Health Uses of Ginger

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.

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

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 of nausea, vomiting, and menstrual period cramps.

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?

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.