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Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain ginger. Decisions to use herbs or supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with their pharmacists or health care providers before starting.
Scientists have studied ginger for the following health problems: Nausea | Scientific research suggests that ginger may decrease the severity of nausea and the length of time that patients feel nauseated after receiving chemotherapy, surgical anesthesia (reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting), or nausea caused by other medications. Ginger has been studied for motion sickness and morning sickness related to pregnancy, although safety has not been well proven. However, overall results of this research are not clear, and further study is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn. | Arthritis, joint pain, muscle pain | Although some studies suggest that ginger may provide pain relief and decrease inflammation, these benefits are likely small and may not occur in all patients. At this time, there is not enough evidence to support the use of ginger for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, joint pain or muscle pain. |
Ginger has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially very serious and even life-threatening. You should consult a health care provider before taking ginger for any unproven use. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
Antacid
Antibacterial
Anticoagulant (blood thinner)
Antifungal
Anti-oxidant
Antiviral
Aphrodisiac
Asthma
Atherosclerosis (clogged arteries)
Athlete's foot
Baldness
Bleeding
Bronchitis
Burns — used as a cream
Cancer
Cholera
Colds
Colic
Cough
Decreased appetite
Depression
Diarrhea
Digestive aid
Diuretic
Expectorant (loosens mucus secretions)
Gallbladder disease | Gas
Headache
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Immune system stimulant
Impotence
Increase metabolism
Inflammation of testes
Insect repellant
Intestinal parasites
Kawasaki's disease
Kidney disease
Labor
Laxative
Liver disease
Low blood pressure
Menstrual pain
Migraine headache
Muscle relaxant
Pain
Psoriasis — used as a cream
Respiratory tract infections
Snakebites
Stomachache
Sweating
Toothache
Ulcers
Upper respiratory infection |
Allergies Ginger should be avoided by people with a known allergy to ginger; other members of the Zingiberaceae family such as red ginger (Alpinia purpurata), shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet) or green cardamom; and balsam of Peru. Side Effects Ginger has been well tolerated in studies. Some people may experience heartburn, burping, bloating and gas or stomach discomfort. Rash has been reported with ginger used in creams on the skin. Rare side effects include eye irritation, depression or an urge to urinate. In theory, ginger may cause irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), may alter blood pressure or may increase the risk of bleeding. You may need to stop taking ginger before some surgeries; discuss this with your health care provider. Drowsiness or sedation may also occur. Use caution if you are driving or operating heavy machinery. Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding Even though ginger is sometimes used for nausea during pregnancy, it is not clear if it is safe for use by pregnant women. Some natural medicine textbooks recommend that ginger be avoided during pregnancy in amounts larger than those commonly used for cooking, because of a theoretical risk of abortion or birth defects. However, two small studies in pregnant women reported no serious side effects after four days of treatment. Because there is limited scientific information in this area, no clear recommendation can be made. If you are pregnant and considering ginger therapy, speak with your health care provider.
Interactions with drugs, supplements and other herbs have not been thoroughly studied. The interactions listed below have been reported in scientific publications. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with your health care provider or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements. Interactions With Drugs Ginger may increase the amount of acid in the stomach. As a result, it could interfere with the effects of drugs that decrease stomach acid, such as famotidine (Pepcid) or esomeprazole (Nexium). In theory, ginger may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. Examples include warfarin (Coumadin), heparin and clopidogrel (Plavix). Some pain relievers may also increase the risk of bleeding if used with ginger, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox). Ginger may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised if you are also taking drugs that may lower blood sugar levels. Patients taking oral drugs for diabetes or using insulin should be monitored closely by their health care provider while using ginger. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. In theory, ginger may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan); barbiturates, such as phenobarbital; narcotics, such as codeine; and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery. Ginger may counteract the effects of some heart drugs used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) or irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements In theory, ginger may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with products such as Gingko biloba and garlic ( Allium sativum). These interactions have not been studied in humans. Ginger may lower blood sugar levels. People using other herbs or supplements that may alter blood sugar levels, such as bitter melon ( Momordica charantia), should be monitored closely by their health care provider while using ginger. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. Ginger may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs or supplements, such as valerian. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery. Although not studied in humans, results from animal studies indicate that combining ginger with high amounts of calcium could have adverse effects on the heart. Study results suggest that dietary phytochemicals, such as capsaicin, curcumin, [6]-gingerol, and resveratol, have inhibitory effects on P-glycoprotein and may cause drug-food interactions.
The doses listed below are based on scientific research, publications or traditional use. Because most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly studied or monitored, safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients even within the same brand. Combination products often contain small amounts of each ingredient and may not be effective. Appropriate dosing should be discussed with a health care provider before starting therapy; always read the recommendations on a product's label. The dosing for unproven uses should be approached cautiously, because scientific information is limited in these areas. Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Capsules/tablets/powder: A dose of one to four grams per day, in divided doses, has been taken by mouth. Children (Younger Than 18) There is not enough scientific evidence to recommend ginger for children at this time.
