As a beauty editor, I’ve tried nearly every possible morning routine. While few have stood the test of time, there’s one that I truly swear by: a daily ginger shot. Originally, I only used the little immune booster when I felt a cold coming on, but now, the humble ginger shot has found a permanent place in my morning routine. In fact, I’m so impressed with the results that I think it should be an addition to everyone’s day—right up there with lemon water, apple cider vinegar, coffee with MCT oil, and adaptogenic fungi.

There are a ton of benefits to consuming ginger—especially if you do it every day: “Ginger looks so inconspicuous from the outside, but it hides a wide range of medically effective ingredients inside,” explains Dr. Roman Huber, head of the University Center for Naturopathy in Freiburg. “For these reasons, it’s a remedy that is often used in naturopathy.”

The benefits of taking a ginger shot every day

Ginger stabilizes the blood sugar Food cravings and midday lows are often the work of unbalanced blood sugar—and we all know how unpleasant those can be. Ginger, on the other hand, works to stabilize insulin; it supports glucose uptake into cells and increases insulin. (This property is currently being investigated as a therapeutic approach for patients with type 2 diabetes.) Controlling blood sugar spikes and crashes is important—not just for managing our weight but because it helps us maintain a consistent energy level, feel less tired, and stay positive.

In Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, ginger has long been used as a remedy; today, the ready-made ginger shots in the supermarket often attract people with promises of “immune boosting.” Rightly so: ginger is rich in iron, magnesium, vitamins B6 and C, zinc, and antioxidants that help protect cells from damage. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and stimulates blood circulation in the mucous membranes which helps the respiratory system flush toxins. All of this adds up to support the immune system in a big way.

Gas and bloating become a thing of the past when ginger enters your daily repertoire. Ginger helps speed food through the GI tract, promotes stomach emptying, protects the gut microbiome, and can even help reduce bloating and gas. It can also help ease nausea.

A ginger shot every day

After reading up on the many benefits of taking a ginger shot every day, I had to find out for myself. So, I stocked up on ginger shots from my local cold-pressed juice shop and started my test: a ginger shot every day for a whole month.