Honey and Ginger: A Warming Pairing and What Research Says
Honey and ginger is one of the world's most loved flavor pairings. Ginger brings warmth and spice; honey adds round sweetness that softens the bite. Together they appear in teas, marinades, dressings and baked goods across many cuisines. Ginger also has some research behind it, particularly for nausea. This article explains what research says about ginger, where honey fits, simple ways to enjoy honey and ginger, and safety notes. For a classic drink, see our honey lemon ginger tea guide.
For general education only, not medical advice. Our honey is a food and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Why honey and ginger work together
Fresh ginger contains gingerols, which give it a sharp, peppery heat. When ginger is dried or cooked, some gingerols turn into shogaols, which are even more pungent. Honey's sweetness and floral notes balance that heat, making ginger easier to enjoy.
Darker honeys like buckwheat stand up to strong ginger, while lighter honeys let the ginger shine.
What research says about ginger
The NIH's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that ginger may help relieve nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and may help with nausea related to chemotherapy when used alongside standard treatment. Evidence for other uses is less clear.
Ginger is studied as a supplement in specific doses. Ginger in tea or food usually provides smaller amounts.
Where honey fits
Honey's best-supported use is for coughs, especially in children over one year old. Combined with ginger in warm water, it makes a soothing drink many people reach for during colds. Our article on honey for colds covers what research shows.
Honey and ginger together have not been studied as a treatment for any condition, so enjoy the pairing for comfort and flavor.
Honey and ginger tea
Slice or grate about an inch of fresh ginger into a mug. Pour over hot water and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly, then stir in a teaspoon or two of honey. Add lemon if you like.
For a stronger brew, simmer the ginger in a small pot for 10 minutes before adding honey off the heat.
- 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced or grated
- 1 cup hot water
- Steep 5 to 10 minutes
- Cool slightly, add 1 to 2 teaspoons honey
- Optional lemon
Cooking with honey and ginger
The pairing works across many dishes:
| Dish | How to use honey and ginger |
|---|---|
| Stir-fry sauce | Soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, garlic |
| Salmon glaze | Honey, ginger, lime juice |
| Salad dressing | Rice vinegar, honey, ginger, sesame oil |
| Roasted carrots | Honey and ginger with butter or olive oil |
| Baking | Gingerbread and honey cakes |
Honey and ginger shots
Ginger shots, often blended with lemon and honey, are popular in juice bars. They are concentrated and spicy. They can be enjoyable but are not a cure-all, and the acidity and spice can upset some stomachs.
Safety notes for ginger
Ginger in food amounts is safe for most people. NCCIH notes that ginger supplements can cause mild side effects like heartburn, gas or stomach discomfort. People taking blood thinners or with bleeding disorders should ask a doctor before taking ginger supplements.
Pregnant people interested in ginger for nausea should talk with their provider about appropriate amounts.
Safety notes for honey
Never give honey to babies under 12 months. People with diabetes should count honey as carbohydrate. Keep honey within added sugar limits of about 25 grams a day for women and 36 for men.
Honey and ginger for nausea
If you feel queasy, small sips of weak ginger tea with a little honey may feel gentle. Ginger candies or crystallized ginger are other options. Seek medical care for persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration.
Make a honey ginger syrup
Simmer sliced ginger in water for 20 minutes, strain, then stir in an equal amount of honey once slightly cooled. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks and add to sparkling water, tea or cocktails.
Honey and ginger with other spices
Honey and ginger blend well with lemon, turmeric, cinnamon and cardamom. Our articles on honey and turmeric and honey and cardamom explore those combinations.
Honey and ginger around the world
In Korea, saenggang-cha is a ginger tea often sweetened with honey. In India, ginger and honey appear in home remedies and in chai. In the Caribbean, ginger beer and ginger tea are everyday drinks, often sweetened with honey or cane sugar. Across the Middle East, ginger and honey flavor sweets and warm drinks in winter.
These traditions show how naturally the two flavors fit together, long before modern research looked at ginger.
Fresh versus ground ginger
Fresh ginger has a bright, juicy heat that suits teas, dressings and stir-fries. Ground ginger is warmer and earthier, better for baking and spice rubs. As a rough guide, one teaspoon of ground ginger equals about one tablespoon of grated fresh ginger.
Choose your honey
Al Safa honeys are raw and never heated above hive temperature, so their flavors stay vibrant in honey and ginger drinks. We sell them as food, not as remedies.
Explore our honeys in the shop.
Sources
Outside health sources we used for this article. They open in a new tab.
- Ginger: Usefulness and Safety · NCCIH (National Institutes of Health)
- Honey (drugs and supplements) · Mayo Clinic
- How much sugar is too much? · American Heart Association
Frequently asked questions
- Is honey and ginger good for you?
- It is a tasty pairing. Ginger may help some types of nausea, and honey may soothe coughs.
- Can honey and ginger cure a cold?
- No. It may comfort, but it does not cure or shorten a cold.
- How do I make honey and ginger tea?
- Steep sliced fresh ginger in hot water, cool slightly and stir in honey.
- Is honey and ginger safe in pregnancy?
- Food amounts are generally fine. Ask your provider about ginger for nausea.
- Can I drink honey and ginger every day?
- Yes, in moderation, keeping honey within added sugar limits.
- Which honey goes best with ginger?
- Darker honeys stand up to strong ginger; lighter honeys let ginger shine.
- Who should avoid ginger supplements?
- People on blood thinners or with bleeding disorders should ask a doctor first.
Al Safa Honey is a food producer, not a medical provider. Nothing here is medical advice, and these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Talk to your doctor about any health concern. Never give honey of any kind to a baby under 12 months old.