Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsGinger NutritionUsesSafetyDosageSimilar SupplementsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Ginger Nutrition
Uses
Safety
Dosage
Similar Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
Ginger, orZingiber officinale(Z. officinale),is an herb native to Asia that can help reduce nausea and vomiting. This can help provide benefits in early pregnancy and when undergoing chemotherapy. It’s also said to help reduce pain from menstrual cramps.
Gingerhas been used in traditional Chinese, Indian, and Japanese medicines.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Nutrition
One tablespoon—or about 6 grams (g)—of raw ginger contains the following nutrients in grams, milligrams (mg), and micrograms (mcg):
Supplement Facts
Cutting fresh ginger root.Ana Rocio Garcia Franco / Getty Images
Ana Rocio Garcia Franco / Getty Images
Uses of Ginger
While more, extensive research is necessary regarding effectiveness, people use ginger to treat various health conditions.
Research is most robust for relieving symptoms ofnausea, vomiting, andmenstrual periodcramps.
Is Ginger Anti-Inflammatory?
Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy
Many pregnant people experiencenausea and vomiting in pregnancy(NVP). But a small number of pregnant people experience a more severe form calledhyperemesis gravidarum. This persistent and excessive nausea and vomiting can lead todehydrationand weight loss.
In a clinical study, ginger was better than aplacebo(a substance with no medicine) at relieving NVP. Ginger was also as effective as dimenhydrinate, and its effects aren’t different fromReglan (metoclopramide). However, when compared to vitamin B6, the results were mixed.
Additional high-quality studies are still necessary.
7 Proven Ways to Use Ginger for Nausea Relief
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
There are several treatments and medications available forcancer, andchemotherapy(chemo) is a possible option.
Roughly 80% of people on chemo will experience nausea and vomiting. This side effect is known aschemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting(CINV).Based on a 2016 review article, the results are mixed for usingginger in CINV. Further extensive research is necessary.
Future, high-quality clinical trials should use standardized ginger preparations and consistent study methods.
Menstrual Period Cramps
According to a systematic review (a methodical review of a collection of studies), ginger relieved menstrual period cramps as effectively asnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Ginger was also effective when combined with exercise. But the results weren’t conclusive when compared to placebo.
Future research with higher-quality, larger studies is necessary.
How a Daily Ginger Shot Could Be the Natural Boost You Need
As with many medications and natural products, side effects are possible with ginger.
Precautions to keep in mind for certain groups are also listed below.
Common Side Effects
The FDA placed ginger on its GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) list when used as a flavoring agent in food.
But some possible common side effects may include the following:
Severe Side Effects
Possible serious side effects may include the following:
If you’re having a severe allergic reaction or if any of your symptoms feel life-threatening, call 911 and get medical help right away.
Precautions
A healthcare provider may advise against ginger if any of the following applies to you:
Interactions
There is limited information about possible medication interactions with ginger. But possible interactions may include the following:
It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
Dosage: How Much Ginger Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
While there are some studies on ginger in humans, high-quality clinical trials are still necessary.Therefore, there are no guidelines on the appropriate dosage of ginger for any condition. The following dosages were commonly used in clinical (human) trials:
Ginger has potential uses for helping with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy or during chemotherapy. Another potential use of ginger is relieving menstrual period cramps. Other potentially similar supplements may include:
Don’t combine multiple natural products until you first talk with a healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Checking in can help you avoid possible interactions and side effects and ensure you’re giving these supplements a fair trial at appropriate doses.
How Can Turmeric and Ginger Provide Health Benefits?
Summary
Ginger is derived from the rhizome (underground stem) of the ginger plant,Zingiber officinale. Ginger has a few potential medical uses, including helping nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and menstrual period cramps.
However, further research is needed. Before using ginger, involve your healthcare provider, aregistered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), and/or a pharmacist to weigh in on your use of ginger to help you safely achieve your health goals.
Frequently Asked QuestionsGinger has helped relieve nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP), chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), and menstrual period cramps. It’s also used as a spice for food.Ginger is available in a few different dosage forms—with capsules and liquid potentially being the most common.To safely take herbal medications—like ginger—ask your healthcare providers and pharmacist about potential interactions and side effects with any medication you take.This includes over-the-counter (OTC), herbal, natural medicines, and supplements. A medical professional can ensure you’re giving ginger a fair trial at appropriate doses.You can prepare ginger tea from store-bought brands, following the directions. Or you could prepare it from fresh ginger.Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger, thinly sliced or pulverized. Add the fresh ginger to 2 cups of hot water, increasing or decreasing the amount of water according to preference. Let it steep for five to 10 minutes before straining. Add a little honey or other sweetener if you’d like.
Ginger has helped relieve nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP), chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), and menstrual period cramps. It’s also used as a spice for food.
Ginger is available in a few different dosage forms—with capsules and liquid potentially being the most common.
To safely take herbal medications—like ginger—ask your healthcare providers and pharmacist about potential interactions and side effects with any medication you take.This includes over-the-counter (OTC), herbal, natural medicines, and supplements. A medical professional can ensure you’re giving ginger a fair trial at appropriate doses.
You can prepare ginger tea from store-bought brands, following the directions. Or you could prepare it from fresh ginger.Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger, thinly sliced or pulverized. Add the fresh ginger to 2 cups of hot water, increasing or decreasing the amount of water according to preference. Let it steep for five to 10 minutes before straining. Add a little honey or other sweetener if you’d like.
You can prepare ginger tea from store-bought brands, following the directions. Or you could prepare it from fresh ginger.
