Ginger is native to different parts of Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese, Indian, and Japanese medicines.
The ginger plant's scientific name is Zingiber officinale (Z. officinale).
This article discusses what you should know about ginger—its nutrition, potential uses, and safety.
Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States. They can cause interactions with medications or have other safety concerns.
For this reason, it’s important to be aware of what to look for when choosing a supplement, such as third-party testing, potential drug interactions, and more.
Supplement Facts
- Active Ingredient(s): Gingerols, shogaols, zingerone, gingerdiols, paradols
- Alternate Names(s): Ginger, giant ginger, white ginger, small white ginger, emprit ginger rhizome
- Legal Status: Spice, food, or substances added to food
- Suggested Dose: May vary based on dosage form and medical condition
- Safety Considerations: Possible side effects, interactions, and special considerations for children, pregnant people, and breastfeeding people
Nutrition
One tablespoon—or about 6 grams (g)—of raw ginger contains the following nutrients in grams, milligrams (mg), and micrograms (mcg):
- Kilocalories: 4.8 kcal
- Water: 4.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.1 g
- Fiber: 0.12 g
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 0.78 mg
- Total lipids (fat): 0.05 g
- Potassium: 24.9 mg
- Magnesium: 2.58 mg
- Phosphorus: 2.04 mg
- Choline: 1.7 mg
- Calcium: 0.96 mg
- Vitamin C: 0.28 mg
- Folate: 0.66 mcg
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Uses of Ginger
Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
While more, extensive research is necessary regarding effectiveness, people use ginger to treat various health conditions.
Research is most robust for relieving symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and menstrual period cramps.
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Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy
Many pregnant people experience nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP). But a small number of pregnant people experience a more severe form called hyperemesis gravidarum. This persistent and excessive nausea and vomiting can lead to dehydration and weight loss.
In a clinical study, ginger was better than a placebo (a substance with no medicine) at relieving NVP. Ginger was also as effective as dimenhydrinate, and its effects aren't different from Reglan (metoclopramide). However, when compared to vitamin B6, the results were mixed.
Additional high-quality studies are still necessary.
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
There are several treatments and medications available for cancer, and chemotherapy (chemo) is a possible option.
Roughly 80% of people on chemo will experience nausea and vomiting. This side effect is known as chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Based on a 2016 review article, the results are mixed for using ginger 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 as nonsteroidal 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.
Safety
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:
- Belching (burping)
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Mouth irritation
- Stomach upset
- Taste changes
- Weight changes
Severe Side Effects
Possible serious side effects may include the following:
- Severe allergic reaction: A severe allergic reaction is a serious side effect possible with any medication or natural product. If you're having a severe allergic reaction, symptoms may include breathing difficulties, itchiness, and rash.
- Abnormal heart rhythm: Case reports suggested ginger caused arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm).
- Severe bleeding: Reports suggest ginger has blood-thinning effects. It may increase the risk of severe bleeding.
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:
- Severe allergic reaction: Avoid ginger if you have a known allergy to it or its components (ingredients or parts). If you need more clarification, ask a pharmacist or healthcare provider for a complete list of the ingredients.
- Abnormal heart rhythm conditions: There are case reports of abnormal heart rhythm with ginger. A healthcare provider may want to monitor you closely and make any necessary medication adjustments if you already have an abnormal heart rhythm condition.
- Bleeding conditions: Ginger might increase your risk of bleeding. If you have a bleeding condition like von Willebrand disease healthcare providers may suggest you avoid ginger.
Interactions
There is limited information about possible medication interactions with ginger. But possible interactions may include the following:
- Blood thinners: Ginger has increased bleeding risk. It may have additive effects with blood thinners, increasing your risk of bruising and bleeding side effects. Jantoven (warfarin)is an example of a blood thinner.
- Heart rhythm medications: Ginger has had effects on heart rhythm. It may interact with heart rhythm medications, such as amiodarone.
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:
- NVP: Studies have used 125 to 650 mg two to four times daily for three to 21 days. One study used 500 mg ginger biscuits five times daily for four days.
- CINV: Studies have used 0.5 g, 1 g, and 1.5 g capsules with purified liquid extract of ginger root for six days. Each group also took antinausea medication.
- Menstrual period cramps: Studies have used 200 to 1,000 mg by mouth two to four times daily.
Similar Supplements
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:
- Cannabis: The cannabinoid substances in the cannabis plant might help with CINV.
- Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 with or without doxylamine is an effective first-line option for NVP.
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.
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, a registered 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 Questions
What is ginger good for?
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.
What is the most common dosage form of ginger?
Ginger is available in a few different dosage forms—with capsules and liquid potentially being the most common.
How do I take ginger safely?
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.
How can I prepare ginger tea?
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 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Ginger.
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 of Zingiber 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.
FoodData Central. Ginger (raw).
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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By Ross Phan, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, BCPS
Ross is a writer for Verywell and has years of experience practicing pharmacy in various settings. She is also a board-certified clinical pharmacist, the founder of Off Script Consults, and director of the PharmacyChecker international verification program.
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