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Ginger water can be easily made at home and is a convenient way of consuming ginger for its potential health benefits.
People have used ginger for thousands of years, as both a flavoring in foods and a natural remedy, to treat a variety of conditions, such as pain and nausea.
In this article, we examine the potential benefits and risks of ginger, and some of the scientific evidence for these, as well as how to make ginger water at home.

Although there are studies that support the potential health benefits of ginger, there is limited research on drinking ginger water specifically. Most studies do not indicate whether the participants took ginger in capsule form, added it to food, or drank it as ginger water or tea.
However, ginger and ginger water may be helpful for the following conditions:
Pain
Ginger water may help decrease some types of pain. In a
Nausea
People have long used ginger as a herbal treatment for nausea. In a
Cholesterol levels
However, more research is needed to determine if ginger would have the same effects on cholesterol levels in humans.
Blood sugar control
Ginger water may help control fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
In one
Weight loss
In another
Although the study was small, and additional studies are necessary, it suggests that ginger water might have a role in weight management.
Drinking ginger water appears to be safe for most people. However, there may be some situations when it is best to consult a doctor first.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there are some
People who drink ginger water in excess may experience mild side effects, including:
- stillbirth
- preterm birth
- birth malformations
- a low Apgar (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration in newborns) score
However, although no studies have concluded that ginger causes harm in pregnancy, it is still best to talk with a doctor before drinking ginger water while pregnant.
Ginger water is available as herbal water, tea, and juice. It can be drunk either hot or cold. People can buy any of these products online.
Alternatively, a person can make ginger water at home. The best way to make it is by using fresh ginger root, which people can find in grocery stores in the fresh produce section.
A common way to make ginger water is as follows:
- grate 1.5 teaspoons of fresh ginger
- boil 4 cups of water
- add the ginger to the water
- remove the water from the stove
- allow the ginger to steep for about 5 to 10 minutes
- strain the liquid to remove ginger pieces
- allow the water to cool enough to drink or place in the refrigerator and drink cold
Ginger has a strong taste. For some people, adding a flavoring, such as honey or lemon, may improve the taste.
Research is not conclusive that drinking ginger water improves a person’s health. However, limited studies do show some possible benefits. Since drinking ginger water appears to have few risks for most people, it may be worth a try. It may also encourage drinking more water, which is a good way to stay well hydrated.
It is relatively easy to make ginger water at home. As with all health supplements or remedies, it is best to talk with a doctor before trying ginger water.