Most wellness shot ingredients fall into three groups: a spicy root such as ginger or turmeric, a fruit base such as pineapple or lemon that makes the shot easy to drink, and a small accent such as cayenne, black pepper or oregano oil for heat and aroma. Each one changes the flavor in its own way. Research on them is limited and mostly based on supplements rather than food-based shots, and some carry real cautions.
This guide is part of our Wellness Shots Guide, where you can find every article on the topic.
Common Wellness Shot Ingredients, One by One
These are the ingredients you will see most often, including everything in Meraki’s three tonics.
Ginger
Flavor: sharp, spicy and warming, with a bite at the back of the throat. That strong aroma and flavor come from compounds called gingerols (source).
What research says: The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says ginger may be helpful for nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy, while most studies of ginger for motion sickness have not shown it to be helpful. It also notes that most studies tested dietary supplements rather than foods (source). Our article on ginger shots and what the research says goes deeper.
Cautions: Ginger taken by mouth can cause abdominal discomfort, heartburn, diarrhea, and mouth and throat irritation (source).
Turmeric
Flavor: earthy, slightly bitter and a little peppery, with a deep golden color. That color comes from curcumin, a major component of turmeric (source).
What research says: Turmeric and curcumin have been studied for knee osteoarthritis and several other conditions. For osteoarthritis, the NCCIH calls the initial evidence positive but says higher-quality evidence is needed. Overall, it says we don’t know enough to definitively conclude whether turmeric or curcumin is beneficial for any health purpose (source).
Cautions: Oral turmeric can cause nausea, acid reflux, stomach upset, diarrhea or constipation, and turmeric supplements may be unsafe during pregnancy (source).
Black Pepper
Flavor: a dry, sharp heat that is different from chili heat.
What research says: Curcumin is poorly absorbed when taken by mouth (source), and the NCCIH notes that combining curcumin with piperine, a compound from black pepper, is one way to improve its bioavailability (source).
Cautions: The NCCIH also warns that highly bioavailable curcumin formulations may harm the liver, and liver damage has been reported in some people who used them (source).
Pineapple
Flavor: sweet and tangy. Pineapple softens the burn of ginger and cayenne, which is why it forms the base of many shots.
What research says: Pineapple contains bromelain, a group of enzymes that break down proteins. Only a small number of studies have looked at bromelain taken by mouth (source).
Cautions: The NCCIH says bromelain may interact with medications and that its safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is unclear (source).
Lemon
Flavor: bright and sour. Lemon balances sweetness and keeps a shot tasting fresh.
What research says: Citrus fruits are good food sources of vitamin C. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements notes that vitamin C supplements do not reduce the risk of catching a cold for most people (source).
Cayenne
Flavor: a quick chili kick that lingers.
What research says: The heat comes from capsaicin, which is extracted from chili peppers in the Capsicum genus (source).
Cautions: Large amounts of capsaicin taken by mouth can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and burning diarrhea, and children are especially sensitive (source).
Oregano Oil
Flavor: herbal, savory and a little medicinal.
What research says: The main active component of oregano oil is thought to be carvacrol or thymol. Oregano has shown antimicrobial and antioxidant activity in laboratory and animal studies, but those effects have not been demonstrated in humans (source).
Cautions: The NIH LiverTox database says oregano in doses used as dietary supplements should not be used during pregnancy (source). If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, ask your provider before choosing shots that contain oregano oil.
What’s in Meraki’s Three Tonics
Here are the exact ingredient lists for each tonic. All three contain pineapple, ginger and lemon; the differences are in the turmeric, cayenne, oregano oil and black pepper.
| Tonic | Size and price | Ingredients | What sets it apart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ginger Tonic | 3 oz, $4.95 | Pineapple, ginger, lemon, cayenne | Ginger and cayenne, no turmeric |
| Turmeric Tonic | 3 oz, $5.50 | Turmeric extract, pineapple, lemon, ginger, cayenne | Turmeric extract listed first, plus ginger and cayenne |
| Meraki Wellness Shot | 3 oz, $5.95 | Pineapple, ginger, turmeric, oregano oil, lemon, black pepper | Ginger and turmeric with oregano oil and black pepper, no cayenne |
The Tonic Bundle includes one 2 oz bottle of each, which is an easy way to compare them side by side. For a closer look at the two main roots, read ginger vs. turmeric shots: what’s the difference.
How to Read a Wellness Shot Label
- Check for sweeteners. Some shots rely on fruit, while others add syrups or sugar.
- Check that the juice is treated. The FDA warns that juice that has not been pasteurized or otherwise treated can carry harmful bacteria (source). Meraki’s juices are Certified HPP (high pressure processing).
- Be skeptical of big promises. A shot is a food, and the research above is far from settled. Our honest look at whether wellness shots are worth it covers this in more detail.
Who Should Talk to a Doctor First
- People taking blood thinners or antiplatelet medicines. Ginger can increase the effect of warfarin and may inhibit platelet aggregation, which could raise bleeding risk (source).
- People taking diabetes medication. Ginger can increase the risk of low blood sugar in people taking oral diabetes medicines (source).
- People with gallstones or gallbladder problems. Ginger increases bile acid secretion, which can aggravate gallstone formation (source).
- Anyone with an upcoming surgery. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements notes that some supplements can increase the risk of bleeding or change your response to anesthesia (source).
- People who are pregnant or breastfeeding. See the turmeric and oregano notes above, and ask your provider which ingredients make sense for you.
- Anyone with liver concerns or who also takes a curcumin supplement (source).
- Anyone taking medicine. The NCCIH says some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways (source).
FAQ
What are the most common wellness shot ingredients?
Ginger, turmeric, lemon and pineapple are the most common, often with a small amount of cayenne, black pepper or oregano oil for extra heat or aroma.
Why is black pepper added to turmeric shots?
Curcumin from turmeric is poorly absorbed on its own, and piperine from black pepper is one way supplement makers improve its bioavailability (source). It also adds a sharp, peppery note.
Does every Meraki tonic contain ginger?
Yes. The Ginger Tonic, Turmeric Tonic and Meraki Wellness Shot all list ginger, pineapple and lemon among their ingredients.
Try Meraki’s Tonics
Choose the Ginger Tonic ($4.95) for a ginger and cayenne kick, the Turmeric Tonic ($5.50) for an earthy, golden shot, or the Meraki Wellness Shot ($5.95) for ginger and turmeric with oregano oil and black pepper. Can’t decide? The Tonic Bundle ($15) includes one 2 oz bottle of each.
Every tonic is made in our 100% plant-based, gluten-free and dairy-free West Palm Beach kitchen. Online orders ship nationwide Monday through Wednesday.
Keep reading: explore every article in our Wellness Shots Guide.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk with your health care provider before making changes to your diet, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication.