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In terms of health uses, ginger is probably best known for being an anti-nausea hero during pregnancy or when recovering from a stomach bug.
But many people are also adding ginger shots to their regular health regimen in order to help in other areas.
Are there any benefits of ginger shots? What does it take to make them? Let’s discuss.
What are Ginger Shots?
Ginger shots are concentrated drinks that highlight ginger root juice as the primary ingredient. They can be made with a juicer or a high-powered blender, or even just by adding some grated ginger root to a small amount of juice or smoothie.
Besides ginger, the remaining ingredients depend on 1) what you want it to taste like and 2) what other benefits you’re hoping to squeeze into the recipe.
Can you just take a shot of plain ginger root juice? Sure. But it’s pretty strong, so many people like to add other things.
Some commonly used ingredients in ginger shots include:
- Orange juice
- Lemon juice
- Turmeric
- Cinnamon
- Manuka honey
- Carrot
- Spinach or kale
- Cayenne pepper
Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive so feel inspired to experiment. As long as ginger root juice is the main ingredient, you’re set.
Once you’re done making your blend, pour it into a shot glass or other small glass and enjoy. These are meant to go down the hatch in 1-2 swigs.
How to Make Ginger Shots
Sure, you can buy ginger shots at the store. But like any other premade items, there may also be things in there that you don’t necessarily want. For instance, added sugar, flavorings, or artificial colors, depending on the product. Not to mention, while store-bought ginger shots offer a convenience factor, they’re likely overpriced per serving.
Making ginger shots at home allows you control over what ingredients are in the final product. Plus, making them is super easy and you can make enough to provide multiple servings.
Here’s how to make a simple ginger shot.
Ginger Lemon Shot
Ingredients:
- 1-inch chunk of fresh ginger root, peeled and chopped
- 1 lemon, peeled, chopped, and de-seeded
- 1-2 pinches of turmeric
- Optional: pinch of cayenne
Directions:
Blend everything together in a high-speed blender or food processor. It will have texture to it, so straining it through a colander is optional. Otherwise, pour into 2 shot glasses. If you want to make more servings for the rest of the week, just double or triple the recipe.
Potential Downsides
If you don’t like ginger, you’re not going to like this drink seeing as that’s the main ingredient. Otherwise, consider whether you dislike it enough to forego the potential health benefits. Also, if you’re allergic to ginger, please don’t drink this.
In more seriousness, some studies have found that high doses of ginger may have blood-thinning effects. The research is mixed, but if you’re already taking blood-thinning medications – like Warfarin – it’s best to stay away from ginger shots as not to set yourself up for a food-drug interaction.
Benefits of Ginger Shots
Intrigued by the idea of shooting ginger root juice every morning? Here’s what you might get along with the sinus-clearing potency of the drink.
Immune support
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger may help support your immune health. Long-term inflammation is a major problem in Western culture. Left unmanaged, it’s attributed to a higher risk for numerous chronic conditions and illnesses. Regular consumption of ginger, such as with ginger shots, could potentially benefit your natural immune response.
Digestive support
There’s a reason why Ginger Ale is the poster child for nausea. While the sugary soda itself isn’t exactly a health food, there is evidence that ginger can relieve nausea and vomiting, and help soothe the digestive tract. For everyday digestive benefits, it may be worth giving a ginger shot a try.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support
Ginger is full of antioxidants, which are plant compounds that help protect your cells from free radical damage. Antioxidants also help your body keep inflammation under control. Some of the potent antioxidants found in ginger include gingerols, paradols, sesquiterpenes, shogaols, and zingerone.
Add other anti-inflammatory ingredients to your ginger shot to pack an extra punch, like turmeric.
Should You Try Ginger Shots?
What’s the final word on ginger shots? We’ve talked about some odd drinks, like oat water and banana peel tea, but ginger shots seem pretty harmless and may actually offer benefits.
Unless you really hate ginger or are on blood-thinning medications, I’d say why not give this food trend a try? I’m personally intrigued by the idea, although I’ll probably be in for a rude awakening when my ginger shot doesn’t taste like the Greens N’ Ginger smoothie I love so much from Jamba Juice.
Nonetheless, there don’t seem to be any big red flags to me. If you’re looking to support your digestion, immunity, and overall health, the occasional shot of ginger + whatever you like may be an easy way to reap these benefits.
Give it a try and let us know what you think!
