Can Ginger Cause a Burning Mouth? Understanding the Spicy Sensation

November 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, consuming ginger can cause mouth and throat irritation in some individuals. This phenomenon definitively answers the question, "can ginger cause a burning mouth?", explaining why this fiery spice produces a distinct spicy or tingling sensation on the tongue and lips.

Quick Summary

The sensation of a burning mouth after consuming ginger is typically caused by bioactive compounds like gingerol and shogaol irritating sensitive oral tissues. The intensity depends on factors such as concentration, consumption amount, and individual sensitivity or allergy, which is a rarer possibility.

Key Points

Gingerol & Shogaol: The burning sensation is caused by pungent compounds in ginger known as gingerol (in fresh ginger) and shogaol (in cooked/dried ginger).
Concentration is Key: High doses or concentrated forms of ginger, such as supplements, increase the likelihood of mouth and throat irritation.
Soothing Remedies: Dairy products (containing casein), starchy foods, or sugar can help neutralize and absorb the heat from ginger.
Oral Allergy Syndrome: In rare cases, a burning or tingling sensation may be an allergic reaction, especially for those sensitive to certain pollens.
When to See a Doctor: Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persist beyond 24 hours, or include significant swelling or breathing difficulties.

The Science Behind Ginger's Spicy Burn

For centuries, ginger has been a revered root in both culinary and medicinal practices, celebrated for its robust flavor and numerous health benefits, such as fighting nausea and inflammation. However, the very compounds that give ginger its powerful properties are also responsible for the occasional side effect of oral irritation, including a burning or tingling sensation in the mouth. The primary culprits are a class of pungent compounds known as gingerols and shogaols.

Gingerol and Shogaol: The Pungent Duo

Gingerol: In fresh, raw ginger, the most abundant and active compound is gingerol. It is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, but it is also a powerful irritant to oral tissues, triggering the nerve receptors responsible for detecting heat. This is why biting into a piece of raw ginger can feel quite intense and hot.
Shogaol: When ginger is heated, dried, or cooked, gingerol undergoes a chemical change, transforming into a more pungent compound called shogaol. Shogaol is even spicier than gingerol. This explains why dried or heat-treated ginger powder can pack a more intense heat than fresh ginger, potentially increasing the burning sensation for sensitive individuals.

Factors Affecting Oral Irritation

Several factors can influence the degree to which ginger causes a burning mouth sensation:

Form of Ginger: Raw, fresh ginger, which has high levels of gingerol, is more likely to cause an acute burning sensation. Conversely, cooked or dried ginger, with its shogaol content, can also be quite pungent. The concentration matters significantly—a small amount in a dish is less likely to cause irritation than chewing on a large piece of raw root.
Concentration: Highly concentrated forms of ginger, such as supplements, extracts, or essential oils, carry a higher risk of side effects like mouth and throat irritation. The recommended maximum daily intake is often cited as less than 4 grams.
Individual Sensitivity: As with any food, individuals have varying levels of sensitivity. Some people are simply more sensitive to the compounds in ginger and will experience a stronger burning sensation even with moderate consumption.
Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS): In rare cases, a ginger allergy can be the cause. People with sensitivities to certain pollens, like mugwort or birch, can experience cross-reactivity with ginger, leading to what is known as Oral Allergy Syndrome. Symptoms can include itching, tingling, or swelling of the mouth, lips, or throat immediately after consumption. This is different from the normal, harmless heat of ginger.
Mouth Sores: Excessive consumption of raw ginger can cause sores or aggravate existing ones, leading to an intensified burning feeling.

Comparison of Raw vs. Cooked Ginger's Effects


Feature	Raw Ginger	Cooked / Dried Ginger
Primary Pungent Compound	Gingerol	Shogaol
Pungency Level	Medium-high, a fresh and zesty heat	High, often described as more intense and sharp
Potential for Irritation	Higher likelihood of immediate burn due to direct contact with fresh gingerol	Can also cause burning, especially in concentrated, powdered forms
Best Uses	Teas, salads, sushi (gari), cocktails where fresh flavor is desired	Curries, baked goods, supplements, marinades, where deep flavor is needed

How to Soothe a Burning Mouth from Ginger

If you find yourself with a burning mouth after eating ginger, several remedies can help calm the sensation. The key is to understand that the irritating compounds are oil-based, so water alone will not be effective and may even spread the burn.

Quick-Relief Strategies:

Consume Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, and ice cream contain casein, a protein that binds to the gingerols and shogaols and washes them away from your nerve receptors.
Eat Starchy Foods: A piece of bread, rice, or crackers can absorb the pungent compounds and provide a physical barrier between them and your mouth.
Sip Something Sugary: A small amount of sugar or honey can coat the tongue and help neutralize the burn.
Drink an Acidic Beverage: Acidic juices like orange or tomato juice can help balance the alkalinity of the compounds.
Rinse with Cool Water: While it won't wash away the compounds effectively, rinsing with cool water can provide temporary soothing relief.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While a mild, temporary burn from ginger is typically harmless, there are specific instances when it is wise to consult a healthcare professional. If the burning sensation persists for more than 24 hours, is severe, or is accompanied by other allergic symptoms, it's important to get checked. An allergic reaction may present with the following more serious symptoms:

Significant swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
Difficulty breathing or wheezing
Hives or rashes on the skin
Severe abdominal pain or diarrhea

These symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. For persistent but less severe issues, a visit to a dentist or allergist can help rule out underlying oral conditions or sensitivities.

Conclusion

Yes, ginger can indeed cause a burning mouth, a direct result of its bioactive compounds, gingerol and shogaol. The intensity of this sensation is influenced by factors like the form of ginger, the amount consumed, and individual sensitivity. While often a harmless and temporary effect, persistent or severe symptoms accompanied by other allergic signs should prompt a medical consultation. For most people, enjoying ginger in moderation and using simple remedies like dairy or starches can prevent or quickly soothe any unwanted oral heat. By understanding the natural pungency of this beneficial root, you can continue to enjoy its flavor and health properties without discomfort.

Learn more about the many health benefits of ginger from Johns Hopkins Medicine Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. A mild, temporary tingling or burning is a normal reaction to ginger's pungent compounds. An allergic reaction, known as Oral Allergy Syndrome, is much rarer and involves symptoms like itching, significant swelling, or difficulty breathing.

Fresh, raw ginger contains higher concentrations of gingerol, the compound responsible for its zesty, pungent heat. Cooking and drying ginger converts gingerol into the even spicier shogaol, but the overall effect can feel different and sometimes less acute than biting into fresh ginger.

No, drinking water is not effective for ginger burn and can sometimes make it worse. The irritating compounds in ginger are oil-based, and water will simply spread them around your mouth rather than neutralizing them.

The best way to get relief is to consume dairy products like milk or yogurt, which contain casein to break down the irritants. Starchy foods like bread or rice can also help absorb the compounds, and sugar can provide a temporary soothing effect.

Yes, you can. Limit your intake, especially of raw ginger and concentrated supplements. Cooking ginger can slightly alter its pungency. If you are particularly sensitive, try consuming it with other foods rather than on its own.

An allergic reaction is often accompanied by more severe symptoms than just a burn, such as hives, wheezing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, and difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

Individuals with sensitive teeth or gums may find the pungent compounds in ginger more irritating. It's best to start with small amounts and a milder form, like tea, to gauge your reaction. Concentrated supplements or raw ginger may be too intense.