Lemon ginger tea for pregnancy

Health Benefits, Nutrients per Serving, Preparation Information, and More

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on November 17, 2020

Health Benefits

Lemon ginger tea offers the following health benefits:

Relief from Nausea

People have used ginger to treat gastrointestinal (stomach-related) complaints since ancient times, and it has been used to give relief for nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. Clinical studies have shown that ginger in its many forms — including lemon ginger tea — is an effective treatment for nausea and vomiting — even resulting from pregnancy and chemotherapy.

Weight Loss

Lemon ginger tea can also help you lose weight. Lemon has been shown to reduce insulin resistance, helping to reduce the amount of fat stored in the body. Ginger has been shown to reduce hunger, which can help people lose weight.

Improved Immunity

Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which both have immunity-boosting properties. Ginger also has immunity-boosting properties and can guard against some bacteria.

Protection from Some C ancers

Ginger is believed to reduce the risk of some cancers.

Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular and Liver Disease

Lemon and ginger contain components that are also believed to help reduce risks associated with cardiovascular disease and liver disease.

Pain Relief

Lemon ginger tea can help reduce pain associated with inflammation, arthritis, and even headaches. Some people enjoy drinking a cup of lemon ginger tea to relieve muscle soreness after a good workout, or for relief from menstrual pain.

Nutrition

Lemon and ginger are normally good sources of vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, vitamin B-6, magnesium, and potassium. However, dehydrating and boiling the ingredients tend to remove these nutrients, leaving only small amounts in the final tea.

Nutrients per Serving

An 8 ounce serving of unsweetened caffeine-free lemon ginger tea contains:

Calories: 0
Total Fat: 0 grams
Sodium: 0 milligrams
Total Carbohydrates: 0 grams
Sugars: 0
Proteins: 0 grams

These amounts may vary by brand. It’s common to add other ingredients such as milk, cream, or a sweetener to lemon ginger tea, and these ingredients may change the tea’s nutritional content.

Possible Side Effects

Both lemon and ginger are recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as “generally safe.” However, ginger can cause some blood thinning, so you should check with your doctor before taking it if you are using medication like warfarin or other blood thinners.

How to Prepare Lemon Ginger Tea

You can find lemon ginger tea at many grocery stores. Most often, you can prepare it from tea bags or from tea mixes. However, if you’d like to get the maximum benefit and flavor, you can prepare your own lemon ginger tea using these fresh ingredients and this method:

1-inch length of fresh ginger
1 lemon
4 cups boiling water

Slice a 1-inch length of fresh ginger, as finely as you can. Alternatively, you can also grate the ginger.
Add the ginger to boiling water. Allow it to boil for 20 minutes.
Slice 1 lemon into fine slices. Reserve a few lemon slices to use as a garnish.
Add the lemon slices, and allow the mix to simmer for another 5 minutes.
Strain and drink this tea throughout the day. Garnish each cup with one of the reserved lemon slices. It’s great hot or cold!

Ginger Tea in Pregnancy: Benefits, Safety, and Directions

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Ginger tea is made by steeping fresh or dried ginger root in hot water.

It’s thought to help relieve nausea and vomiting and may be an effective remedy for morning sickness associated with pregnancy.

However, you may wonder whether drinking ginger tea is safe for expecting mothers.

This article examines ginger tea’s ability to relieve pregnancy-induced nausea, suggested amounts, possible side effects, and how to make it.

Up to 80% of women experience nausea and vomiting, also known as morning sickness, in their first trimester of pregnancy (1).

Fortunately, ginger root contains a variety of plant compounds that may help with some of the discomforts of pregnancy (2).

Specifically, two types of compounds in ginger — gingerols and shogaols — are thought to act on receptors in the digestive system and speed stomach emptying, which in turn may help reduce feelings of nausea (1, 2, 3).

Gingerols are present in large amounts in raw ginger, while shogaols are more abundant in dried ginger.

This means that ginger tea made from either fresh or dried ginger may contain compounds with anti-nausea effects and be suitable for treating nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

What’s more, ginger has been shown to help relieve pain from uterine cramping, which many pregnant women experience in the first trimester (4).

