19 Health Benefits of Dry Ginger (Chukku/Sonth)

Most herbal and organic medicines contain dry ginger or ginger powder as a key ingredient. This ancient spice, revered as “Vishwa Bheshaja” (Universal Medicine) in Ayurveda, combines centuries of traditional wisdom with modern scientific validation.

Since the establishment of Ayurvedic medicine, ginger root, dry ginger, and ginger powder have been fundamental to treating various ailments. Recent scientific research has confirmed its powerful medicinal properties, particularly through its bioactive compounds gingerols and shogaols.

Dry ginger or ginger powder is extracted from dried ginger root (Zingiber officinale). The drying process concentrates its active compounds, resulting in an off-white to slightly brownish powder that adds both powerful therapeutic benefits and distinctive flavor to dishes.

With a shelf life of about one year, dry ginger powder offers both convenience and potency. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it especially valuable for digestive health, immune support, and various therapeutic applications.

Common Names of Dry Ginger (Ginger Powder)

Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale
English Name: Dry Ginger / Ginger Powder
Tamil Name: சுக்கு / Chukku, Sukku
Malayalam Name: ചുക്ക് / Chukku
Telugu Name: శొంఠి / Sonti
Kannada Name: ಶುಂಠಿ / Shunti
Hindi Name: सूखी अदरक / Sookhee Adarak, सोंठ / Sonth
Marathi Name: सुंथा / Suntha
Gujarati Name: સૂંઠ / Soonth
Punjabi Name: ਅਦਰਕ / Adaraka
Bengali Name: সন্থ / Sonth
Urdu Name: ادرک

19 Proven Health Benefits of Dry Ginger (Chukku/Sonth)

1. Upset Stomach

Modern research confirms that ginger’s bioactive compounds, particularly gingerols and shogaols, effectively treat upset stomach and digestive issues. Clinical studies show that these compounds work by calming inflammation in the digestive tract while stimulating proper enzyme production. The anti-inflammatory properties help neutralize stomach acids naturally and promote healthy digestion.

Medicine: Take dry ginger powder, mix it with sugar cane juice, and drink it. Regular morning consumption provides significant relief from stomach irritation.

2. Improves Metabolism

Scientific research has shown that dry ginger contains powerful thermogenic agents that enhance metabolism. Studies indicate that regular consumption can significantly reduce body weight, waist-hip ratio, and hip circumference. The compounds gingerol and shogaol actively help burn excess fat while regulating blood sugar levels, making it effective for both weight management and metabolic health.

3. For Nausea and Morning Sickness

Clinical studies have proven dry ginger’s effectiveness against various forms of nausea. Research shows that just 1-1.5 grams daily can significantly reduce morning sickness in pregnant women. The anti-inflammatory properties soothe the stomach while regulating digestive processes.

Medicine: Mix half teaspoon of dry ginger with honey and warm water for quick relief from nausea symptoms.

4. For Common Cold

The anti-inflammatory compounds shogaols and gingerols in dry ginger provide effective relief from cold and flu symptoms. Research has shown these compounds have antimicrobial properties that help fight respiratory infections.

Medicines:

1). Mix dry ginger with lukewarm water for immediate cold relief.

2). Combine dry ginger powder with clove powder and salt, taking twice daily.

3). Regular consumption of dry ginger tea provides respiratory support.

4). Mix dry ginger powder with jaggery to relieve running nose.

5. Culinary Benefits

Beyond its medicinal properties, dry ginger is a versatile culinary ingredient. Research shows that its active compounds not only enhance flavor but also aid digestion when added to complex dishes. It’s particularly effective in dishes like Rajma and Chhole daal masala, where it helps prevent gas formation.

The addition of dry ginger to masala chai creates a powerful therapeutic beverage, especially beneficial for respiratory health. Scientific studies confirm that the combination of ginger with other spices increases its bioavailability and effectiveness.

Benefits:

Mix dry ginger powder with cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and fennel for a potent medicinal tea. This combination provides enhanced therapeutic benefits for respiratory infections.

6. Glowing Face

Modern dermatological studies confirm dry ginger’s benefits for skin health. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help: – Prevent acne and pimples – Reduce inflammation – Clear clogged pores – Fight bacterial infections – Promote skin renewal

Medicine: Create a face pack by mixing dry ginger with milk. Apply for 15-20 minutes weekly for optimal results. Clinical studies show this combination can improve skin texture and reduce inflammation.

