Overview
Ginger, the "root" or the rhizome, of the plant Zingiber officinale, has been a popular spice and herbal medicine for thousands of years. It has a long history of use in Asian, Indian, and Arabic herbal traditions. In China, for example, ginger has been used to help digestion and treat stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea for more than 2,000 years. Ginger has also been used to help treat arthritis, colic, diarrhea, and heart conditions.
It has been used to help treat the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches, and painful menstrual periods.
Ginger is native to Asia where it has been used as a cooking spice for at least 4,400 years.
Ginger is a knotted, thick, beige underground stem, called a rhizome. The stem sticks up about 12 inches above ground with long, narrow, ribbed, green leaves, and white or yellowish-green flowers.
Researchers think the active components of the ginger root are volatile oils and pungent phenol compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols.
Today, health care professionals may recommend ginger to help prevent or treat nausea and vomiting from motion sickness, pregnancy, and cancer chemotherapy. It is also used to treat mild stomach upset, to reduce pain of osteoarthritis, and may even be used in heart disease.
Several studies, but not all, suggest that ginger may work better than placebo in reducing some symptoms of motion sickness. In one trial of 80 new sailors who were prone to motion sickness, those who took powdered ginger had less vomiting and cold sweats compared to those who took placebo. Ginger did not reduce their nausea, however. A study with healthy volunteers found the same thing.
However, other studies found that ginger does not work as well as medications for motion sickness. In one small study, people were given either fresh root or powdered ginger, scopolamine, a medication commonly prescribed for motion sickness, or a placebo. Those who took scopolamine had fewer symptoms than those who took ginger. Conventional prescription and over-the-counter medicines for nausea may also have side effects that ginger does not, such as dry mouth and drowsiness.
Human studies suggest that 1g daily of ginger may reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnant women when used for short periods (no longer than 4 days). Several studies have found that ginger is better than placebo in relieving morning sickness.
In a small study of 30 pregnant women with severe vomiting, those who took 1 gram of ginger every day for 4 days reported more relief from vomiting than those who took placebo. In a larger study of 70 pregnant women with nausea and vomiting, those who got a similar dose of ginger felt less nauseous and did not vomit as much as those who got placebo. Pregnant women should ask their doctors before taking ginger and not take more than 1g per day.
A few studies suggest that ginger reduces the severity and duration of nausea, but not vomiting, during chemotherapy. However, one of the studies used ginger combined with another anti-nausea drug. So it is hard to say whether ginger had any effect. More studies are needed.
Research is mixed as to whether ginger can help reduce nausea and vomiting following surgery. Two studies found that 1g of ginger root before surgery reduced nausea as well as a leading medication. In one of these studies, women who took ginger also needed fewer medications for nausea after surgery. But other studies have found that ginger did not help reduce nausea. In fact, one study found that ginger may actually increase vomiting following surgery. More research is needed.
Traditional medicine has used ginger for centuries to reduce inflammation. And there is some evidence that ginger may help reduce pain from osteoarthritis (OA). In a study of 261 people with OA of the knee, those who took a ginger extract twice daily had less pain and needed fewer pain-killing medications than those who received placebo. Another study found that ginger was no better than ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or placebo in reducing symptoms of OA. It may take several weeks for ginger to work.
Preliminary studies suggest that ginger may lower cholesterol and help prevent blood from clotting. That can help treat heart disease where blood vessels can become blocked and lead to heart attack or stroke. Other studies suggest that ginger may help improve blood sugar control among people with type 2 diabetes. More research is needed to determine whether ginger is safe or effective for heart disease and diabetes.
Ginger products are made from fresh or dried ginger root, or from steam distillation of the oil in the root. You can find ginger extracts, tinctures, capsules, and oils. You can also buy fresh ginger root and make a tea. Ginger is a common cooking spice and can be found in a variety of foods and drinks, including ginger bread, ginger snaps, ginger sticks, and ginger ale.
