How Much Ginger Should I Take Daily?

Dr Liz Isenring
5 min readNov 29, 2021

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Consuming raw ginger may not seem appealing, but it can be very beneficial.

The herb ginger, or Zingiber officinale as it is technically called, has been used as a food and medicine for centuries and is still the most often recommended treatment for motion and morning sickness.

There are over 100 active components in this fantastic root, widely used as a spice and an herb, and they all have different functions in your body. On the other hand, raw ginger enables you to get the benefits of its therapeutic properties far more rapidly. It is accessible in various forms, including dry powder, crystallized powder, capsules, and extract.

Recommended Amount

The quantity of ginger you should take varies based on the purpose of ingesting the spice. The amount of beneficial components in ginger also varies depending on the species, where it was grown, and processed. Ginger has aided in alleviating arthritis-related joint pain and inflammation. You can consume up to 3–4 grams of fresh ginger each day in three separate dosages. You can also use ginger in tea, up to a total of four cups per day. We have researched how a standardized extract of ginger helps during nausea and typically recommend 1g standardized ginger a day (or 250mg a few times a day). The advantage of a standardized ginger supplement is that you know how much you are getting each time to have more consistent relief of symptoms.

Some of the beneficial chemicals in ginger include potent anti-inflammatory phenols known as gingerols and shogaols, which have an intense flavor.

Ginger has anti-inflammatory effects, and it has been shown to inhibit the production of inflammatory chemicals known as leukotrienes by the body. It has the potential to be more successful than both over-the-counter and prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.

Health Benefits of Ginger

  • Cures Nausea

If you’ve ever consumed ginger ale or ginger tea to relieve an upset stomach, you’re undoubtedly aware that ginger may assist in alleviating stomach discomfort. Of all the claims circulating about ginger, this is the most supported by scientific evidence, especially regarding nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy. Medical data from randomized controlled studies show that ginger teas and ginger capsules are more effective than placebo in alleviating nausea and vomiting during pregnancy with almost no harm to the mother-to-be or her unborn child.

Ginger may also benefit individuals suffering from nausea due to chemotherapy, mainly when combined with other conventional medicines. We showed that participants reported substantially reduced nausea and had a better quality of life than those taking a placebo by taking ginger capsules the day before chemotherapy and for several days following chemotherapy.

  • Makes You Look Younger

You’ve undoubtedly noticed the term “antioxidant” written all over the packaging of your favorite high-end face creams — and for a good reason. A study suggests that antioxidants may help protect the skin against free radical damage (which can be caused by things in the environment like pollution and UV radiation), which can speed up the breakdown of collagen and cause damage to the skin. However, this research is still in its early stages. Ginger’s antioxidant content may aid in the maintenance of your skin’s collagen synthesis, which improves skin suppleness and smoothness by promoting the creation of collagen.

  • Helps In Digestion

Because ginger relieves nausea and vomiting, “food babies” don’t have to last as long as they otherwise would. A cup of ginger tea may assist your stomach in emptying quicker, ensuring that food doesn’t simply stay there after an extravagant meal after it has been consumed. Furthermore, it will help in calming your stomach and preventing bloating and gas formation.

  • Reduces Bad Cholesterol

Ginger may help reduce LDL cholesterol levels which can lessen your risk of heart disease and other health problems. Recent research confirmed similar results, showing that taking 5g of ginger powder (approximately a teaspoon in divided doses over the day) had substantially more significant reductions in triglycerides and cholesterol than the placebo group.

  • Keeps The Germs Away

Ginger has the potential to destroy harmful germs and viruses that are present. Specific chemical components found in ginger may be able to prevent pathogens from infiltrating the body. They are also effective in inhibiting the development of bacteria such as E. coli and Shigella and keeping viruses such as RSV from entering the system. It’s best to take ginger daily to get all of these advantages.

Is Ginger Always Good For Health?

There’s nothing like a steaming cup of ginger tea accompanied with delectable fritters or tea cakes when it comes to comfort food. Whatever method you choose to prepare your ginger tea, whether with or without milk, will always be the most acceptable option when you want to relax and revitalize your body. Every sip has a delicious combination of flavors that is nothing short of a healing potion.

The advantages of this miracle herb, applied in various medications and home cures, have been well-documented for centuries. Ginger has a wide range of applications, from treating colds and coughs to treating multiple digestive disorders. It is very effective in healing a wide range of illnesses.

As more and more people transition to healthier alternatives, ginger tea has emerged as a popular beverage among dieters and health-conscious individuals. Despite the many health advantages of ginger tea, various studies suggest that drinking it regularly at a certain point is bad for health; despite numerous health, some people may experience minor side effects such as heartburn or even diarrhea.

Regarding motion sickness, ginger is either as effective as or more effective than dimenhydrinate, a commonly prescribed drug for the condition. It is advisable to take ginger for 1 to 2 days before a trip where motion sickness may be a problem and continue consuming ginger during the journey.

In contrast to other nausea medicines, ginger does not make you sleepy or lead you to fall asleep throughout the day.

Some individuals may have minor adverse effects from consuming ginger roots, such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, heartburn, or gas. Other people may experience severe adverse effects, such as vomiting. Ginger may also increase the risk of bleeding because of its impact on platelets, but this appears to be uncommon and not well documented.

If you are susceptible to side effects from raw ginger, you may find comfort by taking ginger supplements, drinking ginger tea, or sprinkling ginger powder over your food. Remember to discuss with your doctor, pharmacist, and dietitian and always report any supplements you may be taking to your health care professionals.

Conclusion

Ginger is an extraordinary herb that has plenty of advantages. Excess of anything is wrong. If you overdo anything, you are more likely to get harm from it, and so is the case with ginger. Different people might react differently to varying doses of ginger, but it’s a best practice to consume ginger not more than 4 grams per day unless prescribed by your doctor.

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Dr Liz Isenring
Dr Liz Isenring

Written by Dr Liz Isenring

​Dr Liz empowers you to Be Healthy via the power of nutrition. She is an Adjunct Honorary Professor and author of over 150 peer-reviewed scientific papers.