7. Weight Loss

Recent clinical studies demonstrate dry ginger’s effectiveness in weight management. The compounds gingerols and shogaols activate thermogenesis, enhance fat metabolism, and help regulate blood sugar levels. Research shows regular consumption can significantly reduce body weight and waist circumference.

Medicine: Consume half teaspoon of dry ginger with hot water daily. For better taste and additional benefits, add honey.

8. Lowers Cholesterol Levels

Clinical research confirms dry ginger’s ability to improve cholesterol profiles. Studies show regular consumption can reduce total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels. A 45-day study demonstrated significant improvements in participants consuming three grams daily.

9. Indigestion

Clinical studies have shown that dry ginger significantly improves chronic indigestion by accelerating gastric emptying. Research demonstrates that consuming 1-2 grams before meals can speed up stomach emptying by up to 50%, providing relief from digestive discomfort and bloating.

10. Menstrual Pain

Modern research validates traditional use of dry ginger for menstrual pain relief. Studies involving 150 women showed that consuming one gram of dry ginger powder during the first three days of menstruation significantly reduced pain intensity. The anti-inflammatory compounds work as effectively as common pain medications.

11. Lowers Blood Sugar

Recent clinical trials demonstrate dry ginger’s effectiveness in blood sugar management. Studies show that consuming two grams daily can significantly reduce fasting blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes.

Medicine: Mix two grams of dry ginger with a pinch of salt in warm water and consume on an empty stomach each morning for optimal results.

12. Inflammation

Scientific research confirms dry ginger’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties. The compounds gingerols and shogaols effectively reduce inflammation throughout the body, particularly beneficial for joint pain and swelling.

Medicine: Consume dry ginger powder with a pinch of salt for relief from inflammation and injury-related swelling.

13. Skin Toner

Dermatological studies support dry ginger’s benefits as a natural skin toner. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help protect and rejuvenate skin cells.

Medicine: Prepare a natural toner by boiling two teaspoons of dry ginger in four cups of water until reduced by half. After cooling and straining, add essential oils like rosemary or lavender. Store in the refrigerator and apply with cotton for best results.

14. Headache

Clinical studies have demonstrated dry ginger’s effectiveness in treating various types of headaches. Research shows its anti-inflammatory compounds can reduce headache intensity and frequency as effectively as some conventional medications. The traditional practice of applying dry ginger paste to the forehead has scientific backing for pain relief.

15. Chest Pain

For quick relief from chest discomfort, combine one teaspoon of dry ginger with sugar and tender coconut water. Research indicates that ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate chest congestion and associated pain.

16. Flatulence

Scientific studies confirm dry ginger’s carminative properties, making it effective against flatulence and bloating. The active compounds help improve digestion and reduce gas formation.

Medicines:

1). Combine dry ginger powder with black salt and asafoetida in warm water for immediate relief.

2). Mix dry ginger powder with carom seeds and lemon juice to make a paste. After drying in shade, consume one gram with salt twice daily.

17. Urinary Infections

Research shows dry ginger’s antimicrobial properties can help fight urinary tract infections. Consuming it with milk and sugar provides therapeutic benefits for urinary health.

18. Ginger Baths

Studies support the therapeutic benefits of ginger in bath preparations. The combination of dry ginger with baking soda creates an effective natural cleanser with antimicrobial properties.

Recipe: Mix one tablespoon each of dry ginger and baking soda for a natural body scrub with cleansing properties.

19. Migraine

Clinical trials have shown dry ginger’s effectiveness in treating migraine headaches. Two tablespoons mixed with warm water can provide relief comparable to conventional migraine medications.

Ayurvedic Properties of Dry Ginger (Chukku)

• Taste (Rasa): Pungent (Katu)
• Five Elemental (Panchamahabhuta): Fire and Air (Agni, Vayu)
• Characteristics (Guna): Light (Laghu) and Unctuous (Snigdha)
• Potential (Virya): Hot (Ushna)
• Post Digestive Effect (Vipaka): Sweet (Madhura)
• Action (Karma): Stimulates digestion (Deepana), Digestive (Pachana), Mitigates ama and Vata (Ama vataghna), Good for Heart (Hrdya), Creates movement (Anulomana), and Aphrodisiac (Vrishya).

