Does Ginger Raise Platelets? Separating Fact from Misconception

November 20, 2025 •

4 min read

The use of ginger in traditional medicine is widespread, but its effects on blood health are often misunderstood. A common misconception asks: does ginger raise platelets? Evidence from clinical studies and lab research suggests the opposite may be true, indicating potential anti-platelet activity, rather than an increase.

Quick Summary

The scientific evidence on ginger and platelets is contradictory, with some studies indicating anti-platelet effects, especially at high doses, and others showing no significant impact. There is no evidence suggesting ginger increases platelet count, but potential interactions with blood-thinning medications exist.

Key Points

Misconception Alert: The claim that ginger raises platelets is false; scientific evidence does not support this idea.
Anti-Platelet Effects: Some studies, particularly those using high doses, have shown that ginger can have an anti-platelet (blood-thinning) effect, which is the opposite of raising platelets.
Conflicting Evidence: Human studies on ginger's effect on platelets are contradictory, with some finding an inhibitory effect and others finding no significant change.
Dose-Dependent Effect: The observed anti-platelet effect appears to be dose-dependent, with higher doses more likely to show an effect compared to moderate or normal culinary amounts.
Professional Consultation is Key: Individuals with low platelets (thrombocytopenia) or those on blood-thinning medication should consult a doctor before consuming large amounts of ginger.
Methodology Matters: Differences in study design, including the type and dose of ginger used, contribute to the mixed results in research.

Ginger has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries, particularly for treating nausea and inflammation. However, the notion that ginger raises platelets is a widespread misconception with no scientific basis. In fact, most scientific research points towards ginger having anti-platelet properties, meaning it may reduce, not increase, platelet aggregation. The evidence, however, is not conclusive and varies depending on the dose and preparation of ginger used.

Understanding the Role of Platelets

Platelets, or thrombocytes, are tiny, colorless blood cell fragments that form clots and stop or prevent bleeding. A normal platelet count is crucial for maintaining proper blood clotting. Conditions such as thrombocytopenia, characterized by a low platelet count, can increase the risk of bleeding.

The Anti-Platelet Mechanism of Ginger

Ginger contains bioactive compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols, which are believed to interfere with the body's blood-clotting mechanisms. Specifically, some in vitro and animal studies have shown that ginger compounds can inhibit the production of thromboxane B2, a substance that promotes platelet aggregation. By interfering with this process, ginger has the potential to act as a mild blood thinner.

Conflicting Findings in Human Studies

Research on humans provides a more complex picture. A systematic review published in PLOS ONE found conflicting results among clinical trials examining ginger's effect on platelet aggregation.

Inconclusive evidence: Four out of eight clinical trials reviewed found that ginger reduced platelet aggregation, while the other four reported no effect.
Dose-dependency: The effects seem to be dose-dependent. For instance, a study on patients with coronary artery disease found no effect at a dose of 4g per day over three months, but a single, higher dose of 10g produced significant inhibition.
Contradictory outcomes: Another trial found that 2g of dried ginger had no effect on platelet function in healthy volunteers, suggesting that the form of ginger might also be a factor.

The Critical Role of Dose and Preparation

The wide variations in study outcomes are likely due to differences in the preparation of ginger (raw vs. dried, whole vs. extract), dosage, and the health status of participants. This lack of standardized methodology makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions about ginger's effects on platelets in a general population.

Should You Use Ginger if You Have Low Platelets?

Given the inconsistent and often conflicting evidence, especially the findings that point towards an anti-platelet effect at higher doses, it is crucial to exercise caution. There is no scientific backing for the idea that ginger will increase a low platelet count, and relying on it for such a purpose could be risky, particularly for individuals with thrombocytopenia or other bleeding disorders. The Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA) lists ginger as a food that can interfere with blood clotting and should be used with caution. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making dietary changes, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are on medication.

Comparative Review of Clinical Trials


Study (Year)	Population	Intervention	Outcome	Key Finding
Verma et al. (1993)	Healthy male volunteers	5g dry ginger powder daily (with a high-calorie diet)	Significant reduction in platelet aggregation	Ginger reduced platelet aggregation compared to placebo.
Bordia et al. (1997)	Coronary artery disease patients	10g single dose of powdered ginger	Significant reduction in platelet aggregation	A high single dose showed a significant anti-platelet effect.
Janssen et al. (1996)	Healthy volunteers	15g raw ginger or 40g cooked ginger daily	No significant effect on platelet thromboxane production	This study could not confirm an anti-platelet effect.
Lumb (1994)	Healthy male volunteers	2g dried ginger capsules daily	No significant changes in platelet function	No effect was observed with a moderate dose of dried ginger.
Young et al. (2006)	Healthy & hypertensive patients	1g dried ginger daily (with/without nifedipine)	No effect on platelet aggregation with ginger alone	Anti-platelet effect only observed in combination with medication.

What to Do If You Have Platelet Concerns

If you have concerns about your platelet count or blood clotting, it is vital to speak with a healthcare provider. They can perform diagnostic tests and offer evidence-based advice tailored to your specific health needs. Self-treating with herbal supplements is not a substitute for professional medical guidance and can carry potential risks. For additional resources, refer to reliable organizations like the Platelet Disorder Support Association.

Conclusion

In summary, the belief that ginger raises platelets is a myth unsupported by current scientific evidence. Clinical research on ginger's effects on platelet aggregation is inconsistent, with some studies showing an inhibitory (blood-thinning) effect, particularly at higher doses, while others find no significant impact. The varied results are likely influenced by methodological differences, including the form and dose of ginger studied. For individuals with low platelet counts or those taking blood-thinning medication, caution is warranted due to potential anti-platelet effects. Always consult a doctor before using ginger for therapeutic purposes or if you have any blood-related health concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that ginger increases platelet count. In fact, some studies indicate it may have an anti-platelet effect, which could potentially thin the blood.

If you have low platelets (thrombocytopenia), you should exercise caution with ginger. Since some studies suggest ginger can inhibit platelet aggregation, it could worsen a bleeding risk. Consult a healthcare professional before adding ginger to your diet.

An anti-platelet effect means that a substance inhibits or reduces the clumping of platelets, which can lead to blood thinning. Raising platelets means to increase the count of these cells. Ginger, according to some studies, may have the former effect, not the latter.

Yes, research indicates that the effects of ginger on platelet aggregation may be dose-dependent. Studies showing an inhibitory effect often used very high doses, much larger than what is typically used in cooking.

You should consult your doctor before consuming large amounts of ginger, as it can potentially increase the effect of blood-thinning medications like warfarin. While some studies show no interaction, the overall evidence is equivocal and caution is advised.

Study results vary widely due to a lack of standardized methodology. Factors like the specific preparation of ginger (raw, dried, extract), the dose administered, and the health status of participants all influence the outcomes.

Gingerols and shogaols are the bioactive compounds found in ginger. They possess many of ginger's medicinal properties, including the potential anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet effects observed in some research.