However, no studies have analyzed ginger’s effects on cramps in pregnant women specifically.

summary
Two compounds in ginger help increase stomach emptying and reduce feelings of nausea, suggesting that ginger tea may help relieve morning sickness.

Most studies analyzing ginger’s ability to relieve morning sickness have used ginger capsules (5).

However, their results still highlight the possible benefits of ginger tea, as 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of grated ginger root steeped in water can provide the same amount of ginger as a 1,000-mg supplement (6).

One study in 67 pregnant women found that those who consumed 1,000 mg of ginger in capsule form daily for 4 days experienced significantly less nausea and vomiting episodes than those who received a placebo (7).

Additionally, an analysis of six studies found that women who took ginger in early pregnancy were five times more likely to experience improvements in nausea and vomiting than those who took a placebo (8).

These collective results suggest that ginger tea may help women with morning sickness, especially during the first trimester.

Summary
While no studies have analyzed the effectiveness of ginger tea in pregnancy, research on ginger supplements suggests it helps reduce episodes of nausea and vomiting.

Ginger tea is generally considered safe for pregnant women, at least in reasonable amounts.

While there is no standardized dose for nausea relief in pregnancy, research suggests that up to 1 gram (1,000 mg) of ginger per day is safe (9).

This equates to 4 cups (950 ml) of packaged ginger tea, or homemade ginger tea made from 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of grated ginger root steeped in water (6).

Studies have found no associations between taking ginger during pregnancy and an increased risk of preterm birth, stillbirth, low birth weight, or other complications (1, 9).

However, some evidence suggests that ginger tea should not be consumed close to labor, as ginger may increase the risk of bleeding. Pregnant women with a history of miscarriages, vaginal bleeding, or blood clotting issues should also avoid ginger products (10).

Finally, frequently drinking large amounts of ginger tea may lead to unpleasant side effects in some individuals. These include heartburn, gas, and belching (1).

If you experience these symptoms while drinking ginger tea, you may want to cut back on the amount you drink.

summary
Up to 1 gram of ginger per day, or 4 cups (950 ml) of ginger tea, appears to be safe for pregnant women. However, women close to labor and those with a history of bleeding or miscarriages should avoid ginger tea.

You can use dried or fresh ginger to make ginger tea at home.

After steeping 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of sliced or grated raw ginger root in hot water, take a sip of the tea to determine whether the strength of the ginger flavor suits your preference. Simply add water to dilute the tea if you find it too strong.

Alternatively, you can pour hot water over a dried ginger teabag and let it sit for a few minutes before drinking.

Be sure to sip ginger tea slowly so that you don’t consume it too quickly and feel more nauseous.

summary
You can make ginger tea by steeping freshly grated or dried ginger in hot water.

Ginger has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting.

As such, drinking ginger tea may help relieve morning sickness during pregnancy. It’s generally considered safe to drink up to 4 cups (950 ml) of ginger tea per day while pregnant.

However, ginger tea should not be consumed close to labor, as it may increase the risk of bleeding. It may likewise be unsafe for women with a history of bleeding or miscarriages.

If you want to try ginger tea to alleviate your nausea symptoms during pregnancy but don’t have fresh ginger on hand, you can find dried ginger tea in stores and online.

Is it possible to use, benefits and harms, basic rules for use

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Features of the use of ginger during pregnancy

Chemical and vitamin composition of ginger
Is it possible to use ginger during pregnancy
Early
2nd trimester
Late term
Basic rules for the use of
What can be combined with
Contraindications for the use of

Garden
Ginger
The benefits and harms of ginger
Features of the use of ginger during pregnancy

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During pregnancy, the expectant mother is responsible not only for her health, but also for the fetus that develops inside her. Not all products can be useful at this stage of life. This article discusses how to properly use ginger in the diet of expectant mothers.

