Ginger shots are small, strong drinks, usually 30 to 60 ml, made from fresh ginger juice mixed with lemon, orange or apple juice, and sometimes turmeric, black pepper or cayenne. They’re marketed for immunity, digestion and energy, but there’s little evidence that a daily shot does much for healthy people. Ginger itself does have some proven uses: the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says it may help with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. If you enjoy ginger shots, they’re generally safe in small amounts, but shop-bought versions can be pricey and contain fruit juice sugar, and the acidity can affect your teeth.
What’s in a ginger shot?
| Ingredient | What it adds |
|---|---|
| Fresh ginger | The spicy, warming flavor; contains gingerols and related compounds |
| Lemon or lime juice | Sourness and some vitamin C |
| Orange, apple or pineapple juice | Sweetness, sugar and some vitamin C |
| Turmeric, often with black pepper | Color and flavor; black pepper improves absorption of curcumin |
| Cayenne pepper | Extra heat |
| Honey | Sweetness, adds free sugar |
Colorful “wellness shots,” like the green, yellow and red ones in our photo, may also contain spinach, spirulina, beetroot, wheatgrass or apple cider vinegar.
What the evidence says about ginger
Nausea
Ginger has the best evidence for nausea. The NCCIH says research shows ginger may be helpful for nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy, while it’s uncertain whether it helps nausea from chemotherapy or after surgery. The NHS suggests trying foods or drinks containing ginger for morning sickness, and advises checking with a pharmacist before taking ginger supplements in pregnancy.
Joint pain
The NCCIH notes that ginger supplements might help symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, but much of the research has been of poor quality.
Immunity and colds
There’s no good evidence that a daily ginger shot prevents colds or strengthens the immune system in healthy people. A balanced diet, enough sleep, regular activity and vaccinations do more. Vitamin C from food is important for health, but regular vitamin C doesn’t prevent colds in most people, as our guide to vitamin C foods explains.
Digestion
Ginger has long been used for indigestion and stomach discomfort, and many people find it soothing. Strong ginger can also cause heartburn in some people.
Downsides of ginger shots
- Side effects. The NCCIH lists abdominal discomfort, heartburn, diarrhea and mouth and throat irritation as possible side effects of ginger taken by mouth. Concentrated shots on an empty stomach are more likely to cause these.
- Sugar. Shots made with orange, apple or pineapple juice contain free sugars. A 60 ml shot that’s mostly orange juice has about 5 g of sugar, based on USDA FoodData Central values. That’s small, but it adds up if you drink several a day or add honey.
- Teeth. Lemon, lime and other fruit juices are acidic. Drink shots with a meal or quickly, rinse your mouth with water afterward, and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
- Medicines. If you take any regular medicine, the NCCIH advises talking to your health care provider before using ginger or other herbal products, as some herbs and medicines interact.
- Cost. Shop-bought shots can be expensive for what they are. Making your own is much cheaper.
- Unpasteurized juices. Some cold-pressed shots aren’t pasteurized. People who are pregnant, older, or have weakened immune systems should choose pasteurized versions or make their own with washed ingredients.
How to make a ginger shot at home
This makes about 4 shots of 50 ml each.
- Wash and roughly chop 50 g (about a 7 cm or 3 inch piece) of fresh ginger. There’s no need to peel it if it’s well washed.
- Blend it with the juice of 2 lemons and 100 ml of water until smooth.
- Strain through a fine sieve or cloth, pressing to extract the liquid.
- Add a pinch of black pepper and ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric, if you like, and a teaspoon of honey only if needed.
- Store in a sealed bottle in the fridge and drink within 3 days. Shake before drinking.
For a milder drink, pour a little of the shot into a glass of warm or sparkling water, or simply steep sliced fresh ginger in hot water for a ginger tea.
Healthier ways to enjoy ginger
- Ginger tea: sliced fresh ginger steeped in hot water with lemon.
- In cooking: add grated ginger to stir-fries, curries, soups and marinades. Our tofu stir-fry and Thai curry soup both use it.
- In smoothies: a small piece of ginger adds warmth to a green smoothie.
- With turmeric: our guide to turmeric benefits explains what the evidence shows for that spice too.
Common questions
Is it OK to drink a ginger shot every day?
For most healthy adults, a small ginger shot a day is unlikely to cause harm. Stop if you get heartburn or stomach upset, and check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take regular medicines or are pregnant.
Do ginger shots help with weight loss?
There’s no good evidence that ginger shots cause meaningful weight loss. A shot adds few calories, so it won’t harm a weight loss plan, but it won’t replace changes to what and how much you eat.
Can children have ginger shots?
Concentrated ginger shots are too strong and spicy for most young children. Small amounts of ginger in food, such as in stir-fries or ginger biscuits, are fine. For nausea or tummy upsets in children, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
When is the best time to drink a ginger shot?
Whenever suits you. If shots upset your stomach, have them with food rather than first thing on an empty stomach.
Are ginger shots better than lemon water?
They’re more concentrated, but neither has special powers. Our article on lemon water benefits covers the similar claims made for that drink.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before making big changes to how you eat, especially if you have a health condition, take regular medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
