Key Takeaways
- Ginger shots can be a natural way to boost energy, alertness, mood, and well-being.
- The active compounds in ginger are linked to steadier energy, reduced inflammation, and better digestion.
- While ginger shots can complement your routine, they’re most effective when used along with balanced habits like nutrition, sleep, and stress management.
Ginger shots have become a popular alternative to coffee thanks to the quick, natural energy boost they deliver. Ginger root can have antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties, so concentrated shots might help improve alertness, mood, and overall well-being.
Melanie Curry / Verywell Mind
Why I Decided to Try Ginger Shots for Energy
Maybe it’s just me, but everyone and their mother is taking ginger shots. Some for detoxing (whatever that means), others for boosting their immune system. And I get it; ginger has many antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it a perfect antidote to the viruses that spread in the fall and winter seasons.
But what people *really* like about it, other than making them slightly impenetrable to the seasonal bug, is its influence on energy and mood.
Now, I’m a caffeine girl. I’ve been drinking coffee since I was 13 years old (yes, I know I have problems), and I routinely drink a minimum of 12 ounces a day. On the rare occasion when caffeine doesn’t enter my bloodstream, I feel sluggish, exhausted, and downright irritable. Safe to say, my body relies on caffeine for any energy and a positive mood.
So, when TikTok claimed that ginger shots are energy and mood boosters, perhaps even better than caffeinated drinks, I naturally had to try it out.
To do this experiment correctly, I tagged experts to get their thoughts on the relationship between natural antioxidants (like ginger!) and mood and energy levels.
The Many Benefits of Ginger
Depression, Anxiety, and Mood
We know ginger can boost your immune system but did you know it can also impact your mood? Ginger is a feel-good food that can positively help your mood. Why?
- Antioxidants: It has a bunch of antioxidants like gingerols, shogaol, and paradols that protect your body against free radicals and chronic inflammation.
- Reduced inflammation: Since depression is connected to inflammation, consuming foods rich in antioxidants (like ginger or turmeric) helps treat depression, says Alicia Bigelow, ND, a naturopathic physician, holistic therapist, and Verywell Mind review board member. Dr. Bigelow adds that ginger, other anti-inflammatory foods, and healthy fats like omega-3s, as well as vitamins B6, B12, and folate, can boost your mood.
- Reduced anxiety: As for anxiety, research shows that ginger is linked to anxiety treatment. Early animal studies reported a decrease in anxiety levels after consuming extracts of ginger. While it’s too early to tell how much ginger helps with anxiety, evidence shows there is a relationship between the two.
Energy Levels
To have energy means you need to “get restful sleep and maintain good nutrition and balanced blood sugar levels,” says Dr. Bigelow. “Simple carbohydrates, like sugary beverages or pastries, will lead to a glucose (blood sugar) spike and then a crash, which will lead us to feeling tired.”
This is where ginger comes in. It helps:
- Manage your blood sugar levels
- Boosts energy
- Reduces fatigue
It also is warming and dilates blood vessels, which can also help to make us feel brighter and more awake and alive.
My Experience With Daily Ginger Shots
Day 1: It was Saturday, so I already felt pretty well-rested and upbeat after sleeping in. I felt a little sluggish after breakfast (which is normal for me), so I took my first ginger shot around 11 a.m. I didn’t notice any initial effects, but as the day went by, I felt more refreshed and alert. Usually, even with coffee, I need to take a mini nap in the mid-afternoon. And while I still felt a bit sluggish and fatigued in the evening, it wasn’t as bad as usual.
Day 2: Like the first day, I woke up well-rested after sleeping in. This time, I upped my dosage and took one and a half shots instead of a single. I wanted to see if more ginger helped alleviate that mid-afternoon slump. And turns out I was right. I didn’t take a single nap—not even a quick one. My body was pretty alert all day, and I didn’t feel too wired to get a good night’s sleep.
Day 3: This is where things got complicated. Mondays are my worst day; I always feel tired, irritable, and anxious for the week ahead. I knew ginger would give me energy, but I didn’t expect to feel calm and less stressed. Nor did I expect a wave of productivity and concentration. The effects weren’t immediate, of course, but I felt like I had a mini caffeine kick. My attention span didn’t waver, and I was able to hunker down and complete my many tasks.
Day 4 and Day 5: Tuesday and Wednesday were the same—I was energized, alert, and ready to work after drinking my one-and-a-half ginger shots. Three to four days without coffee usually gives me caffeine withdrawal, but I didn’t feel any brain fog or restlessness. Though ginger doesn’t contain caffeine, according to Dr. Bigelow, it can boost energy similarly to coffee or an energy drink.