Pediatric
DO NOT give ginger to children under 2.
Children over 2 may take ginger to treat nausea, stomach cramping, and headaches. Ask your doctor to find the right dose.
Adult
In general, DO NOT take more than 4 g of ginger per day, including food sources. Pregnant women should not take more than 1 g per day.
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. However, herbs can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken under the supervision of a health care provider, qualified in the field of botanical medicine.
It is rare to have side effects from ginger. In high doses it may cause mild heartburn, diarrhea, and irritation of the mouth. You may be able to avoid some of the mild stomach side effects, such as belching, heartburn, or stomach upset, by taking ginger supplements in capsules or taking ginger with meals.
People with gallstones should talk to their doctors before taking ginger. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking ginger before having surgery or being placed under anesthesia.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with heart conditions, and people with diabetes should not take ginger without talking to their doctors.
DO NOT take ginger if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking blood-thinning medications, including aspirin.
Ginger may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines. If you take any of the following medicines, you should not use ginger without talking to your health care provider first.
Blood-thinning medications: Ginger may increase the risk of bleeding. Talk to your doctor before taking ginger if you take blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin.
Diabetes medications: Ginger may lower blood sugar. That can raise the risk of developing hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
High blood pressure medications: Ginger may lower blood pressure, raising the risk of low blood pressure or irregular heartbeat.
Ali BH, Blunden G, Tanira MO, Nemmar A. Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): a review of recent research. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008;46(2):409-20.
Altman RD, Marcussen KC. Effects of a ginger extract on knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2001;44(11):2531-2538.
Apariman S, Ratchanon S, Wiriyasirivej B. Effectiveness of ginger for prevention of nausea and vomiting after gynecological laparoscopy. J Med Assoc Thai. 2006;89(12):2003-9.
Bliddal H, Rosetzsky A, Schlichting P, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of ginger extracts and ibuprofen in osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2000;8:9-12.
Bone ME, Wilkinson DJ, Young JR, McNeil J, Charlton S. Ginger root -- a new antiemetic. The effect of ginger root on postoperative nausea and vomiting after major gynaecological surgery. Anaesthesia. 1990;45(8):669-71.
Bordia A, Verma SK, Srivastava KC. Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.) on blood lipids, blood sugar, and platelet aggregation ion patients with coronary heart disease. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 1997;56(5):379-384.
Chaiyakunapruk N. The efficacy of ginger for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: a meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006;194(1):95-9.
Eberhart LH, Mayer R, Betz O, et al. Ginger does not prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic surgery. Anesth Analg. 2003;96(4):995-8, table.
Ernst E, Pittler MH. Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. B J Anaesth. 2000;84(3):367-371.
Fischer-Rasmussen W, Kjaer SK, Dahl C, Asping U. Ginger treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 1991 Jan 4;38(1):19-24.
Fuhrman B, Rosenblat M, Hayek T, Coleman R, Aviram M. Ginger extract consumption reduces plasma cholesterol, inhibits LDL oxidation, and attenuates development of atherosclerosis in atherosclerotic, apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. J Nutr. 2000;130(5):1124-1131.
Gonlachanvit S, Chen YH, Hasler WL, et al. Ginger reduces hyperglycemia-evoked gastric dysrhythmias in healthy humans: possible role of endogenous prostaglandins. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2003;307(3):1098-1103.
Gregory PJ, Sperry M, Wilson AF. Dietary supplements for osteoarthritis. Am Fam Physician. 2008 Jan 15;77(2):177-84. Review.
Grontved A, Brask T, Kambskard J, Hentzer E. Ginger root against seasickness: a controlled trial on the open sea. Acta Otolaryngol. 1988;105:45-49.
Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2000;57(13):1221-1227.
Kalava A, Darji SJ, Kalstein A, Yarmush JM, SchianodiCola J, Weinberg J. Efficacy of ginger on intraoperative and postoperative nausea and vomiting in elective cesarean section patients. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2013;169(2):184-8.
