Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 171-179 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 171 Feature Review Open Access Ginger Tea: A Review of Its Anti-inflammatory Properties, Gastrointestinal Benefits, and Traditional Uses Yali Deng1, Baofu Huang2 1 Tropical Medicinal Plant Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China 2 Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author:baofu.huang@cuixi.org Medicinal Plant Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.3 doi: 10.5376/mpr.2024.14.0015 Received: 01 May, 2024 Accepted: 05 Jun., 2024 Published: 27 Jun., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Deng and Huang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Deng Y.L., and Huang B.F., 2024, Ginger tea: a review of its anti-inflammatory properties, gastrointestinal benefits, and traditional uses, Medicinal Plant Research, 14(3): 171-179 (doi: 10.5376/mpr.2024.14.0015) Abstract Ginger tea, as an herbal beverage with a long history, has been traditionally used in various cultures around the world. In recent years, as interest in the therapeutic effects of natural herbs has grown, ginger tea has attracted researchers' attention due to its potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties and promoting digestion. Particularly in modern medicine, ginger tea has been widely studied for its use in alleviating nausea, vomiting, and improving gastrointestinal health. This study comprehensively evaluates the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of ginger tea and its potential clinical applications, while also exploring its specific effects on gastrointestinal health, including relieving nausea and improving digestion. Furthermore, the study analyzes the traditional uses of ginger tea in different cultures and its potential applications in modern health products, filling the gap in the existing literature regarding systematic research on ginger tea. This study provides scientific support for the future development of natural health products based on ginger tea and broadens new perspectives for its applications in modern medicine. Keywords Ginger tea; Anti-inflammatory properties; Gastrointestinal benefits; Traditional medicine; Bioactive compounds 1 Introduction Ginger tea, derived from the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale, has been a staple in various cultures for centuries, celebrated not only for its distinctive pungent flavor but also for its extensive medicinal properties. Historically, ginger has been a cornerstone in traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Unani medicine, utilized to treat a myriad of ailments ranging from gastrointestinal disorders to inflammatory conditions (Srinivasan, 2017). The cultural significance of ginger tea extends beyond its medicinal uses, as it is also a popular beverage in many parts of the world, often consumed for its warming and soothing effects. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in herbal teas, driven by a growing preference for natural and holistic health remedies. This trend is particularly evident in the increasing number of scientific studies aimed at validating the health benefits of traditional herbal medicines, including ginger tea. Research has highlighted ginger's potential in providing gastrointestinal protection, anti-inflammatory effects, and even cancer prevention. The bioactive compounds in ginger, such as gingerols and shogaols, have been identified and studied for their pharmacological actions, further cementing ginger tea's place in modern phytotherapy (Pagano et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2020). This renewed focus underscores the importance of scientifically exploring and understanding the therapeutic potentials of herbal teas. This study comprehensively examines the anti-inflammatory properties, gastrointestinal benefits, and traditional uses of ginger tea. By organizing and analyzing data from various studies, the aim is to gain a detailed understanding of the mechanisms by which ginger tea exerts its health benefits. The significance of the research lies in its potential to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific evidence, thereby promoting the integration of ginger tea into contemporary health practices. In addition, this study emphasizes the safety of ginger tea, ensuring that its long-term use is both beneficial and risk-free.
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