption:


Feature	Morning Consumption	Evening Consumption
Primary Goal	Boost metabolism, aid digestion, increase energy	Aid relaxation, soothe coughs, support digestion
Best For	Weight management, morning sickness, indigestion prevention	Colds/flu, sore throat, sleep issues, after-meal discomfort
Benefits	Metabolic boost, natural energy, reduced nausea	Anti-inflammatory relief, cough suppression, calming effect
Considerations	May be stimulating for some, potentially affecting sleep if taken late	Some individuals might find ginger too stimulating at night
Recommended Form	Warm water tonic, ginger shots, smoothie mix	Warm tea, ginger-honey syrup

Symptom-Specific Timing: When to Use for Best Results

Beyond a daily routine, the timing of your ginger and honey intake can be tailored to specific ailments for faster relief. For example, if you are feeling under the weather, it's best to take it as symptoms arise rather than sticking to a rigid schedule.

Targeting Specific Issues with Ginger and Honey

For Colds and Sore Throats: Drink warm ginger-honey tea 2-3 times a day or as needed to soothe the throat and calm a cough. A concentrated ginger-honey syrup can also be taken for targeted relief.
For Nausea: The timing depends on the cause. For motion sickness, take it before traveling. For morning sickness, an early morning dose is most effective.
For Weight Loss: Consistent morning use to kickstart your metabolism and curb appetite is often recommended. It can also be taken before meals to reduce appetite.
For General Wellness: Consuming a dose of ginger and honey in the morning or throughout the day can support overall health due to its antioxidant properties.

Individual Factors and Considerations

While these guidelines can help, the best time to consume ginger and honey is ultimately personal. Some individuals may be more sensitive to ginger's stimulating effects, while others may find it perfectly relaxing at night. It's crucial to listen to your body and observe how it responds.

How to Integrate Ginger and Honey

Ginger-Honey Tea: Grate fresh ginger into hot (but not boiling) water and stir in honey once it cools slightly. A squeeze of lemon can also be added for extra vitamin C.
Ginger-Honey Syrup: Mix equal parts ginger juice and raw honey. Take by the teaspoon for quick relief from coughs or sore throats.
Raw Ginger and Honey: For a strong remedy, chew a small piece of fresh ginger dipped in honey.

Note: If you have underlying health conditions, particularly diabetes or issues with low blood pressure, consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet. Never give honey to children under one year old due to the risk of botulism. For more details on ginger's broad health benefits, check out this guide from Johns Hopkins Medicine: Ginger Benefits | Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Conclusion: Finding Your Optimal Timing

Ultimately, there is no single best time to take ginger and honey, as it depends on your desired outcome. Whether you prefer a morning metabolic boost or a calming evening ritual, this powerful natural remedy can be adapted to fit your lifestyle. By understanding the distinct benefits of morning versus evening consumption, and experimenting with what works best for you, you can harness the full potential of ginger and honey to enhance your well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

For weight loss, the best time to drink ginger and honey is in the morning on an empty stomach to help boost metabolism and potentially curb your appetite throughout the day.

For proactive digestion aid, having ginger and honey in the morning on an empty stomach can stimulate digestive enzymes for the day. For soothing indigestion after a heavy meal, a warm cup at night can be beneficial.

For cold symptoms like cough or sore throat, you can take ginger and honey 2-3 times a day or as needed for relief. A warm tea or syrup can be particularly soothing.

Yes, it is generally safe to take ginger and honey every day within recommended amounts. For ginger, up to 4 grams daily is often considered safe for adults. Consistent, moderate intake can support immunity and overall wellness.

For some sensitive individuals, the stimulating properties of ginger might interfere with sleep if consumed close to bedtime. Others find it relaxing. It's best to try a small amount and observe your body's reaction.

Ginger is commonly used and considered an acceptable non-pharmaceutical remedy for morning sickness. Taking it in the morning when symptoms are strongest is often most effective. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen during pregnancy.

Taking ginger and honey with warm water is a gentler, more hydrating approach, suitable for a daily tonic or a calming bedtime drink. Consuming it raw or as a concentrated syrup provides a stronger, more direct dose for acute symptoms like a sore throat.