Langner E, Greifenberg S, Gruenwald J. Ginger: history and use. Adv Ther. 1998;15(1):25-44.
Larkin M. Surgery patients at risk for herb-anaesthesia interactions. Lancet. 1999;354(9187):1362.
Lee SH, Cekanova M, Baek SJ. Multiple mechanisms are involved in 6-gingerol-induced cell growth arrest and apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells. Mol Carcinog. 2008;47(3):197-208.
Mahady GB, Pendland SL, Yun GS, et al. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and the gingerols inhibit the growth of Cag A+ strains of Helicobacter pylori. Anticancer Res. 2003;23(5A):3699-3702.
Nurtjahja-Tjendraputra E, Ammit AJ, Roufogalis BD, et al. Effective anti-platelet and COX-1 enzyme inhibitors from pungent constituents of ginger. Thromb Res. 2003;111(4-5):259-265.
Phillips S, Ruggier R, Hutchinson SE. Zingiber officinale (ginger) -- an antiemetic for day case surgery. Anaesthesia. 1993;48(8):715-717.
Pongrojpaw D, Somprasit C, Chanthasenanont A. A randomized comparison of ginger and dimenhydrinate in the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. J Med Assoc Thai. 2007 Sep;90(9):1703-9.
Portnoi G, Chng LA, Karimi-Tabesh L, et al. Prospective comparative study of the safety and effectiveness of ginger for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003;189(5):1374-1377.
Sripramote M, Lekhyananda N. A randomized comparison of ginger and vitamin B6 in the treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. J Med Assoc Thai. 2003;86(9):846-853.
Thomson M, Al Qattan KK, Al Sawan SM, et al. The use of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) as a potential anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic agent. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2002;67(6):475-478.
Vaes LP, Chyka PA. Interactions of warfarin with garlic, ginger, ginkgo, or ginseng: nature of the evidence. Ann Pharmacother. 2000;34(12):1478-1482.
Viljoen E, Visser J, Koen N, Musekiwa A. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect and safety of ginger in the treatment of pregnancy-associated nausea and vomiting. Nutr J. 2014; 13:20.
Vutyavanich T, Kraisarin T, Ruangsri R. Ginger for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2001;97(4):577-582.
Wang CC, Chen LG, Lee LT, et al. Effects of 6-gingerol, an antioxidant from ginger, on inducing apoptosis in human leukemic HL-60 cells. In Vivo. 2003;17(6):641-645.
White B. Ginger: an overview. Am Fam Physician. 2007;75(11):1689-91.
Wigler I, Grotto I, Caspi D, et al. The effects of Zintona EC (a ginger extract) on symptomatic gonarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2003;11(11):783-789.
Willetts KE, Ekangaki A, Eden JA. Effect of a ginger extract on pregnancy-induced nausea: a randomised controlled trial. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2003;43(2):139-144.
