Could ginger shots help my osteoarthritis?

Our expert GP Dr Mark Porter considers the evidence on whether ginger juice may calm inflammation.

By Dr Mark Porter | Published - 8 Apr 2026

Is ginger juice good for you? I have osteoarthritis that mainly affects my knees and hands, and my daughter has suggested daily ginger shots to ease the inflammation.

She swears by them for her back problems. Placebo or real?

Dr Mark Porter on whether ginger shots can help osteoarthritis

Ginger shots (liquidised ginger juice) are all the rage at the moment, and you may have noticed the ginger root stocks many supermarkets now have to meet demand. You can buy the shots ready-made, but they are expensive.

There has been a lot of research into ginger and health, but most of the studies are of poor quality, and use different doses and forms of ginger, so it’s hard to draw firm conclusions. If I had to sum up the evidence, I would say that a daily ginger shot might help ease inflammation a bit, but this may not translate into noticeable benefits in your hands and knees.

There is also evidence to support claims that it can help nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and after surgery or chemotherapy. The research also suggests it may lower blood glucose and 'bad' cholesterol (LDL) levels – both good things in theory.

You could always give it a try for 4-6 weeks. Research suggests that ginger supplementation is safe, with the most common side effect being heartburn. However, it may interact with some medicines, particularly 'blood thinners' such as warfarin, apixaban and aspirin, and stronger painkillers like codeine, so if you're on these, do check with your pharmacist first.

A typical recipe would be to liquidise 100-150g of root ginger (depending on how spicy you like it) with 300ml of coconut water. You can add apple and lemon to taste, too. As for the dose, 50-75ml once a day should suffice.

(Hero image credit: Getty)

Written by: Dr Mark Porter

With 26 years experience in practice and a partner in a busy South Gloucestershire surgery, Dr Mark is also resident doctor on BBC One's The One Show, presents Radio 4's Inside Health, writes for The Times, and has popped up on celebrity versions of The Weakest Link and Mastermind.
Dr Mark was awarded an MBE in 2005 for services to medicine.

View author page

Close up of bottle pouring olive oil into bowl with olives sat beside it

A daily dose of olive oil can cut your heart disease risk

Unpeeled bananas on a wooden surface beside bananas cut up in a bowl

The 10 health benefits of bananas – and who should avoid them

A senior couple with colds blowing their noses while siting on a couch under a blanket

The best foods to eat to beat a cold

Three smiling older women outside a caravan sharing slices of watermelon

What to eat in your 60s, 70s and 80s

Expert nutritionists break down the most important foods to eat in each decade as we get older.

Aerial shot of several closed tin cans of different shapes against a wooden background

The top tinned superfoods for less than £1

We reveal the 7 best tinned foods to supercharge your health while saving you time and money.

The best condiments for your health – and the worst

From ketchup to mayo – how healthy are your sauces? We find out the pitfalls and surprising benefits of our favourite condiments.

Close up of a person ladling honey from a jar that is surrounded by yellow flowers

Honey’s hidden health benefits

Could honey be the sweetest way to supercharge your health this year? Our experts explain the benefits and which to buy.

A cut grapefruit beside an open bottle of tablets spilled onto the surface

Warning: the 9 everyday foods not to eat with medication

Our expert guide to the common foods you shouldn't mix with prescription drugs.

Soup: tinned or chilled, which is healthiest?

Experts reveal whether chilled supermarket soups are worth the extra cost and if some flavours are better for you than others.

woman standing in front of gut healthy foods making a heart with her hands

The 7 best foods for gut health

Looking after your gut health could be one of the biggest things that you can do for your overall health. Here are the best foods to keep your gut happy.