After five days of forgoing coffee for ginger, I definitely see the appeal of a daily ginger shot. Ginger shots have all the benefits of caffeine (increased energy, positive mood, etc.) without the side effects like restlessness and insomnia.
Should You Drink Ginger Shots for Energy?
I’m not a licensed practitioner, so I can’t say whether you should take ginger shots. That said, if you do have low energy levels or a less-than-positive mood, drinking ginger can help. But it’s not the only organic ingredient that can help increase your energy. There are also other natural and organic ways to feel more alert and rejuvenated.
One way, according to Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS, a licensed psychologist and Verywell Mind review board member, is by taking care of your health. That means eating a balanced diet, getting good quality sleep, staying hydrated, etc.
“If any of them are lacking, we start feeling it in many ways, including decreased energy,” she says. “Further, in terms of our diet, we also need to be eating regularly throughout the day, so if you are skipping meals, you may feel a decrease in energy.”
Dr. Bigelow echoes this statement, saying that a rainbow diet is particularly important when it comes to energy and overall mood. “Eating foods with a variety of colors will help to ensure that you are getting many of the nutrients needed to have good mental health,” she adds. “A lot of the compounds that give fruits and vegetables their color are also good for mental health. Think about the bright yellow of turmeric—it’s anti-inflammatory.”
Potential Side Effects and Risks
While ginger shots might be a natural way to get more energy, that doesn’t mean they don’t have some potential drawbacks. In most cases, they are considered safe when used by healthy people in moderate amounts. However, research does suggest that large doses may lead to unpleasant side effects, including:
- Allergic reactions
- Stomach upset
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Throat and mouth irritation
Certain groups should use caution before consuming ginger. Talk to your doctor if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding: Some research suggests that people who are approaching labor or who have a history of pregnancy loss or vaginal bleeding during pregnancy should avoid ginger.
- You are taking a blood thinner: Ginger can have blood-thinning effects, so you should also avoid ginger shots if you are taking a blood thinner like warfarin.
- You have diabetes: It can also increase your risk of experiencing low blood sugar if you have diabetes.
Should You Drink Ginger Shots to Boost Your Mood?
While ginger shots do help with your mood, it’s important to consider why your mood is off in the first place.
- Is your diet balanced?
- Are you getting enough water and sleep?
- How often are you exercising?
If you’re taking care of your health but still find your mood down, Dr. Goldman suggests considering what events or circumstances in your life may be affecting your mood.
“Most of the time, something is going on in their life that is impacting their mood and energy, such as a recent stressor,” she says. “Our mind and body are always giving us messages. If something feels off, take some time to think about what the potential cause could be. It could be that you are constantly on the go and need to slow down.”
We often ignore messages our bodies give us, which is why regular check-ins are important.
A great way to check in with yourself is by examining all your feelings and journaling them or practicing a body scan meditation to help you release pent-up tension. A check-in can also look like self-care activities such as exercising or getting out in nature.
Get Around and Move
In addition to checking in with yourself, get up and dance. Movement is a great way to feel better. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but it works! Dr. Goldman says that movement, including yoga and ecstatic dance, have mood and energy benefits.
“Walking, jogging, strength training, and yoga have all been shown to be effective for treating depression,” adds Dr. Bigelow.
And if you don’t like exercising (which is fair!), there are other ways to boost your mood, says Dr. Goldman. She recommends the following activities:
- Participating in joyful movement
- Getting outside and being in nature
- Getting some sun
- Listening to your favorite artists
- Dancing alone or with friends
- Chatting with a loved one
- Smile (even if you have to force it)
- Practicing gratitude
- Saying something kind to yourself
As always, if you notice a sudden or recent change in your mood (and energy levels), Dr. Goldman recommends following up with a doctor or healthcare professional. Something deeper may be going on and a licensed physician can help.
So, will I swap my daily cup of joe for an energy shot? Um…sorry, but no. I love (the taste of) coffee too much to ever give it up. That said, I do think ginger shots are a suitable replacement for caffeine. They increase your energy just like coffee, and unlike our favorite latte or cappuccino, a ginger shot doesn’t give you that dreaded crash at the end of the day.
Other Ways to Get Ginger
You might also consider other ways to incorporate the benefits of ginger into your daily routine.
- Ginger tea
- Smoothies
- Ginger chews
- Ginger water
- Add it to savory dishes like stir-fries and soups
- Candied ginger
- Pickled ginger
- Ginger paste
- Supplements
Always talk to your doctor before taking supplements to minimize the risks of unwanted side effects or interactions.
Even if you’re not a caffeine drinker like moi, you can still drink ginger shots for their mood-boosting effects and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Check with your healthcare provider to see if adding ginger to your daily routine is right for you.