Although ginger has been suggested for many conditions, it has been most studied as a treatment for nausea. The best evidence supports its use for nausea associated with chemotherapy or with pregnancy. However, it is not clear if ginger is safe during pregnancy, and pregnant women should notify their health care providers if they are considering the use of ginger. Individuals at risk of bleeding and those with diabetes, heart conditions, stomach ulcers or acid reflux should be cautious when taking ginger. Ginger may add to the effects of drugs that lower blood sugar levels, increase the risk of bleeding or cause drowsiness. Consult your health care provider immediately if you experience side effects. The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
- Natural Standard: An organization that produces scientifically based reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) topics
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research
Selected Scientific Studies: Ginger Natural Standard reviewed more than 420 articles to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created. Some of the more recent studies are listed below: - Abebe W. Herbal medication: potential for adverse interactions with analgesic drugs. J Clin Pharm Ther 2002;Dec, 27(6):391-401.
- Akoachere JF, Ndip RN, Chenwi EB, et al. Antibacterial effect of Zingiber officinale and Garcinia kola on respiratory tract pathogens. East Afr Med J 2002;Nov, 79(11):588-592.
- Altman RD, Marcussen KC. Effects of a ginger extract on knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2001;44(11):2531-2538.
- Arfeen Z, Owen H, Plummer JL, et al. A double-blind randomized controlled trial of ginger for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Anaesth Intensive Care 1995;23(4):449-452.
- Bean P. The use of alternative medicine in the treatment of hepatitis C. Am Clin Lab 2002;May, 21(4):19-21.
- 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(1):9-12.
- Blumenthal M. Ginger as an antiemetic during pregnancy. Altern Ther Health Med 2003;Jan-Feb, 9(1):19-21. Author reply, 19-21. Comment in: Altern Ther Health Med 2002;Sep-Oct, 8(5):89-91.
- 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 in patients with coronary artery disease. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1997;56(5):379-384.
- Bryer E. A literature review of the effectiveness of ginger in alleviating mild-to-moderate nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. J Midwifery Womens Health 2005;Jan-Feb, 50(1):1-3.
- Calvert I. Ginger: an essential oil for shortening labour? Pract Midwife 2005;Jan, 8(1):30-34.
- Chandra K, Einarson A, Koren G. Taking ginger for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Can Fam Physician 2002;Sep, 48:1441-1442.
- Dupuis LL, Nathan PC. Options for the prevention and management of acute chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in children. Paediatr Drugs 2003;5(9):597-613. Review.
- Eberhart LH, Mayer R, Betz O, et al. Ginger does not prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic surgery. Anesth Analg 2003;Apr, 96(4):995-998. Table of contents.
- Ernst E, Pittler MH. Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Br J Anaesth 2000;84(3):367-371.
- 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;Dec, 307(3):1098-1103.
- Handler J. Drug-induced hypertension. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2003;Jan-Feb, 5(1):83-85.
- Jewell D, Young G. Interventions for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003;(4):CD000145.
- Keating A, Chez RA. Ginger syrup as an antiemetic in early pregnancy. Altern Ther Health Med 2002;Sep-Oct, 8(5):89-91. Comment in: Altern Ther Health Med 2003;Jan-Feb, 9(1):19-21. Author reply, 19-21.
- Lesho EP, Saullo L, Udvari-Nagy S. A 76-year-old woman with erratic anticoagulation. Cleve Clin J Med 2004;Aug, 71(8):651-656.
- Libster M. Re: The article in Vol. 8 No. 2 (pp. 77-80): "Herbal medicine in pregnancy" by Pinn and Pallett. Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery 2003;Feb, 9(1):49. Comment in: Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery 2002;May, 8(2):77-80.
- Lien HC, Sun WM, Chen YH, et al. Effects of ginger on motion sickness and gastric slow-wave dysrhythmias induced by circular vection. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2003;Mar, 284(3):481-489.
- Mahesh R, Perumal RV, Pandi PV. Cancer chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: role of mediators, development of drugs and treatment methods. Pharmazie 2005;Feb, 60(2):83-96. Review.
- Manusirivithaya S, Sripramote M, Tangjitgamol S, et al. Antiemetic effect of ginger in gynecologic oncology patients receiving cisplatin. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2004;Nov-Dec, 14(6):1063-1069.
- Marcus DM, Suarez-Almazor ME. Is there a role for ginger in the treatment of osteoarthritis? Arthritis Rheum 2001;44(11):2461-2462.
- Meyer K, Schwartz J, Crater D, et al. Zingiber officinale (ginger) used to prevent 8-Mop associated nausea. Dermatol Nurs 1995;7(4):242-244.
- Morelli V, Naquin C, Weaver V. Alternative therapies for traditional disease states: osteoarthritis. Am Fam Physician 2003;Jan 15, 67(2):339-344.
Pongrojpaw D, Chiamchanya C. The efficacy of ginger in prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting after outpatient gynecological laparoscopy. J Med Assoc Thai. 2003 Mar;86(3):244-50. - Quinla JD, Hill DA. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Am Fam Physician 2003;Jul 1, 68(1):121-128. Review.
- Scurr JH, Gulati OP. Zinopin: the rationale for its use as a food supplement in traveller's thrombosis and motion sickness. Phytother Res 2004;Sep, 18(9):687-695. Review.
- Smith C, Crowther C, Willson K, et al. A randomized controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 2004;Apr, 103(4):639-645.
- Visalyaputra S, Petchpaisit N, Somcharoen K, et al. The efficacy of ginger root in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after outpatient gynaecological laparoscopy. Anaesthesia 1998;53(5):506-510.
- 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.
- Wigler I, Grotto I, Caspi D, Yaron M. The effects of Zintona EC (a ginger extract) on symptomatic gonarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2003;Nov, 11(11):783-789.
Last updated June 20, 2005
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