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger, thinly sliced or pulverized. Add the fresh ginger to 2 cups of hot water, increasing or decreasing the amount of water according to preference. Let it steep for five to 10 minutes before straining. Add a little honey or other sweetener if you’d like.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ginger.FoodData Central.Ginger (raw).Crichton M, Marshall S, Marx W, et al.Therapeutic health effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale): updated narrative reviewing exploring the mechanisms of action.Nutrition Reviews. 2023:nuac115. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuac115Zhang S, Kou X, Zhao H, et al.Zingiber officinalevar.rubrum: red ginger’s medicinal uses.Molecules. 2022;27(3):775. doi: 10.3390/molecules27030775United States Department of Agriculture.FoodData Central:Zingiber officinale.Food and Drug Administration.Substances added to food (formerly EAFUS).Lete I, Allue J.The effectiveness of ginger in the prevention of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and chemotherapy.Integrative Medicine Insights. 2016. doi: 10.4137/IMI.S36273Gurung A, Khatiwada B, Kayastha B, et al.Effectiveness ofZingiber officinale(ginger) compared with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and complementary therapy in primary dysmenorrhoea: a systematic review.Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health. 2022;18:101152. doi: 10.1016/j.cegh.2022.101152National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database:Zingiber officinale.White B.Ginger: an overview.American Family Physician. 2007;75(11):1689-1691.LactMed.Ginger.National Cancer Institute.Nausea and vomiting related to cancer treatment (PDQ®)-health professional version.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is von willebrand disease?National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: what you need to know.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Complementary health approaches for travelers.MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ginger.FoodData Central.Ginger (raw).Crichton M, Marshall S, Marx W, et al.Therapeutic health effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale): updated narrative reviewing exploring the mechanisms of action.Nutrition Reviews. 2023:nuac115. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuac115Zhang S, Kou X, Zhao H, et al.Zingiber officinalevar.rubrum: red ginger’s medicinal uses.Molecules. 2022;27(3):775. doi: 10.3390/molecules27030775United States Department of Agriculture.FoodData Central:Zingiber officinale.Food and Drug Administration.Substances added to food (formerly EAFUS).Lete I, Allue J.The effectiveness of ginger in the prevention of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and chemotherapy.Integrative Medicine Insights. 2016. doi: 10.4137/IMI.S36273Gurung A, Khatiwada B, Kayastha B, et al.Effectiveness ofZingiber officinale(ginger) compared with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and complementary therapy in primary dysmenorrhoea: a systematic review.Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health. 2022;18:101152. doi: 10.1016/j.cegh.2022.101152National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database:Zingiber officinale.White B.Ginger: an overview.American Family Physician. 2007;75(11):1689-1691.LactMed.Ginger.National Cancer Institute.Nausea and vomiting related to cancer treatment (PDQ®)-health professional version.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is von willebrand disease?National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: what you need to know.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Complementary health approaches for travelers.MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ginger.FoodData Central.Ginger (raw).Crichton M, Marshall S, Marx W, et al.Therapeutic health effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale): updated narrative reviewing exploring the mechanisms of action.Nutrition Reviews. 2023:nuac115. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuac115Zhang S, Kou X, Zhao H, et al.Zingiber officinalevar.rubrum: red ginger’s medicinal uses.Molecules. 2022;27(3):775. doi: 10.3390/molecules27030775United States Department of Agriculture.FoodData Central:Zingiber officinale.Food and Drug Administration.Substances added to food (formerly EAFUS).Lete I, Allue J.The effectiveness of ginger in the prevention of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and chemotherapy.Integrative Medicine Insights. 2016. doi: 10.4137/IMI.S36273Gurung A, Khatiwada B, Kayastha B, et al.Effectiveness ofZingiber officinale(ginger) compared with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and complementary therapy in primary dysmenorrhoea: a systematic review.Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health. 2022;18:101152. doi: 10.1016/j.cegh.2022.101152National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database:Zingiber officinale.White B.Ginger: an overview.American Family Physician. 2007;75(11):1689-1691.LactMed.Ginger.National Cancer Institute.Nausea and vomiting related to cancer treatment (PDQ®)-health professional version.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is von willebrand disease?National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: what you need to know.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Complementary health approaches for travelers.MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ginger.
FoodData Central.Ginger (raw).
Crichton M, Marshall S, Marx W, et al.Therapeutic health effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale): updated narrative reviewing exploring the mechanisms of action.Nutrition Reviews. 2023:nuac115. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuac115
Zhang S, Kou X, Zhao H, et al.Zingiber officinalevar.rubrum: red ginger’s medicinal uses.Molecules. 2022;27(3):775. doi: 10.3390/molecules27030775
United States Department of Agriculture.FoodData Central:Zingiber officinale.
Food and Drug Administration.Substances added to food (formerly EAFUS).
Lete I, Allue J.The effectiveness of ginger in the prevention of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and chemotherapy.Integrative Medicine Insights. 2016. doi: 10.4137/IMI.S36273
Gurung A, Khatiwada B, Kayastha B, et al.Effectiveness ofZingiber officinale(ginger) compared with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and complementary therapy in primary dysmenorrhoea: a systematic review.Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health. 2022;18:101152. doi: 10.1016/j.cegh.2022.101152
National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database:Zingiber officinale.
White B.Ginger: an overview.American Family Physician. 2007;75(11):1689-1691.
LactMed.Ginger.
National Cancer Institute.Nausea and vomiting related to cancer treatment (PDQ®)-health professional version.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is von willebrand disease?
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: what you need to know.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Complementary health approaches for travelers.
MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.
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