Ginger and garlic are two common kitchen ingredients that have been used in traditional remedies for generations. One popular home preparation involves soaking pieces of fresh ginger and garlic in water overnight and drinking the infused water the following day.
The drink is sometimes promoted online as a natural remedy for several health conditions. However, it is important to separate traditional claims from what scientific research has actually established.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), ginger has been studied for several health purposes. Research suggests that ginger may help with certain types of nausea and may reduce the severity of menstrual cramps. However, most studies have examined ginger supplements rather than homemade ginger water, so these findings should not automatically be applied to an overnight infusion.
Garlic has also been investigated for its potential effects on health. Evidence suggests that some garlic supplements may produce modest reductions in total and LDL cholesterol among people with high cholesterol. Limited evidence also suggests that garlic preparations may slightly lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. However, these effects do not mean that garlic water can cure high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
What Conditions Are Sometimes Associated With Ginger and Garlic?
Some people consume ginger and garlic preparations as part of their diet while managing:
1. Nausea: Ginger has been studied for nausea, particularly nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy.
2. High cholesterol: Some garlic supplements may modestly reduce total and LDL cholesterol in people with elevated cholesterol.
3. High blood pressure: Some garlic preparations have shown a possible small blood-pressure-lowering effect, although the evidence is not strong enough to consider garlic a replacement for prescribed treatment.
4. Menstrual cramps: Research suggests ginger supplements may help reduce the severity of menstrual cramps in some women.
It is important to note that there is no good evidence that soaking ginger and garlic in cold water overnight cures these conditions. Much of the available research involves particular doses, extracts or supplements rather than homemade cold-water preparations.
Possible Side Effects
Natural does not always mean risk-free. Ginger can cause abdominal discomfort, heartburn, diarrhoea and irritation of the mouth or throat in some people. Garlic can cause bad breath, body odour, abdominal discomfort, heartburn and nausea.
Garlic supplements may also increase the risk of bleeding and can interact with some medicines. People taking blood-thinning medicines, including anticoagulants or aspirin, should speak with a healthcare professional before regularly taking large amounts of garlic for medicinal purposes.
Final Thoughts
Ginger and garlic can be valuable ingredients in a balanced diet, and research suggests that they may have certain health benefits. However, drinking ginger-and-garlic water should not be presented as a cure for diseases.
People who have hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, persistent pain or another diagnosed condition should not stop prescribed medication and replace it with a homemade herbal drink. Ginger and garlic may complement a healthy lifestyle, but they should not replace proper medical diagnosis and treatment.
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