Can Ginger Reduce Nausea and Vomiting? A Comprehensive Guide

December 29, 2025 •

5 min read

According to research from Johns Hopkins Medicine, gingerol, a natural compound in ginger root, supports efficient gastrointestinal motility, a key factor in relieving various forms of nausea.

Quick Summary

This article examines the scientific basis for ginger's effectiveness against nausea from pregnancy, chemotherapy, and other causes, detailing its mechanism and proper usage.

Key Points

Potential for Various Causes: Ginger may be particularly considered for pregnancy-related nausea (morning sickness) and chemotherapy-induced nausea when discussed with a healthcare provider and potentially used alongside standard treatments.
May Influence Gastric Emptying: One potential mechanism behind ginger's anti-nausea effect is its possible ability to influence the emptying of the stomach, potentially relieving feelings of fullness and discomfort.
Varied Results for Motion Sickness: Evidence on ginger's potential effectiveness for motion sickness is mixed, with some studies suggesting benefits while others report inconsistent results.
Considerations for Use: Discussing appropriate intake with a healthcare professional is important. Higher intakes may potentially increase the risk of side effects.
Interaction Precautions: Individuals taking blood thinners, blood pressure medication, or diabetes medication should exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider before considering ginger.
Multiple Forms Available: Ginger can be considered in various forms, including fresh root, powdered capsules, teas, and crystallized candies, offering flexible options for discussion with a healthcare provider.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been utilized as a traditional remedy for digestive complaints for thousands of years, with its use documented in ancient civilizations across Asia. Today, it remains a popular and widely accessible complementary therapy for a variety of conditions, with its anti-nausea properties being among its most well-supported benefits. Understanding how ginger works, its specific applications, and its limitations can help you determine if it is a suitable option for managing your symptoms.

The Science Behind Ginger's Anti-Nausea Effect

Ginger contains potent bioactive compounds, primarily gingerols and shogaols, that are responsible for its medicinal properties. These compounds are thought to work through several mechanisms to combat feelings of nausea and the urge to vomit:

Accelerates Gastric Emptying: Research indicates that ginger extracts may speed up the rate at which food exits the stomach. This may help relieve feelings of indigestion, bloating, and nausea potentially caused by a slow-moving digestive system.
Neurotransmitter Modulation: Gingerols and shogaols are believed to interact with certain receptors in the body, specifically the serotonin (5-HT3) and muscarinic (M) receptors. These receptors are involved in triggering the vomiting reflex, so by potentially influencing them, ginger may help to control nausea.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties: Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties may also play a role in potentially calming an upset stomach, especially in cases of gastrointestinal issues. Shogaols, in particular, are potent antioxidants.

Ginger's Potential Effectiveness for Different Causes of Nausea

The scientific evidence for ginger's potential efficacy varies depending on the cause of nausea, though it is often considered a safe and accessible option.

Morning Sickness

Ginger is a well-regarded natural remedy for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting (NVP).

Potential Effectiveness: Multiple analyses suggest that ginger may be more effective than a placebo for potentially reducing the symptoms of nausea in early pregnancy. It may be comparable in potential effectiveness to vitamin B6 for this purpose.
Limitations: While it may potentially reduce feelings of nausea, ginger's effect on the frequency of vomiting episodes is less significant in some studies, showing no notable difference compared to a placebo.
Safety: The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology lists ginger as an acceptable non-pharmaceutical option. However, pregnant individuals should always consult their doctor before considering supplements.

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV)

Nausea and vomiting are common, debilitating side effects of chemotherapy, but ginger has shown potential as a complementary therapy.

Potential Effectiveness: Studies suggest that taking ginger supplements alongside standard antiemetic medications (like 5-HT3 receptor antagonists) may potentially reduce the severity of acute CINV.
Limitations: The potential effectiveness of ginger may diminish for delayed-onset CINV and does not replace the need for prescription antiemetics.

Motion Sickness

Evidence regarding ginger's potential effectiveness for motion sickness is mixed, with some older studies reporting positive results and newer ones showing inconsistent or no benefit.

Potential Benefits: Some research suggests ginger may work by potentially stabilizing digestive function, reducing motion sickness symptoms. A study on naval cadets found ginger potentially reduced seasickness symptoms more than a placebo.
Inconsistent Results: Other studies have failed to demonstrate a consistent or significant effect against motion sickness, indicating that it may not work for everyone.

Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV)

For patients recovering from surgery, ginger has demonstrated potential to reduce the incidence and severity of PONV.

Potential Prophylaxis: A review of multiple studies found that ginger was potentially more effective than a placebo at preventing PONV.
Safety: Because of its safety profile and accessibility, it can be a consideration, especially when discussed with a healthcare provider and potentially combined with conventional antiemetics.

