More than just a spice: Ginger is the medicinal plant of the year 2026.
Warm, spicy, pleasantly hot: For many, ginger has long been a staple in the kitchen as a spice, or, as a tea or shot, a cherished ritual for well-being. But there's far more to its characteristic flavor than just tradition.
In this article, you'll learn what makes ginger's effects so special: from its traditional uses and key ingredients to the latest scientific findings. We'll also show you how to effectively incorporate ginger's benefits into your daily life.
Table of contents
The most important points in brief
Bioactive pungent compounds: Gingerols and shogaols characterize the investigated effects of ginger.
Research focus: Ginger's effects on nausea, digestion, joint health and metabolism
The form of administration is crucial: Fresh ginger, tea, and shots often deliver lower amounts of active ingredients than standardized ginger capsules.
What is behind the effects of ginger?
Ginger contains a variety of compounds that give it its pungent aroma and versatility. The most important phytochemicals are:
- Gingerols are phenolic compounds found primarily in fresh ginger. The best-known is 6-gingerol, which makes up the majority of gingerols.
- Shogaols are formed when ginger is dried or heated, are even hotter than gingerols and are perceived as particularly intense.
The interplay of these ingredients is what makes ginger's diverse effects possible. However, it is not only crucial that these substances are present, but also the quantity and form in which they are ingested.
Our recommendation
What exactly makes ginger the plant of the year?
This award is based, among other things, on the latest assessments by the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA). This committee has officially confirmed the use of ginger for certain indications.
Two key areas of ginger's effects are of particular interest: In adults and children six years and older, ginger can help prevent nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness . Furthermore, ginger is used as a supportive treatment for mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating or a feeling of fullness (1).
Ginger's effects under scrutiny: What does science say?
The effects of ginger have a history spanning over 3,000 years. Originally from Southeast Asia, people have used ginger for millennia not only to season food, but above all as a medicinal remedy.
Traditional uses of ginger:
Promoting digestion
Respiratory support
Relief of explanatory symptoms
Strengthening energy and vitality (2)
Today, numerous studies are investigating the ingredients of the root in order to better understand the effects of ginger and to clarify which effects can be observed under certain conditions.
Ginger's effects on digestion and the gastrointestinal tract
One of the best-known uses of ginger is to support digestion. Its pungent components, especially gingerols, can promote the motility of the gastrointestinal tract.
Therefore, ginger can be helpful in cases of bloating, sluggish digestion or mild intestinal disorders and can improve general well-being in the digestive area (3).
Ginger for nausea: Research findings & official recognition
The effects of ginger are increasingly being scientifically investigated and officially recognized. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) confirms the use of ginger for the prevention of motion sickness in adults and children aged six and older.
Furthermore, studies suggest that ginger may help reduce nausea during pregnancy or after surgery (4).
Inflammation & oxidative stress: What role does ginger play?
Studies show that ginger extracts can modulate the activity of certain enzymes and signaling molecules involved in inflammation. This is particularly relevant because chronic, low-grade inflammation is linked to numerous lifestyle diseases , from cardiovascular disease to diabetes.
Furthermore, the study investigates the extent to which ginger's antioxidants can contribute to reducing oxidative stress and the underlying mechanisms. Antioxidants can neutralize so-called free radicals. These are molecules that are produced by metabolic processes or environmental pollution and can potentially damage cells (5).
Ginger's effect on joints & mobility
The findings on the effects of ginger on joint health are particularly interesting (6). Several clinical studies have investigated the effects of ginger extract in people with osteoarthritis symptoms.
The results suggest that regular intake of standardized ginger extract may be associated with an improvement in joint problems (7).
Metabolism & Blood Sugar: Insights into the Effects of Ginger
Another research focus is on the influence of ginger on metabolic processes. Initial studies suggest that gingerols and shagaols may affect insulin sensitivity , which is reflected in altered fasting blood glucose levels in some studies of type 2 diabetics.
Furthermore, research is being conducted on how the pungent ingredients can affect thermogenesis, i.e., the production of heat in the body, which could theoretically slightly increase energy consumption (5).
Comparison of different dosage forms: How do they affect the effects of ginger?
Ginger is one of the most versatile plants, used both in cooking and in everyday life. Depending on how it is prepared, its taste, shelf life, and content of active ingredients vary, and therefore so does how the body can absorb these ingredients and how strong the effects of ginger will be.
- Fresh ginger root : Versatile in the kitchen, intense flavor
- Dried ginger : Longer shelf life, higher shogaol content due to the drying process.
- Ginger powder : Practical for seasoning, however, the active ingredient content varies.
