As a traditional treatment, ginger has a long history of use. In a tea made with either the new root or using a tea bag, one common way to consume it is. For digestion, inflammation, and the common cold, drinking ginger tea may have benefits.
Ginger is a flowering plant in the family Zingiberaceae. There may be health benefits of drinking ginger tea.
The possible health benefits of drinking ginger tea are discussed in this article. It also looks at who should avoid it and why.
What does ginger contain?
Ginger contains compounds that could be beneficial to the health of an individual, such as shogaols and gingerols.
Both shogaols and gingerols have anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory , antioxidant, and antiallergic activities, according to a 2015 review.
One 2019 article states that there are higher levels of gingerol in fresh ginger, which are slightly reduced in dried ginger. Dry ginger, however, contains higher shogaol amounts.
It may be beneficial to drink ginger tea. Using fresh or dried ginger, people can create ginger tea.
It is important to note, however, that studies use various forms and quantities of ginger that may not be comparable to what someone might ingest in ginger tea.
The following sections will look in more detail at the possible health benefits of drinking ginger tea, and what the current study says.
It may prevent vomiting and nausea,
Recent research suggests that ginger helps relieve nausea and vomiting resulting from pregnancy, chemotherapy, and motion sickness, according to a 2015 review.
A 2014 study suggests that ginger in pregnancy is a safe and possibly effective treatment for nausea. It did not affect the number of episodes of vomiting, however.
Another study, however, suggests that ginger during pregnancy may have adverse effects. Allergic reactions and anticoagulant, or blood-thinning, effects may include these effects.
Pregnant women and those undergoing chemotherapy should evaluate using ginger to help control nausea with a healthcare provider.
It may ease flatulence and indigestion
For the digestive system, ginger can also have beneficial effects. One 2019 study , for instance, indicates that ginger can help:
- decrease the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter
- Bloating and cramping are minimized
- prevent flatulence and indigestion
The analysis also states that impaired gastric emptying leads to indigestion, and that this process can be enhanced by ginger.
It may help soothe sore throats and colds
A 2019 review suggests that consuming ginger may help:
- prevent colds
- soothe sore throats
- ease congestion
Ginger was more effective against the bacteria causing streptococcal pharyngitis, or strep throat, than other antibiotics, according to an older laboratory report in 2011.
The antiviral properties of ginger are further supported by the scientists behind a 2013 laboratory study. They found that ginger, fresh but not dried, was effective against the human syncytial respiratory virus.
Some research also indicates that, when combined with honey, ginger may be more protective against microorganisms. To make a calming ginger tea, people should add fresh ginger and honey to the hot water.
It can benefit with non-alcoholic liver fat disease.
According to study, insulin resistance is a major risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD). As it affects blood glucose, cholesterol, and inflammation, ginger can be beneficial.
One 2016 study consisting of 44 NAFLD individuals found that there were some beneficial effects, including reducing inflammation and improving insulin resistance, while consuming 2 grams of a ginger supplement over a span of 12 weeks.
The authors note, however, that in order to determine the longer-term effects, further studies are required.
Scientists gave 1,500 milligrams of ginger in a capsule to 46 individuals with NAFLD in a 2020 report. They saw increases in cholesterol, blood glucose, and inflammation after 12 weeks, but other indicators of illness remained the same.
The authors conclude that in individuals with NAFLD, ginger may be a complementary therapy choice to minimize insulin resistance, liver enzymes, and inflammation.
It can give relief from arthritis
For osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties may also be helpful.
A 2018 analysis indicates that in osteoarthritis of the knee, ginger decreases inflammation , pain, and disability.
The study also indicates that in those with an ineffective response to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ginger can prove useful.
Who should avoid ginger tea?
Ginger is a product that is ‘widely accepted as healthy’ by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
However, when using ginger, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health recommends that individuals with gallstone disease should use caution. This is because it “can increase bile flow.”
Before using it, people taking blood-thinning medicine such as warfarin should consult a doctor.
Additionally, pregnant people should always consult a medical practitioner before eating ginger.
Side-effects
In some individuals, ginger can cause mild digestive side effects. Such impacts can include:
Summary
As a complementary treatment for nausea, digestive problems, and symptoms of the common cold, a person may drink ginger tea.
Some evidence also found that it may help regulate blood glucose and be advantageous for NAFLD. Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, ginger tea can also benefit people with arthritis.
People can drink ginger tea made from the fresh root, powder, or tea bags.
Before eating ginger, someone who is taking blood-thinning drugs or about to undergo surgery should talk to a doctor.
Pregnant individuals and people undergoing chemotherapy who want to take ginger for nausea should speak with their doctor about dosages.