African ginger; Black ginger; Jamaican ginger; Zingiber officinale
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch)
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. 1997-2013 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Continued here:
Ginger | University of Maryland Medical Center
- Pluristyx, panCELLa, and Implant Therapeutics Announce Definitive Merger Agreement - Business Wire - October 13th, 2022
- Johns Hopkins Scientists Have Developed a Nanobody That May Treat Parkinson's Disease - SciTechDaily - September 25th, 2022
- UMD students contribute to tech, health fields with summer research projects - The Diamondback - September 16th, 2022
- Pair of Hopkins teams receive $200K in technology grants - Maryland Daily Record - August 22nd, 2022
- RoosterBio and AGC Biologics team up to accelerate manufacture of cell and exosome therapies - BioPharma-Reporter.com - August 22nd, 2022
- Stem Cell Transplant Reverses Sickle Cell Disease in Adults - July 3rd, 2022
- LONGEVERON INC. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. (form 10-Q) - Marketscreener.com - May 15th, 2022
- Top Ways To Rejuvenate Your Body And Improve Your Well-being - The Southern Maryland Chronicle - April 19th, 2022
- BioCardia Announces FDA Approval of Its IND for NK1R+ Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Patients Recovering from Acute Respiratory Distress... - April 19th, 2022
- Synthetic biology's past, present and future explored in timely new account - Winnipeg Free Press - April 6th, 2022
- US is Out of Step on Primate Research With Rest of World - NewsClick - October 5th, 2021
- A Look Inside A Termite's Gut Wins The 11th Annual Nikon Small World in Motion Competition - PRNewswire - August 18th, 2021
- What really happened in Wuhan? - The Sunday Guardian Live - The Sunday Guardian - June 6th, 2021
- UMD Researchers Perform Crucial Proof-of-Concept ... - December 20th, 2020
- US gets more help in raging battle against COVID-19 as FDA authorizes Moderna vaccine, the second allowed for emergency use - USA TODAY - December 20th, 2020
- Sirnaomics to Initiate Phase I Study of STP705 in Treatment of Primary and Metastatic Liver Cancer | DNA RNA and Cells | News Channels -... - December 7th, 2020
- Trump was one of the first 10 patients to get an experimental COVID-19 treatment under special use - Yahoo News - October 8th, 2020
- New toilet, a VR camera and science experiments are heading to t - KAKE - October 8th, 2020
- ShoreRivers awarded DNR grant for two restoration projects - MyEasternShoreMD - August 26th, 2020
- CRISPR cows could boost sustainable meat production, but regulations and wary consumers stand in the way - Genetic Literacy Project - August 26th, 2020
- Over $8M in 2020 Stem Cell Funding Awards Continue to Fuel Marylands Leading Cell Therapy Industry - BioBuzz - June 24th, 2020
- Researchers develop nanoengineered bioink to 3D print functional bone tissue - 3D Printing Industry - May 27th, 2020
- 'Virus Goes In, Virus Goes Out': Advocates Call For Release Of More Low-Level Prisoners To Stem Infection Rate - Kaiser Health News - May 22nd, 2020
- What Do New Neurons in the Brains of Adults Actually Do? - The Scientist - May 7th, 2020
- David C. Karli is Offering a New Ray of Hope Through Regenerative Medicine - RESPECT. - May 3rd, 2020
- Could Innate Immunology Save Us From the Coronavirus? - The New York Times - May 3rd, 2020
- Watch: Hogan orders closure of bars, restaurants, theaters and gyms, restricts gatherings - Maryland Daily Record - March 22nd, 2020
- Dr Borehams Crucible: The small cap biotechs trying to make a buck from coronavirus - Stockhead - March 9th, 2020
- The Aussie Biotech Companies Trying To Make A Buck From Coronavirus - D'Marge - March 9th, 2020
- Organoids, iPSCs, and advanced cell models: Advancing discovery from basic research to drug discovery - Science Magazine - March 4th, 2020
- Maryland Stem Cell Center Consortium & Core Facility ... - March 4th, 2020
- Serving those who serve - The Hub at Johns Hopkins - November 14th, 2019
- BioLineRx Presents Preclinical Data From Triple Combination of BL-8040, Anti PD-1 and Chemotherapy Demonstrating Significant Reduction in Pancreatic... - November 6th, 2019