Comparing Ginger to Conventional Anti-Nausea Medications

Ginger offers a natural consideration as a complementary approach to conventional anti-nausea drugs, each with different mechanisms and considerations. Here is a general comparison:


Feature	Ginger (Zingiber officinale)	Conventional Antiemetics (e.g., Ondansetron)
Potential Mechanism of Action	May accelerate gastric emptying and potentially interact with serotonin (5-HT3) and muscarinic (M) receptors.	Primarily acts on 5-HT3 receptors or other neurotransmitters in the central nervous system and digestive tract.
Potential Efficacy	May be helpful for mild-to-moderate nausea, particularly pregnancy and chemo-related symptoms. May be less potent than drugs for severe cases.	Generally considered more powerful and reliable for severe nausea and vomiting, especially in chemotherapy or surgical settings.
Potential Side Effects	Typically mild, including heartburn, gas, and stomach upset, mostly at potentially higher intakes. May influence bleeding risk.	Can include constipation, headache, fatigue, and other potential side effects, which vary by medication.
Safety Profile	Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for certain intake levels. Caution needed for pregnant individuals and those on blood thinners.	Must be used under medical supervision, with careful consideration of potential interactions with other medications.

How to Use Ginger for Nausea Relief

There are many ways to potentially incorporate ginger, catering to different preferences and needs. Always discuss these options with your healthcare provider.

Ginger Tea: Steep fresh, grated ginger or powdered ginger in hot water. Sip slowly. This is a common and potentially soothing method for mild upset stomachs.
Supplements (Capsules): Ground ginger root is available in encapsulated form for consideration. Always choose a reputable brand.
Crystallized or Candied Ginger: These options can be helpful for on-the-go consideration, though they contain added sugar.
Fresh Ginger: Incorporate fresh, grated, or sliced ginger into cooking, smoothies, or beverages.

Safety, Side Effects, and Precautions

While ginger is largely considered safe for many people within certain limits, some precautions are necessary.

Mild Potential Side Effects: At potentially higher intakes, there may be an increased risk of mild gastrointestinal side effects such as heartburn, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort.
Potential Drug Interactions: Ginger can potentially interact with blood-thinning medications (like warfarin), blood pressure medications, and diabetes drugs. Consult your doctor before use if you take any of these.
Specific Health Conditions: Individuals with certain health conditions should discuss ginger use with their doctor.
Pregnancy: While often considered for morning sickness, pregnant individuals should discuss appropriate use with their healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Scientific evidence suggests that ginger is a potentially effective and accessible complementary consideration for potentially reducing nausea and vomiting related to pregnancy, chemotherapy, surgery, and certain gastrointestinal issues. Its potential effectiveness may relate to active compounds that influence gastric emptying and neurotransmitters. While generally considered well-tolerated, it is important to be mindful of potential interactions with other medications and individual health conditions. For a more complete understanding and to determine the best approach for your health needs, always consult with a medical professional. Read more on the NIH website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, ginger is generally considered potentially safe and may be considered for treating mild-to-moderate nausea during pregnancy, according to major health organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. However, pregnant individuals should consult a doctor before use.

Potential ways depend on personal preference and discussion with a healthcare provider. Options include sipping ginger tea made from fresh root, considering encapsulated ginger powder, or trying crystallized ginger. For more significant nausea, a supplement may be discussed for its potential concentration.

The timeframe can vary based on the form and amount of ginger used. Some people may notice a potential effect from tea relatively quickly, while supplements may take longer. Discussing the potential timing with a healthcare provider is advisable.

Yes, ginger may potentially interact with certain medications. It might increase the risk of bleeding in people taking blood thinners like warfarin. It can also potentially affect blood pressure and blood sugar levels, so discussion with a doctor is advised if taking medications for these conditions.

While there's no single recommended amount without consulting a healthcare provider, research on various types of nausea often involves amounts that, when discussed with a medical professional, can help determine a suitable approach. The FDA considers certain intake levels generally safe for most healthy adults, but a doctor should be consulted for personalized guidance.

In typical considerations, potential side effects are uncommon. However, at potentially higher intakes, there may be a risk of mild issues such as heartburn, diarrhea, and general stomach discomfort. Skin irritation could also potentially occur from topical use.

The potential potency can depend on the specific compounds. Drying ginger converts some of the gingerols into shogaols, which are more concentrated in dried forms. Therefore, supplements made from dried ginger may potentially offer a higher concentration of active anti-nausea compounds, but this should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Studies on ginger and motion sickness have yielded mixed results. While some older research suggests it helps, more recent studies have been inconsistent. It may help some individuals more than others, so it is often considered a potential personal trial-and-error remedy after discussion with a healthcare provider.