Red state versus blue state. Vax versus anti-vax. Chiefs versus Eagles. As a society, we’re growing more polarized, and healthcare is no exception.

The “nature is best” camp views medical technology with suspicion, leading to decisions that potentially put people at risk, such as declining to receive vaccines.

On the other hand, the “science knows best” camp relies entirely on medical discoveries of the last few hundred years, neglecting to acknowledge that our species survived for hundreds of thousands of years before the advent of modern medicine and, therefore, at least some viable healing modalities must have existed.

I’m fascinated by the growing movement of medical science evaluating and validating the health benefit of traditional medical practices, what I call “grandmother” medicine — what she and her countless prior generations knew but only now is being touted as the latest discovery.

Ginger shots fit this paradigm. The benefits of ginger shots are gaining attention, with a Google search yielding everything from Vogue magazine articles to Cleveland Clinic health newsletters touting its many virtues. What’s all the excitement about these ginger shot benefits?

What Are Ginger Shots?

Ginger shots refer to freshly processed whole ginger root, which contains many active ingredients. These compounds include gingerols, shogaols, and zingerone — the biochemical components responsible for ginger’s characteristic flavor and the ginger shot health benefits we’ll explore.

Most scientific studies don’t actually use fresh ginger shots, which are more potent but more challenging to standardize for research. Instead, they typically use capsules with dosages ranging from 0.3–3 grams per day.

The literature I’ve reviewed includes meta-analyses — statistical methods that combine results from many individual studies. While these studies used different formulations and dosages of ginger, the overall conclusion remains consistent: Ginger offers numerous health benefits across multiple bodily systems.

Infographic: The Health Benefits of Ginger Shots: A Look at the Evidence

Ginger Shot Benefits: Where the Evidence Is Strongest

The scientific research shows convincing evidence for ginger’s benefits across several categories:

Pain Relief

Ginger shows strong evidence for reducing various types of pain, including:

Any weekend warrior knows DOMS all too well — that stiffness when you wake up Monday morning, painfully reminded of Sunday’s activities. Ginger appears to mitigate this response.

Cardiovascular Health Benefits

Research shows ginger improves several cardiovascular health markers:

These benefits of ginger shots could contribute to overall heart health and reduced cardiovascular risk.

Gastrointestinal Benefits

Some of the strongest evidence for ginger’s effectiveness is in its anti-nausea properties:

  • Pregnancy-associated nausea (ginger is the go-to solution here because it’s safe for consumption during pregnancy)
  • Chemotherapy-induced nausea
  • Post-operative nausea

As someone who’s recommended remedies to countless patients dealing with nausea, ginger’s efficacy in this area is particularly impressive.

Blood Sugar Regulation

In the endocrine category, ginger demonstrates significant effects on blood glucose:

Potential Benefits of Emerging Evidence

Beyond the well-established benefits above, research suggests ginger may offer additional health advantages:

While the evidence in these areas isn’t as robust, the consistent pattern of positive findings suggests ginger likely has a wide range of health-promoting properties yet to be fully documented.

How to Get the Most Ginger Shot Benefits: Shots vs. Capsules

A typical ginger shot contains approximately 25–30 grams of fresh ginger, though this varies depending on the brand and preparation method. The concentration of bioactive compounds like gingerols and shogaols also varies between products.

You’ll likely get a higher concentration of active ingredients from fresh ginger shots, but the practicality of long-term use presents challenges. Without significant dedication, it’s much more convenient to use capsule preparations, which fortunately have solid evidence supporting their efficacy for delivering ginger shot health benefits.

When choosing how to obtain the benefits of ginger shots, consider:

  • Shots may deliver more potent doses but are less practical for daily long-term use.
  • Capsules are more convenient and have substantial scientific backing.
  • Commercial shots often contain added sugar, which may undermine some health benefits.

Ginger Shot Side Effects and Precautions

The side effects of ginger consumption are generally minimal. Both shots and capsules can be associated with:

  • Mild gastrointestinal disturbance
  • Bloating or indigestion
  • Unpleasant taste or aftertaste

In rare cases, larger amounts may cause:

  • Heartburn
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach discomfort

More seriously, large amounts of ginger may increase bleeding risk in some individuals. Ginger may also interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and some diabetes medications.

Consult with your healthcare provider before regularly consuming ginger shots.

The Proven Benefits of Ginger Shots: Bridging the Divide

What’s most fascinating about ginger shots is how they bridge the divide between traditional wisdom and modern science. The evidence supporting ginger shot benefits is clear: your grandmother was right all along.

This hybrid approach — acknowledging traditional practices’ wisdom while subjecting them to scientific scrutiny — represents the best path forward. Rather than remaining in polarized camps, Banner Peak Health embraces both our ancestors’ time-tested remedies and modern medicine’s rigorous verification methods.

Quote: The Health Benefits of Ginger Shots: A Look at the Evidence