- VetStem Biopharma Shares the Success Story of Ole who was Treated with VetStem Cell Therapy by Dr. Holly Mullen - PR Web - November 6th, 2019
- Contrasting of Applied Therapeutics Inc. (APLT) and Neuralstem Inc. (NASDAQ:CUR) - MS Wkly - November 6th, 2019
- Reviewing Synthetic Biologics Inc. (SYN)'s and Asterias Biotherapeutics Inc. (:)'s results - FinanceMercury - November 6th, 2019
- Comparing of Neuralstem Inc. (CUR) and Allakos Inc. (NASDAQ:ALLK) - MS Wkly - November 6th, 2019
- Head-To-Head Survey: Intrexon (NASDAQ:XON) versus US Stem Cell (NASDAQ:USRM) - Riverton Roll - September 25th, 2019
- Analyzing US Stem Cell (OTCMKTS:USRM) and Intrexon (OTCMKTS:XON) - TechNewsObserver - September 25th, 2019
- Reviewing Intrexon (NASDAQ:XON) & US Stem Cell (NASDAQ:USRM) - Mayfield Recorder - September 25th, 2019
- Artificially Engineering Intestine - Mirage News - September 25th, 2019
- Prothena Corporation plc (PRTA)'s Financial Results Comparing With Neuralstem Inc. (NASDAQ:CUR) - The EN Herald - September 25th, 2019
- cord_blood - Maryland - September 14th, 2019
- Stem Cells and Type 1 Diabetes: What the Future Has in ... - April 24th, 2019
- Stem Cell Therapy in Maryland | Stem Cell Professionals - April 5th, 2019
- Meristem - Wikipedia - January 17th, 2019
- Stem Cell Therapy in Annapolis Maryland | Stem Cell ... - October 25th, 2018
- Stem Cell Centers - Towson > Stem Cell Centers - October 6th, 2018
- STEM CELL THERAPY - Orthopedic and Wellness Maryland - September 5th, 2018
- Patient Resources | University of Maryland School of Medicine - September 5th, 2018
- Stem Cell Clinical Trial | University of Maryland Children ... - August 17th, 2018
- Baltimore, Maryland Stem Cell Transplants, Montgomery ... - August 17th, 2018
- Nervous System Stem Cells Can Replace Themselves, Give ... - July 3rd, 2018
- Excellence in Stem Cell Research | University of Maryland ... - June 24th, 2018
- Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund: 2014 Awardees - June 24th, 2018
- Catholic response to stem cells - Featured Today ... - October 14th, 2017
- Free stem cell Essays and Papers - 123HelpMe - October 12th, 2017
- How Stem Cell Therapy Can Help Repair and Regenerate Your Body - October 12th, 2017
- How Stem Cell Therapy Can Help Repair and ... - Mercola.com - September 4th, 2017
- Science and technology to get boost from CRS-12 mission - SpaceFlight Insider - August 12th, 2017
- Cannon Scholars visit National Institute of Standards and Technology - Dover Post - August 9th, 2017
- Lab-Grown, Virus-Free Stem Cells Repair Retinal Tissue in ... - August 9th, 2017
- Roanoke researchers pursue treatments for the type of deadly brain cancer affecting McCain - Roanoke Times - August 3rd, 2017
- The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF) | Tedco - November 25th, 2016
- Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine ... - November 14th, 2016
- Johns Hopkins Team Creates Stem Cells From Schizophrenia ... - September 5th, 2016
- Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Neuronal Cells ... - August 18th, 2016
- Maryland Stem Cell Center Consortium and Core Facility ... - August 12th, 2016
- Human Stem Cells Institute - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - October 19th, 2015
- Patients' Own Genetically Altered Immune Cells Show ... - October 19th, 2015
- Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund: Funding Opportunities - July 2nd, 2015
- MRI based on a sugar molecule can tell cancerous from noncancerous cells - March 27th, 2015
- MD Stem Cells Release Optic Nerve Vision Loss Reversed ... - March 22nd, 2015
- TiGenix: TiGenix reports its full year 2014 results - March 18th, 2015
- Gene regulatory path revealed as target for therapy of aggressive pediatric brain cancer - March 10th, 2015
- American Spine offers experimental fix for pain -- Gazette.Net - January 28th, 2015
- American Spine offers experimental fix for pain - January 28th, 2015
- Toughest Breast Cancer May Have Met Its Match - December 9th, 2014
- Bid on Stem Cells and Alcohol-induced Tissue Injuries (R21 ... - November 12th, 2014
- Head, National Institutes of Health Stem Cell Technology ... - November 11th, 2014