Making a drink from roasted black beans and adding a bit of fresh ginger is a traditional and refreshing beverage in many parts of Vietnam. But beyond the pleasant taste, regularly sipping this herbal water may bring significant health gains. Below we explore why the combination is valuable, how it works, and what benefits you may notice after about a week of regular use.

Why use black beans + ginger together?

• Black beans (Vigna mungo or similar legumes) are packed with nutrients: plant-based protein, fiber, magnesium, potassium, zinc and other minerals. They have a low glycemic index and are associated with improved digestion and metabolic health. (Healthline , WebMD )

• Notably, black beans contain antioxidants including anthocyanins and flavonoids, which help reduce oxidative stress and support the circulation and health of tissues. (Cleveland Clinic )

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) introduces warming, anti-inflammatory and digestion-stimulating properties. Compounds like gingerol and shogaol help boost circulation, reduce internal “coldness,” and may accelerate certain metabolic processes. (Healthline )

• In traditional East-Asian/Dong y medicine, black beans are considered to have a slightly “cool/hàn” nature while ginger is “hot/ấm,” making their combination more balanced for use in herbal drinks—especially when one wants the benefits of black beans without excessive cooling effect.

---

How to make and use the drink

1. Rinse about 50-100 g of black beans (or adjust to your servings).

2. Dry or lightly roast the beans (this reduces the “cold” nature and may increase aroma) as many folk practitioners recommend.

3. Take 5-10 g fresh ginger, wash and lightly crush or slice.

4. Combine the roasted beans + ginger in a pot, add about 1 litre of water, bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer ~10 minutes.

5. Cover and allow to cool a little; strain if desired. Drink this warm or room temperature, ideally once a day.

6. After using for about 7 consecutive days, you may begin to notice effects (see next section).

7. It’s best taken on an empty or fairly empty stomach in the morning, but it may also be used lightly before a main meal.

---

3 Key Benefits You May Receive (after ~7 days)

1. Improved digestion & metabolism

   • The fiber and slow-digesting starches in black beans support gut health, slow glucose absorption and sustain fullness. ([Healthline, black bean article] )

   • Ginger stimulates digestive tract motility, reduces bloating and may help “warm” the stomach in folk usage. ([Healthline, ginger water article] )

   • Together, the drink can lead to better digestion, less bloating, improved appetite control and possibly help the body process food more efficiently.

2. Support for circulation, joints and general vitality

   • Antioxidants from black beans (like anthocyanins) and anti-inflammatory compounds from ginger may support healthy blood flow, reduce low-grade inflammation and help maintain joint or tissue health.

   • In folk herbal medicine, black bean is considered nourishing for “thận” (kidney in TCM context) and may help with “weakness, swelling, joint ache” (as described in Vietnamese herbal literature).

   • As a result, you might feel a mild boost in energy, less physical fatigue, less “dampness” or swelling, and a sense of internal cleansing.

3. Assistance with weight management & fluid balance

   • Black beans’ fiber and plant-based protein promote satiety — reducing the tendency to over-eat. Some modern Vietnamese articles specifically mention black bean-ginger water as helping in weight loss (especially when combined with a healthy diet). ([Lao Động online article] )

   • Ginger possesses thermogenic and diuretic attributes (i.e., subtle increase in metabolism and promotion of fluid elimination) which can support fat-burning and reduce mild fluid retention. ([Healthline, ginger water article] )

   • Together, you may notice a modest decrease in bloating or puffiness, a slightly leaner feeling, and more stable appetite — especially if you are consistent for about 1 week.

---

Additional Considerations & Precautions

• While the drink is generally safe for many, it is not a miracle cure. Its effects are supportive and should complement a healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep and managing stress.

• If you have kidney disease, or need to control your fluid or mineral intake (e.g., high potassium, magnesium sensitivity) — consult your healthcare provider before using bean-based strong infusions daily.

• If you are on medications (e.g., blood thinners, anti-coagulants, antacids) or pregnant, please check with your doctor before increasing ginger significantly—since ginger has mild blood-thinning and digestive-motility effects.

• Because beans can cause gas or bloating in some people, roast or pre-soak the beans sufficiently, and start with smaller amounts to test your tolerance.

• The drink still relies on good overall nutrition — include vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and maintain hydration. The herbal drink is a +, not a replacement for