- Ginger tea : Soothing and warming, especially popular in the cold season.
- Ginger shots : A trendy drink for a quick pick-me-up in the morning.
- Candied ginger : Sweet and aromatic, ideal as a snack or in desserts
- Ginger capsules : Standardized extracts with a defined active ingredient content
Ginger tea & ginger shots: How much of the benefits of ginger are actually in them?
Ginger shots and ginger tea have been experiencing a real boom for years. They are considered healthy, natural, and perfect for everyday life. But how effective is the actual effect of ginger in these forms?
Ginger tea: Soothing, but often low in dosage
Ginger tea is especially popular during the cold season. A few slices of fresh ginger steeped in hot water and you have what is supposedly a miracle cure for colds.
The reality:
- For each cup of ginger tea (with 3-5 thin slices), approximately 2-4 g of fresh ginger end up in the water.
- Many commercially available ginger teas contain dried ginger, which often provides even fewer gingerols than fresh slices.
- Only a small portion of the active ingredients transfers into the water when pouring.
Ginger tea can have a warming effect, help with mild nausea, and promote general well-being. However, those who want to specifically benefit from the therapeutic effects of ginger need a higher and, above all, consistent intake of the active ingredient, for example, through high-quality ginger capsules .
Ginger Shots:
A typical ginger shot is often homemade and consists of freshly pureed ginger, frequently combined with lemon, turmeric, or honey. The idea: a concentrated dose of ginger in a small serving that can be drunk quickly and is immediately effective.
The reality:
- An average ginger shot (30-50 ml) contains about 5-10 g of fresh ginger.
- This quantity contains a large amount of harsh substances that can cause unwanted side effects.
The intense spiciness can cause side effects in sensitive individuals, such as stomach irritation, heartburn, or an unpleasant burning sensation in the digestive tract, especially on an empty stomach. While a morning ginger shot may be refreshing and provide a good feeling, it is usually insufficient for ginger to have a therapeutically relevant effect.
Why ginger capsules are more effective than ginger shots and tea
Ginger tea and ginger shots are popular classics when it comes to consuming this root. However, they often reach their limits when it comes to achieving a targeted therapeutic effect from ginger.
This is where standardized ginger capsules come into play: They deliver exactly what fresh ginger, shots and teas often lack from a scientific point of view – a consistently high dose of the active ingredients in a well-tolerated form for therapeutically relevant ginger effects.
Benefits of high-quality ginger capsules:
Consistent amount of active ingredient ▼
High-quality ginger capsules contain standardized extracts with a defined gingerol and shogaol content. This means that each capsule delivers the same amount of active ingredients – regardless of harvesting conditions, storage, or processing.
In contrast, the gingerol content in fresh ginger varies considerably. Depending on the variety, growing region, and ripeness, the active ingredient content can vary tenfold. Standardized extracts eliminate this uncertainty, ensuring a reliably consistent effect from ginger.
Evidence-based dosing with improved tolerability ▼
Most scientific studies that have shown positive effects of ginger on joint pain or inflammatory processes used standardized daily amounts. This exact dosage can be reliably achieved with high-quality capsules.
At the same time, typical problems that fresh ginger can bring are eliminated:
- Reduced stomach irritation: Capsules with an enteric coating release the active ingredients only in the intestine, which is significantly gentler on the stomach than the direct spiciness of fresh ginger.
- No intense flavor: Ideal for people who find ginger too spicy or who don't like the taste.
- Lower risk of heartburn: While fresh ginger often triggers heartburn in sensitive individuals, this happens significantly less frequently with capsules.
Practical application for everyday use ▼
Taking it is simple: Take 1 to 2 capsules daily with a glass of water. No preparation, no cutting, no brewing. Standardized capsules can be easily integrated into your daily routine, whether at home or on the go, for optimal ginger benefits.
For whom are ginger capsules beneficial?
Ginger capsules are a practical solution for anyone who wants to regularly and effortlessly benefit from the therapeutic advantages of ginger.
Ginger capsules are especially suitable for you if you:
- If you have a sensitive stomach and fresh ginger is often too spicy for you.
- If you are prone to nausea, e.g. when traveling
- If you want to specifically support your joints
- suffer from chronic inflammation
- you want to improve your overall well-being
- you want to specifically strengthen your immune system
- looking for a simple solution for everyday life
Our recommendation
Advantages at a glance:
- Highly concentrated liquid organic ginger extract with 53 mg gingerols & shogaols
- The pungent compound content is comparable to 18 g of fresh ginger per daily dose.
- Over 300 secondary plant compounds including essential oils
- With organic rosemary, organic olive oil & sunflower lecithin for optimal absorption
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.