In Kaideva Nighantu, an Ayurvedic medical text, dry ginger powder is described as Katu (pungent) in taste and Ushna (hot) in potency. Fresh ginger (Adrak) is characterized as Ruksha (dry) in taste and Ushna (hot) in strength, properties that enhance its digestive and appetizing effects.

The aphrodisiac properties of dry ginger make it effective in treating respiratory disorders, nausea, vomiting, cough, hiccups, and constipation. Rajanighantu specifically mentions dry ginger’s role as a cardiac tonic and its effectiveness in treating inflammation and throat diseases.

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Nutritional Values of Dry Ginger (Chukku)

Note: Serving Size of 28 grams (1 ounce)

Nutritional Values of Dry Ginger (Chukku)

Note: Serving Size of 28 grams (1 ounce)

Nutrition	Value
Calories	110
Sodium	20 mg
Total Carbohydrates	27 g
Dietary Fiber	1 g
Total Sugar	21 g
Added Sugar	15 g
Total Fat	0 g
Saturated Fat	0 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	0 g
Monounsaturated Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Vitamin	0 mcg
Potassium	0 mcg
Calcium	0 mcg
Protein	0 g

 

 

 

What is the Difference between Fresh Ginger and Dry Ginger (sonth)?

 

Fresh Ginger	Dry Ginger
i). Hot and Dry in Nature.	i). Hotter and Oily in Nature.
ii). Should not used for a long time.	ii). Can be used for a long time.
iii). Helpful in constipation.	iii). Helpful in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea.
iv). Excess fresh ginger causes throat irritation and dryness.	iv). Dry ginger works deep in tissue levels.

What should be Dry Ginger’s dose?

Based on clinical studies and Ayurvedic principles, the ideal consumption of dry ginger ranges between 250 mg and 1 gram daily. However, dosage should be adjusted based on individual health conditions and under physician guidance.

Recommended Ayurvedic Dose Of Ginger

Usage of Ginger Parts: Rhizome (Wet and Dry)

Fresh Ginger: 3 to 9 grams (or) 5 to 10 ml juice

Dried Ginger Powder: 2 to 5 grams

Frequency of Consumption: Can be taken 1 to 3 times a day

Healthy Ginger Tea Recipe

Ingredients to make Ginger Tea:

• ½ teaspoon dry ginger powder (Chukku/Sonth)
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 or 2 cloves and cardamom, ½ inch piece of cinnamon

Recipe in Detail:

1. Take one glass of water.
2. Put dry ginger powder, turmeric powder, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon to the water.
3. Boil the water until it becomes half the initial quality.
4. Strain the water in a cup.
5. Let the boiled water to cool down.
6. Now, add one teaspoon of honey or jaggery to the water.
7. Your Ginger Tea is ready now. You can have this ginger tea two or three times a day.

Interesting Facts:

Usually, absorbent types of herbs are not useful in constipation, but ginger is an exception.

Similarly, all the herbs that have pungent taste increase Vata except ginger and long pipper.

 

Precautions While Using Ginger

While dry ginger offers numerous health benefits, certain precautions must be observed based on scientific research and traditional wisdom:

In specific health conditions, ginger use should be limited or avoided:

• Gallstones
• Peptic ulcers
• High levels of acidity
• Aggravated Pitta conditions
• Blood clotting disorders

Ginger can interact with certain medications, particularly: – Blood thinners like aspirin – Anticoagulant medications – Diabetes medications – Heart medications

Due to its anti-platelet properties, ginger affects blood clotting and platelet aggregation. Therefore, individuals with bleeding disorders or low platelet counts should avoid ginger consumption.

Pregnant women should limit their intake and consult healthcare providers before use.

Contraindications of Dry Ginger

Due to its hot and sharp nature, dry ginger should be avoided in cases of:

• Anemia
• Dysuria
• Bleeding disorders
• Ulcers
• Pyrexia (fever)

Additional precautions:

• Avoid during summer and autumn seasons
• Use with caution during pregnancy
• Exercise care during lactation
• Watch for allergic reactions

Hope our comprehensive guide on the health benefits of Dry Ginger was helpful. The combination of traditional wisdom and modern scientific validation makes dry ginger a truly remarkable therapeutic agent. Remember to consult healthcare professionals before starting any new supplement regimen.

If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences with dry ginger, please comment below.