What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Ginger Tea Every Day

Ginger, in ginger tea, as a spice, or as a supplement, has long been used to soothe the stomach and calm nausea. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties.

1. Improved Digestion

Gingerol, a bioactive compound in ginger, helps food move out of the stomach and through the digestive system more efficiently. Food is less likely to stay in the gut long enough to cause problems.

Consuming ginger also helps reduce fermentation in the gut, constipation, and other factors that contribute to abdominal bloating and intestinal gas.

2. Reduced Nausea and Vomiting

Ginger can help relieve upset stomach, as well as nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, motion sickness, and pregnancy.

It’s generally safe in normal amounts during pregnancy. But ginger has an anticoagulant (blood-thinning) effect, so it’s a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider before adding daily ginger to your diet during pregnancy.

3. Less Inflammation

Ginger contains compounds such as 6-shogaol, zingerone, and 8-shogaol, which may help inhibit the inflammatory response associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis (an autoimmune skin condition), and other inflammatory diseases. It may also help control inflammation linked to ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and lupus.

4. Reduced Pain

Ginger may be as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen) for menstrual pain.

More rigorous studies are needed, but some research suggests that consuming ginger may also help ease pain due to premenstrual syndrome, migraine, knee osteoarthritis, and muscle soreness following exercise.

5. Weight Control

More research is needed, but one systematic review found that ginger may help promote weight loss through various mechanisms. These include inhibiting the absorption of intestinal fat, altering the body’s fat storage process, and controlling appetite.

6. Chronic Disease Prevention

Research suggests that consuming 2 to 4 grams of ginger per day may help lower the risk of developing certain chronic diseases, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and coronary heart disease.

Other studies indicate that ginger may also:

• Help protect against some types of cancer
• Improve cardiovascular disorders
• Help prevent or manage diabetes

What Are Ginger’s Potential Side Effects?

Most people won’t have side effects from a cup of ginger tea every day. Having more than 4 grams of ginger per day may cause or worsen problems such as:

• Gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea
• Acid reflux, heartburn
• Central nervous system depression, low blood pressure
• Preexisting bleeding conditions
• Arrhythmia
• Allergic reaction

Ginger may also interact with blood thinners, antiplatelet medications (drugs that help prevent blood clots), and oral hypoglycemic agents (drugs that lower blood sugar). Consult with your healthcare provider if you’re on chemotherapy, are pregnant, or before taking more than 4 grams per day in the form of food, drink, or supplements.

How Much Ginger Tea Is Too Much?

Researchers use different amounts and forms of ginger, including dietary supplements. Consequently, there are no specific guidelines on ginger dosing or form of administration as therapy for any health condition.

But it’s generally safe to have 3 to 4 grams of ginger every day, or 1 gram if you’re pregnant. A typical tea bag contains 1 to 2 grams of ginger.

If you’d like fresh ginger tea, it’s easy to make your own:

• Peel fresh ginger and cut crosswise into 1-inch slices, which equals approximately 2 grams.
• Put a slice in your teacup and fill with boiling water.
• Allow it to steep for at least 10 minutes.
• If the taste of ginger is too strong, feel free to add honey, lemon, or other flavors.