What are the benefits and drawbacks of drinking ginger water?
Nov 26, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, drinking ginger water can promote digestion, relieve dysmenorrhea, warm the middle jiao to stop vomiting, kill bacteria and disinfect, and aid in detoxification. However, it may also irritate the gastrointestinal tract, cause excessive internal heat (fire), nausea and vomiting, affect body balance, and exacerbate symptoms in individuals with yin deficiency constitution. In daily life, ginger water has both benefits and drawbacks. When consuming ginger water, the appropriate amount should be determined according to individual constitution and health status.
Generally, drinking ginger water can offer benefits such as promoting digestion, relieving dysmenorrhea, warming the middle jiao and stopping vomiting, sterilization and disinfection, and detoxification. However, it may also cause adverse effects such as gastrointestinal irritation, internal heat accumulation (heatiness), nausea and vomiting, disruption of body constitution balance, and exacerbation of Yin deficiency constitution. Detailed analysis is as follows:
I. Benefits
1. Promoting Digestion
The active ingredients contained in ginger can stimulate gastric juice secretion, thereby accelerating food digestion and effectively alleviating symptoms such as stomach discomfort, nausea, and vomiting.
2. Relieving Dysmenorrhea
Ginger water has a warm nature. Drinking it appropriately every day can accelerate blood circulation and thus reduce the occurrence of dysmenorrhea.
3. Warming the Middle Jiao and Stopping Vomiting
Ginger can warm the middle jiao and dispel cold, and can be used to treat symptoms such as epigastric cold pain and poor appetite caused by deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach. Moreover, ginger has good antiemetic effects and can effectively treat symptoms such as vomiting caused by cold stomach or phlegm-fluid retention.
4. Sterilization and Disinfection
Drinking ginger-infused water also has sterilizing and disinfecting properties. Consuming ginger water in moderation can help prevent bacterial and viral infections, eliminate viruses and bacteria, and significantly aid in disease prevention.
5. Detoxification
Ginger water can exert certain detoxifying effects against poisoning caused by foods such as fish and crab. Additionally, it helps promote blood circulation, relieve muscle stiffness and pain, and can assist in treating symptoms such as periodontitis and sore throat.
II. Drawbacks
1. Gastrointestinal Irritation
Ginger water is a spicy beverage. Long-term consumption may irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to symptoms such as abdominal distension, loss of appetite, acid reflux, and belching.
2. Inducing Heatiness
Excessive consumption of ginger water can increase internal heat. Individuals with a hot constitution or Yin deficiency with internal heat may experience symptoms such as sore throat, dry throat, and constipation if they consume excessive amounts.
3. Nausea and Vomiting
Long-term consumption of ginger water may significantly irritate the stomach, potentially causing symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
4. Disruption of Body Constitution Balance
Long-term consumption of ginger water might lead to accumulation of internal heat, resulting in symptoms such as cough with excessive phlegm, and may negatively affect the body's Yin-Yang balance.
5. Exacerbation of Yin Deficiency Constitution
Individuals with Yin deficiency and excessive fire may experience worsening symptoms such as night sweats, irritability, and insomnia after consuming ginger water, which is detrimental to health.
In daily life, drinking ginger water has both benefits and drawbacks. When consuming ginger water, it is important to adjust the amount according to individual constitution and health condition, avoiding adverse effects caused by excessive or long-term consumption. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor's advice for treatment.
