6 Proven Benefits of Dry Ginger Powder

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

If you are trying to lose weight or simply want to boost your immune defenses, the ginger powder can be an effective and inexpensive remedy that you can even prepare at home. However, before adding any new herbal remedy to your health regimen, it is important to understand the details of what it can do for your health goals and how you can use it appropriately.

What is Ginger Powder?

Derived from the dried ginger root, ginger powder is a versatile spice that can be used for medicinal or culinary purposes. For thousands of years, ginger has been used in traditional medicine, thanks to its rich supply of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as gingerol, beta-carotene, capsaicin, and curcumin. [1]

Scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, the ginger root comes from a plant of the same name, which is grown primarily in Southern Asia. It has been exported to other parts of the world from Southern Asia for roughly 2,000 years and has been a valuable element of the spice trade. In modern times, it is highly valued for its role in herbal medicine. Ginger powder also provides a longer shelf life and more versatility than the pungent fresh form. [2]

A wooden scoop of ginger powder with whole and sliced gingers on a wooden table

If you cannot source fresh ginger root, you can buy ginger powder for making teas. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Nutrition Facts

Spices, ginger, ground
Serving Size :
NutrientValue
Water [g]9.94
Energy 335
Energy [kJ]1404
Protein [g]8.98
Total lipid (fat) [g]4.24
Ash [g]5.22
Carbohydrate, by difference [g]71.62
Fiber, total dietary [g]14.1
Sugars, total including NLEA [g]3.39
Sucrose [g]0.2
Glucose (dextrose) [g]1.22
Fructose [g]1.78
Galactose [g]0.19
Calcium, Ca [mg]114
Iron, Fe [mg]19.8
Magnesium, Mg [mg]214
Phosphorus, P [mg]168
Potassium, K [mg]1320
Sodium, Na [mg]27
Zinc, Zn [mg]3.64
Copper, Cu [mg]0.48
Manganese, Mn [mg]33.3
Selenium, Se [µg]55.8
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg]0.7
Thiamin [mg]0.05
Riboflavin [mg]0.17
Niacin [mg]9.62
Pantothenic acid [mg]0.48
Vitamin B-6 [mg]0.63
Folate, total [µg]13
Folate, food [µg]13
Folate, DFE [µg]13
Choline, total [mg]41.2
Betaine [mg]3.4
Vitamin A, RAE [µg]2
Carotene, beta [µg]18
Vitamin A, IU [IU]30
Tocopherol, gamma [mg]3.01
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg]0.8
Vitamin K (Dihydrophylloquinone) [µg]2.4
Fatty acids, total saturated [g]2.6
6:0 [g]0.03
10:0 [g]1.56
12:0 [g]0.07
14:0 [g]0.04
16:0 [g]0.57
18:0 [g]0.23
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g]0.48
14:1 [g]0.03
16:1 [g]0.04
17:1 [g]0.02
18:1 [g]0.36
18:1 c [g]0.36
22:1 [g]0.04
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g]0.93
18:2 [g]0.71
18:3 [g]0.22
18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) [g]0.22
Phytosterols [mg]83
Tryptophan [g]0.15
Threonine [g]0.29
Isoleucine [g]0.34
Leucine [g]0.51
Lysine [g]0.24
Methionine [g]0.09
Cystine [g]0.1
Phenylalanine [g]0.31
Tyrosine [g]0.24
Valine [g]0.41
Arginine [g]0.71
Histidine [g]0.2
Alanine [g]0.27
Aspartic acid [g]1.39
Glutamic acid [g]0.79
Glycine [g]0.5
Proline [g]0.33
Serine [g]0.25
Sources include : USDA [3]

Ginger Powder Health Benefits

The health benefits of ginger powder include aid in weight loss efforts, improving the appearance of the skin and reducing headaches, among others.

Relieves Migraines & Headaches

The anti-inflammatory compounds found in ginger powder are excellent for relieving headaches and migraines, which are often caused by inflammation of the small capillaries in the head. General inflammation can also lead to additional oxidative stress, which this powder can help to alleviate. [4]

Boosts Immunity

Antioxidants like curcumin and capsaicin, which are found in ginger powder, are known to reduce the effects of free radicals, thus reducing strain on the immune system, so it can focus on potential pathogens and foreign agents. [5]

Weight Loss

Ginger has long been used as a way to slim down the waist and the same is true for ginger powder as well. By mixing a half-teaspoon of ginger powder into hot water, you can brew a delicious tea that will kickstart your metabolism, reduce fat deposition, and increase passive fat burning. [6]

Relieves Chest Pain

The soothing nature of this powder is ideal for relieving chest pain. You can enjoy this benefit by creating a ginger powder salve or you can prepare and drink tea using the powder. [7]

Aids in Digestion

The ability to soothe inflammation in the gut is one of the best qualities of this spice; it is also able to re-balance acidity levels and the bacterial environment of your stomach for better digestion and nutrient uptake efficiency. [8]

How to Make Ginger Powder?

Let us look at how to make this powder at home.

Ginger powder in a bowl and a couple of ginger pieces around

Ginger Powder Recipe

You can make this powder at home, but first, you need to choose the right ginger root. You should be able to cleanly snap an organic ginger root without a lot of fibers being left in between. This will make it easier to turn raw ginger into its powdered form.
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Course: Condiment, Spice
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: Ginger Powder
Appliance: Mixer, Dehydrator
Prep Time: 1 day
Total Time: 1 day
Servings: 1 cup
Author: Raksha Hegde

Ingredients

  • 2 knobs ginger 2 inch each approximately

Instructions

  • Soak the ginger for 4-5 minutes in water and then thoroughly wash.
  • Slice the ginger root thinly and set the pieces in the hot sun (or a dehydrator).
  • Once completely dry, grind the pieces in a dry mixer.
  • Store in an airtight container before use. It should retain its potency for up to 12 months.
    Ginger powder in a bowl and a couple of ginger pieces around

Notes

You can use this to make ginger tea. You can also use it as a spice while baking. However, it is quite potent and so, make sure you use it sparingly. 

Uses of Ginger Powder

You can use this powder in a number of ways, including as a brewing agent for tea, as a ginger foot bath, salve, tinctures, and in the form of candy, among many others. The powder may need to be combined with other oils and binding agents, but the nutrient quality and active ingredients should be retained in the majority of different applications.

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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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