Ginger
Ginger is the underground stem (rhizome) of Zingiber officinale, a tropical plant used as a spice and in traditional medicine.
Also listed as Zingiber officinale, Ginger Root Extract, Ginger Root Powder, Ginger Powder
Does ginger help pregnancy nausea?
NCCIH considers ginger potentially helpful for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. The gastrointestinal review describes trials commonly using around 1 g daily, often as divided capsule doses over several days. These are studied regimens, not a recommendation for every pregnancy, and the trials do not establish that tea or food portions provide the same effect. 1 2
Does the result extend to chemotherapy or surgery?
NCCIH finds the evidence uncertain for ginger added to standard chemotherapy-related nausea treatment and for nausea after surgery. The gastrointestinal review also reports conflicting chemotherapy results across differing doses, preparations and treatment schedules. Benefit in pregnancy cannot settle these separate questions. 1 2
Why do authorities differ about motion sickness?
NCCIH says most motion-sickness studies did not show benefit. EMA recognizes prevention of motion-sickness nausea and vomiting for a specific powdered ginger medicinal preparation. These conclusions concern different evidence assessments and product scopes; neither establishes that every ginger supplement works for travel nausea. 1 3
What about bloating and indigestion?
The gastrointestinal review found limited evidence for disorders beyond nausea. Some dyspepsia studies tested ginger combined with artichoke, so their benefits cannot be assigned to ginger alone. Faster gastric emptying and relief of abdominal symptoms should also be assessed separately. 2
The gastrointestinal review found limited evidence for disorders beyond nausea. Some dyspepsia studies tested ginger combined with artichoke, so their benefits cannot be assigned to ginger alone. Faster gastric emptying and relief of abdominal symptoms should also be assessed separately. 2
Does ginger help joint or period pain?
NCCIH reports that supplements may reduce menstrual-cramp severity. Knee osteoarthritis symptoms may also improve, but much of that research is poor quality; topical ginger has not shown benefit for knee symptoms. These findings leave uncertainty about the size and reliability of relief. 1
NCCIH reports that supplements may reduce menstrual-cramp severity. Knee osteoarthritis symptoms may also improve, but much of that research is poor quality; topical ginger has not shown benefit for knee symptoms. These findings leave uncertainty about the size and reliability of relief. 1
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Immune Support2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
Longevity1 effect
Weight Management1 effect
Gut Health3 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Bone & Joint1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Cognition3 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Stress & Mood2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Other effects1 effect
All studies
13 publications are linked to Ginger, newest first.
Sources
- Zingiberis rhizoma: herbal medicinal product European Medicines Agency