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Let’s get on thing straight- ginger is powerful. But powerful doesn’t mean limitless. And healing doesn’t mean you should throw it into every drink, meal, capsule, shot and smoothie like it’s tumeric’s wilder cousin on spring break. I see this everyday; its ridiculous!
Because as with all medicine-even the universal ones-context is queen.
Lately, I’ve seen ginger take center stage across TikTok and Instagram like celebrity superfood-dunked into gallon jugs of lemon water, shoved into juicers like it owes someone money, or pounded raw as if “burn” equals better digestion.
Here’s some truth….More isn’t better.
When Ginger Goes Too Far
Yes, ginger stimulates digestion. But in excess, it can overheat the system-especially for those with high Pitta (think infllamation, irritability, hyperacidity, rashes, or loose stools). It’s like lighting a fire for warmth…and then realizing you’ve set the whole kitchen ablaze. Too much ginger can lead to.
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Nausea (ironically!)
- Excess swearing or overheating
- Irritation in gut lining
- Pitta imbalances like skin flare-ups or sharp, reactive emotion
and let’s not forget-ginger is drying. Over time, overuse can lead to depleted rasa dhatu (the body’s fluids), which may cause dryness in the mouth, skin, joints, and even affect your reproduction health.
Why the Hype?
Because we live in a culture that worships quick fixes and fiery results. Ginger shots promise instant digestion. A warm ginger tea post-meal feels like a hug. And yes, I love a good ginger elixir when appropriate.
But when we keep tossing it into every bottle, recipe, and trent without listening to our bodies- we shift from medicine to misuse to even disease.
Ayurveda always teaches us to look at the whole picture:
- Who’s taking it?
- What’s the constitution?
- What seaon are we in?
- What’s the state of my Digestive fire (Agni)?
What starts as medicine can become a stressor if we forget the basics: right person, right dose, right timing, right preparation.
Remember This
Ginger is not a lifestyle. It’s a tool. A little goes a long way. And tools, when used with discernment, create healing. When overused, they create harm. So, the next time someone tells you to “just add more ginger ask yourself:
Does my digestion need stimulating? Is my body calling for hear and stimulation-or calm? Am I following wisdom or trend?
Rooted Wisom
In Ayurveda, even the most sattvic foods have dos and don’ts. Ginger isn’t exempt. If you:
- Run hot and are prone to acid or skin issues-pull back.
- Live in a hot climate (hello, Miami heat) – cool it down.
- Are pregnant, take blood thinners, or have ulcers- please talk to your practitioner! Ginger can warm, awaken, and revive. But when overused, it can burn, deplete, and agitate.
A Better Way Forward
Let’s bring the reverence back. Let’s remember that the power of food lies not just in its properties- but in our relationship with it. Because healting isn’t a popularity contest or a trend. It’s a conversation. A rhythm. A relationship. And ginger, when respected, will meet you there. Not to blast or shock your system-but to gently guide you to a balanced state.
Drop a comment below, or join in Club BodyScape this fall where we bring stories liek this back into daily life. Enrollment is opening up in September. Stay close for more information. And if you want to keep weaving this kind of everyday Ayurveda into your life, join me in Club BodyScape this fall. We don’t just talk about herbs. We eat them too.
Reach out to me directly at darlene@dhandelione.com, or connect with me on instagram @dhandelione.
By dhandelione