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Chemical and vitamin composition of ginger
Is it possible to use ginger during pregnancy
- in the early stages
- in 2 trimester
- in the late
Basic use of
with what you can combine
Contraindications for use

Chemical and vitamin composition of the ginger

The energy value of the product is as follows (per 100 g):

calories: 80 kcal;
proteins 1.8 g;
fat: 0.8 g;
carbohydrates: 15.8 g;
water: 79 g.

Of the vitamins in ginger root, the most group B compounds (% of the mass of the product):

B6 (pyridoxine) - 8%;
B5 (pantothenic acid) - 4%;
B9 (folic acid) - 3%;
B1 (thiamine) - 2%;
B2 (riboflavin) - 2%.

In addition to them, there are vitamins C (6%) and E (2%), the rest are presented in small quantities.

Macronutrients (in mg per 100 g):	Trace elements (in mg per 100 g):
potassium - 415	zinc - 0.34
magnesium - 43	copper - 0.23
phosphorus - 34	manganese - 0.23
calcium - 16	iron - 0.06
sodium - 13	selenium - 0.007

Is it possible to use ginger during pregnancy

Ginger tea is an excellent sedative that can replace valerian or motherwort tincture. The drink can be taken during pregnancy, but for this it is better to consult your gynecologist and follow the instructions for use agreed with your doctor.

The benefits of using the product are as follows:
calms the nervous system;
puts in order the work of the gastrointestinal tract;
normalizes uterine tone;
removes excess fluids from the body, removing puffiness;
relieves the symptoms of toxicosis.

The root can also be harmful to the health of the expectant mother:
is contraindicated in hypertension and cardiovascular disease;
undesirable in diseases of the liver, biliary tract and hemorrhoids;
thins the blood, causing bleeding.

Early

Early pregnancy is characterized by toxicosis and nausea and weakness resulting from it, when you do not want to eat or do anything. The root of the plant can help detoxify, normalize the functioning of the stomach and intestines, and restore vitality in the first trimester. At the beginning of gestation, ginger brings only benefits.

See also: the benefits and harms of ginger for a woman's body.

2nd trimester

At this time, the fetus is actively developing, and this process is influenced by any food taken by the mother. Vitamins, micro and macro elements that are in the ginger product can enrich the diet of a pregnant woman. However, ginger should only be used in the second trimester after consulting a doctor.

On the condition of the unborn baby, this product will not be displayed in any way, but the woman is threatened with increased gas formation and diarrhea. During this period, the pickled root is excluded - it can cause early milk production. Ginger is used only fresh or dried, in the form of a decoction or added to tea with a little honey instead of sugar.

Late term

Late pregnancy is characterized by the final formation of the fetus, so any food experiments with the mother's body can affect the health of an almost developed baby. In the case of ginger, it has blood thinning properties. This is fraught with serious and difficult to stop bleeding during the prenatal period and during childbirth.

Important! In the later stages of pregnancy, it is necessary to stop eating this product so as not to harm the health of mother and child.

Basic rules of use

Do not consume more than 1 g of ground root daily. Teas and teas sold in shops and pharmacies are not suitable for pregnant women, because their composition is doubtful and they cannot be drunk. But raw ginger is very healthy and can be taken in slightly larger quantities. The broth is brewed at the rate of: 3 tbsp. l. grated root on a grater for 1.5 liters of boiling water.

The product is added to ordinary or green tea instead of lemon or to sea buckthorn broth, which helps against colds and coughs, disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, improves mood. And the good condition of the mother will certainly be transmitted to her fetus. To give new flavors to the drink, you can use a little red cinnamon, adding it to the tea at the very tip of the knife.

Regarding the use of pickled root by pregnant women, there are two polar reviews. Some believe that it can be harmful to health, others say that it is useful in early pregnancy.

Important! Consultation with a physician is essential at every stage of pregnancy as each body may react differently to ginger root.

What can be combined with

Here the question is no longer what products the root is combined with, but which of these products are not contraindicated for a future woman in labor. If everything is clear with ginger itself, then as part of fresh dishes or dry mixes, pregnant women need to eat it with caution, knowing exactly all the ingredients. Planning a diet is an important process for a pregnant woman, where every ingredient needs to be given attention.

