Ginger has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for stomach problems, and it remains highly popular today. Ginger supplements top the sales charts among herbal supplements — but how effective is it really for easing nausea and digestive issues?
اضافة اعلان
According to experts, the available research is limited but promising. Dr. Michael Corley, a gastroenterology specialist at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, told The New York Times that most studies have focused specifically on nausea and vomiting. Although the studies are small, they suggest that ginger may be a safe and effective option in some cases.
Ginger’s potential benefits are linked to two active compounds: gingerol and shogaol. These compounds are believed to interrupt nerve pathways associated with nausea in both the brain and the gut, preventing activation of the brain’s “vomiting center,” explained researcher Megan Creighton from Queensland University of Technology in Australia. Some limited evidence also suggests ginger may help speed up gastric emptying.
Strongest Evidence: Ginger Supplements
The most consistent results have come from studies using supplements made from dried ginger root powder.
A 2025 review by Dr. Kishab Paudel and colleagues found that pregnant women who took 500–1500 mg of ginger daily experienced improvement in nausea symptoms — though vomiting did not decrease.
In a 2024 clinical trial involving chemotherapy patients, taking 1200 mg daily for five days reduced nausea compared to a placebo.
Research on acute nausea caused by food poisoning, motion sickness, or alcohol consumption is limited, as is research on conditions like indigestion or irritable bowel syndrome. However, a small 2023 study found that ginger improved heartburn, pain, and post-meal fullness in people with functional dyspepsia.
Does the Form of Ginger Matter?
Ginger is available in many forms — fresh, tea, candies, soda, lozenges, and supplements — but their effectiveness varies. Experts agree that supplements are the most reliable, given their controlled, concentrated doses.
Dr. Joshua Foreman recommends 500 mg twice daily for both chronic and short-term nausea.
In contrast, many ginger-flavored products (like certain teas and sodas) contain very tiny amounts of actual ginger.
Safety Considerations
Ginger is generally safe, but people taking blood thinners, medications for blood pressure or diabetes, or immunosuppressants should consult a doctor before using it regularly.
Bottom Line
Despite limited research, experts believe ginger remains a low-risk, relatively effective natural option for relieving nausea — “a valuable therapeutic tool at hand.”
