Ginger and turmeric are two spices that come from the same plant family (Zingiberaceae). They’ve historically been used as herbal medicines.

Ginger is known for improving nausea, vomiting, and pain associated with osteoarthritis and for controlling blood sugar. Turmeric is commonly used for digestive health, respiratory infections, and arthritis pain.

One study found that combining ginger and turmeric may help reduce inflammation and pain, boost immunity, and protect against chronic disease.

You can add turmeric and ginger shots to your diet by putting them in smoothies, diluting them with water, or drinking them on their own.

Antioxidants are chemicals that can prevent oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when there are more free radicals in your body than antioxidants. Free radicals are unstable molecules in your body with at least one unpaired electron.

Over time, oxidative stress may lead to developing diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

Ginger and turmeric contain compounds with strong antioxidant properties, like gingerol, shogaol, and curcumin. Studies suggest that these spices may offer greater antioxidant potential when combined.

Inflammation is a normal part of the healing process, but long-term inflammation (chronic inflammation) is associated with several health conditions, including:

• Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis
• Depression
• Type 2 diabetes
• Parkinson’s disease
• Certain types of cancer
• High blood pressure and heart disease
• Gastrointestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

The antioxidants in ginger and turmeric have strong anti-inflammatory properties that may prevent chronic inflammation.

An animal cell study found that shogaols (from ginger) and curcumin (from turmeric) were the key compounds that helped reduce inflammation. However, more research is needed to determine whether these effects are seen in humans.

Ginger and turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects may keep your immune system healthy.

Ginger and curcumin—the main compound in turmeric—also have powerful antimicrobial properties. This means they can help kill and prevent bacteria from growing. Both have been used for years as natural remedies for colds.

Preliminary data suggests ginger extracts may help prevent colds, soothe a sore throat, and reduce congestion. Curcumin may affect white blood cells and help strengthen your natural immune defenses.

Most ginger and curcumin shots contain oranges, which provide immunity-boosting vitamin C.

Ginger and turmeric’s anti-inflammatory effect can help reduce pain caused by inflammation.

A study of 60 people with knee osteoarthritis compared the effects of turmeric extract, black pepper, and ginger to Aleve (naproxen). Researchers found that the herbal combination was as effective as Aleve in reducing pain and inflammation when taken two times a day for four weeks.

Ginger has been used for years to treat nausea from chemotherapy, morning sickness, surgery, and motion sickness. This may be due to compounds in ginger, like gingerols and shogaols, which help your stomach empty faster and improve digestion.

Turmeric may help with acid reflux. One study found that curcumin could be as effective as Prilosec (omeprazole), a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat the condition.

 However, consuming ginger and turmeric shots with large amounts of turmeric may worsen nausea.

Ginger and turmeric shots may help improve heart health by lowering inflammation, which is strongly associated with heart disease.

One study found that consuming 2-4 grams of fresh ginger daily may help reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease. High blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for heart disease.

Another observational study found that people who consumed turmeric had a significantly lower risk of dying from heart disease. Turmeric may help prevent or slow down atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries). As plaque accumulates, the arteries narrow, which reduces blood flow and can lead to chest pain or a heart attack.

Emerging evidence suggests that ginger may help with weight loss. A review of randomized controlled trials found that taking 2 grams of ginger supplements daily for over eight weeks was most effective for weight loss. This is a much more concentrated dose than what turmeric and ginger shots commonly contain.

Test tube and animal studies suggest that curcumin may support weight loss in several ways. It can cause developing fat cells to die and prevent new fat cells from forming. Curcumin may also boost your metabolism and improve insulin resistance. More human studies are needed to determine its effectiveness.

Making your own turmeric and ginger shots at home is simple. You’ll need a blender, a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer, and small glass bottles, plus the following ingredients:

• Fresh ginger
• Turmeric root
• Black pepper
• An orange (optional)
• Water

Once you have all your ingredients, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Chop the ginger and turmeric into 1-2 inch pieces and peel your orange. While optional, the orange adds a touch of sweetness and a boost of vitamin C. A pinch of black pepper may help improve nutrient absorption.
• Step 2: Add all ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth. Add more or less water until you have your desired consistency.
• Step 3: Strain the juice using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any remaining pulp. Press lightly on the pulp to extract the juice.
• Step 4: Pour the juice into small glass bottles. Store them in the fridge for up to five days.

Turmeric and ginger shots are generally considered safe when taken in moderation. However, because they have blood-thinning properties, taking large doses of these spices with blood-thinning medications may increase the risk of bleeding.

If you take medications to lower blood sugar, you should talk with a healthcare provider before consuming concentrated doses. Turmeric and ginger may lower blood sugar.

High doses of turmeric and ginger may also increase the risk of digestive discomfort, including heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea.

Ginger and turmeric are popular spices that may help with inflammation, immunity, and pain.

Some studies suggest that the compounds in these two may work together to improve their overall health benefits. More human studies are needed to confirm these effects.

Ginger and turmeric shots are usually safe in moderation, but they can interact with blood thinners and blood-sugar-lowering medications. Talk to your healthcare provider before adding them to your routine.