Ginger can be used to enhance the taste of fruit compotes, added to neutral mousses and puddings. The root is added to vegetable sautés and many meat dishes to shade the rest of the components and soften the taste. Many chefs say that this ingredient is able to decorate any dish - from ordinary tea to culinary delights. But during pregnancy, even with him, you need to be careful.

When planning a diet, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the peculiarities of using such products during pregnancy as: cabbage, prunes, pears, caraway seeds, carrots, parsley, celery, onions, dill, raspberries, strawberries and chickpeas.

Contraindications for use

Some of the disadvantages of using ginger during gestation have already been mentioned above.

The following reasons why you should not eat it can be distinguished:
high pressure;
diseases of the cardiovascular system;
liver failure;
bile duct problems;
hemorrhoids;
heartburn;
blood thinning.

On the whole, ginger is an excellent helper for a future mother, both as a source of vitamins and nutrients, and as a remedy for toxicosis, and as a panacea for certain diseases. This root can be included in many dietary dishes and diversify the reduced diet of a pregnant woman.

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Ginger root is useful during pregnancy and lactation He is rightly credited with many miraculous qualities. At the same time, doctors warn pregnant and lactating women against the use of ginger. Is ginger dangerous for mothers, including future ones, we asked the phyto-diet therapist, Ayurvedic medicine doctor Maria Gritsay.

Ginger is a plant known as Zingiber officinabis. In nutrition, its light brown knotted root is used both fresh and dried in powder form. Since ancient times, it has been used in India for cooking almost all dishes. Europeans have known ginger root relatively recently, only since the 18th century.

Why is ginger useful?

This spice has a beneficial effect on all tissues of the body: it restores immunity, increases resistance to stress, activates digestion, tones up and relieves fatigue. Ginger perfectly manifests itself in the treatment of most skin and allergic diseases, treats bronchial asthma, cerebrovascular accident. It also has a stimulating effect on the gastrointestinal tract as a carminative, antiemetic, as well as indigestion, belching, and abdominal pain. Ginger is also indicated for colds: flu, laryngitis, otitis media. Ginger helps to relieve headaches, it also acts as a pain reliever on other organs. Ginger is also indicated for diseases of the cardiovascular system, it gives strength to red blood cells, thereby making the blood less viscous.

Read also: SPICES AS MEDICINES: INDICATIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS

In ginger you can find everything you need for human health. In Ayurveda, the property of ginger to act as a conductor is known, that is, to convey to each cell of the body all the beneficial substances contained in food. In addition, ginger helps cleanse the body of toxins and helps prevent the development of cancer. That is why this spice is added to almost every dish in the East.

Photo: Getty Images/Fotobank

Contraindications

Do not use ginger root if you have a high temperature or if your skin has bleeding ulcers.

How to use ginger in nutrition?

As already mentioned, ginger is best added to food. At the same time, use small doses of this spice - in ground form, the amount of ginger should not exceed half a gram. On the tip of a knife, a serving will be enough. To avoid possible allergic manifestations, Ayurveda recommends using ginger in combination with ghee.

Ginger during pregnancy

As such, there are no contraindications to the use of ginger during pregnancy in Ayurvedic practice. You should only use it more carefully, reducing the dose and adding ghee to the dish. According to Eastern recipes, melted butter is also added to ginger tea. It helps the absorption of all the beneficial substances contained in ginger, and also prevents the possibility of allergic reactions.

Ginger tea or biscuits relieve morning sickness. You can also drink ginger tea in small cups throughout the day or add it to food - this will promote blood circulation.

Ginger while breastfeeding

If a mother used ginger before and during pregnancy, then this tradition should not be interrupted even after the birth of the baby. Moreover, ginger, as an additive that helps to eliminate toxins from the body, cleanses breast milk. Also, a young mother will benefit from ginger baths - they will help relieve back pain.

Ginger in children's nutrition

It is better not to give ginger to children under the age of one. He is quite capable of performing his useful functions, acting through mother's milk.