The Backlash Of Ginger & Garlic Cleansing Shots

Across clinics, doctors report a rising number of patients experiencing unexplained acidity, burning sensations, and stomach discomfort, only to later reveal daily consumption of raw ginger or whole garlic cloves. While the ingredients themselves are beneficial when included in everyday meals, experts say the method, intensity, and consumption matter far more than most people realize.

Harsh For The Gut

Dr Shankar Zanwar, a Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist, notes that the stomach lining is far more delicate than many imagine. “Taking raw ginger shots or swallowing whole garlic cloves on an empty stomach can be harsh on the digestive system. Both ginger and garlic are highly potent and can irritate the stomach lining, especially when taken in concentrated or unprocessed form,” he explains. According to him, patients often develop gastritis, acidity, burning sensation, nausea, and even stomach cramps after long-term use.

Dr. Zanwar stresses that these so-called remedies, far from healing the gut, may worsen existing conditions. “Regular use on an empty stomach can aggravate inflammation rather than improve gut health, and these remedies should be taken in moderation only after expert advice and always with food,” he adds.

His warning reflects a growing clinical concern: the rise of DIY preventive health that ignores how potent natural compounds behave in high doses.

Detox Misconceptions

Believers of ginger and garlic cleanses often assume that natural ingredients cannot cause harm. But the concentration delivered in a single ginger shot or a whole garlic clove is significantly higher than what the body would normally encounter in a balanced diet.

From a medical standpoint, Dr. Zanwar says the evidence behind such detox claims is thin. “There is limited scientific evidence that raw ginger shots or whole garlic cloves taken on an empty stomach provide meaningful detox, immunity, or digestion benefits. While both ingredients have useful properties, these effects come from regular dietary intake, not extreme home remedies,” he explains.

When the dosage becomes too intense, even beneficial compounds can backfire. “Natural does not always mean safe,” Dr Zanwar cautions.

Stomach This

Dr. Sharad Malhotra, Senior Consultant & Director Gastro-enterology at Aakash Healthcare, explains that the stomach’s mucosal lining is designed to tolerate food—but not necessarily raw, concentrated bioactive compounds hitting it directly.

“By taking regular shots of raw ginger or whole cloves of garlic on an empty stomach, one might be exposing the digestive tract to concentrated bioactive compounds which tend to be too severe on their own,” Dr. Malhotra says.

He points to compounds such as gingerols in ginger and allicin in garlic. “Gingerols excessively stimulate gastric acid secretion, resulting in burning sensations, reflux, or gastritis in sensitive individuals. Raw garlic is a strong irritant that may inflame the mucosal lining and, in the long run, cause erosions or ulcers, particularly when ingested without food that acts as a buffer,” he explains.

The consequences can be serious. Dr. Malhotra notes that “cases of gastrointestinal bleeding and hospital admission are also present to validate these points.” He recommends that individuals with acid-peptic disorders, IBS, or a history of gastritis be especially careful.

Wellness Trends

Fitness influencers often promote ginger shots or garlic cleanses as shortcuts to immunity, metabolism boosts, or detoxification. But doctors argue that these claims oversimplify complex bodily systems.

“The digestive system does not need detox cleanses because the liver, kidneys and gut are designed to detox naturally without any external stimulants,” Dr. Malhotra emphasizes. In fact, extreme home remedies may disrupt these very systems.

People often mistake the initial burning sensation or warmth after consuming raw ginger or garlic as evidence of “activation” or cleansing. In reality, that sensation is often inflammation or irritation.

Even fitness coaches increasingly advise caution. Many note that while ginger and garlic can support health, they should be ingredients, not medicine taken in isolation.

Risks Outweigh Benefits

Dr. Malhotra explains that any benefits of ginger and garlic come from moderate inclusion in meals—not ritualized, highly concentrated intake. “Too-high preparations may disrupt normal digestive activity through the provocation of inflammation, excess acid production or worsening of underlying gut ailments.” Dr. Malhotra says that dangers are obviously much more than the perceived benefit.

Healthy Habits

A better way to support immunity and digestion is through everyday habits, not extreme natural remedies. Balanced nutrition, proper hydration, sleep, and moderate exercise are better promoters of sustainable digestive and immune health as opposed to extreme natural remedies that can cause mucosal injury and gastrointestinal imbalances.

Ginger and garlic still have their place—in cooked meals, teas, or moderate dietary use. What experts oppose is the assumption that more is better, especially when consumed raw and without food.

The Bottom Line

The hidden damage of ginger shots and garlic cleanses is becoming increasingly visible in clinics. As the wellness trend continues to grow online, doctors urge people not to confuse natural with safe. When it comes to gut health, moderation—not intensity—is the cure.

Warning Signs

Some warning signs that the practice is harmful include:

• Persistent acidity or reflux

• Bloating or abdominal cramps

• Nausea after consumption

• Burning sensation in the chest or stomach

• Irregular bowel movements