What Cannot Be Eaten With Ginger? Medications, Supplements, and Precautions

October 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 60 drug interactions have been reported with ginger, proving that while it is a common spice, you must be aware of what cannot be eaten with ginger when taking certain medications or supplements. While culinary use is generally safe, high-dose ginger supplements pose significant risks for individuals with specific health conditions.

Quick Summary

Ginger is a widely used culinary spice, but it contains compounds that can interact dangerously with certain medications, including blood thinners, diabetes drugs, and high blood pressure medicine. High-dose supplements and specific health conditions require caution.

Key Points

Blood Thinner Interactions: Avoid high-dose ginger if you take anticoagulant medications like warfarin or aspirin, as it can increase the risk of bleeding.
Diabetes Drug Risks: Ginger can lower blood sugar; combining it with diabetes medications like metformin can cause hypoglycemia.
Blood Pressure Concerns: Individuals on blood pressure medication should be cautious, as high doses of ginger could cause an excessive drop in blood pressure.
Herbal Supplement Warning: Combine ginger with other blood-thinning herbs like garlic, ginkgo, or turmeric with extreme care, especially in supplement form.
Prior to Surgery: Stop taking ginger at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery to prevent complications from increased bleeding.
High-Dose Side Effects: Consuming more than 5 grams of ginger daily can lead to gastrointestinal issues, heartburn, or diarrhea.
Culinary vs. Supplement: Small, culinary amounts of ginger are generally safe, but concentrated supplements carry a higher risk of negative interactions.

Understanding the Difference: Culinary Ginger vs. Supplements

It is important to distinguish between consuming ginger in food and taking high-dose ginger supplements. The amount of ginger typically used in cooking is small and generally considered safe for most people. However, ginger supplements contain concentrated amounts of active compounds that can trigger significant physiological effects and dangerous interactions.

Drug Interactions to Avoid with Ginger

For those on prescription medication, the primary concern with ginger involves its interaction with several types of drugs. Always consult a healthcare provider before adding ginger supplements to your diet, especially if you are on any of the following medications.

Blood-Thinning Medications

One of the most critical interactions is with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs. Ginger has natural blood-thinning properties because it inhibits platelet aggregation, the process where blood cells clump together to form clots. Taking ginger alongside blood thinners can amplify their effects, significantly increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Anticoagulants: Warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, dalteparin.
Antiplatelets: Aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix).
NSAIDs: Ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve).

Diabetes Medications

Studies have explored ginger's effect on insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels. While beneficial for some, this effect can be dangerous for people already taking medications to manage their blood sugar. Consuming large amounts of ginger can cause blood sugar to drop too low, leading to hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemic agents: Insulin, metformin, glyburide.

High Blood Pressure Medications

Ginger may lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. For those on antihypertensive drugs, this effect can be compounded, causing blood pressure to drop too far. Monitor your blood pressure closely if you are taking medication for this condition and using ginger.

Antihypertensives: Losartan, calcium channel blockers.

Other Medication Interactions

Antiarrhythmic Medications: Ginger may interfere with calcium channels in heart cells, potentially affecting heart rhythm.
Certain Chemotherapy Drugs: High consumption of ginger tea has been suspected of altering how some cancer medications, like crizotinib, are processed in the body, which can lead to liver problems.

Herbal and Dietary Supplements to Use with Caution

Certain herbal and dietary supplements also have blood-thinning or other effects that can be intensified when taken with ginger, increasing the risk of adverse reactions.

Garlic: Known for its own blood-thinning properties, combining with ginger can heighten the risk of bleeding.
Ginkgo Biloba: Like ginger, ginkgo can also slow blood clotting, so combined use is not recommended.
Turmeric: Another potent spice with blood-thinning effects, turmeric should be used with caution, especially in supplement form.
Clove: Can also increase the risk of bleeding when taken with ginger.
Angelica (Dong Quai): Possesses antiplatelet properties that can interact with ginger.
Panax Ginseng: Can also slow blood clotting and lower blood sugar.

Special Precautions and Conditions

Beyond drug interactions, there are several health conditions where ginger consumption, particularly in large doses, should be approached with caution or avoided entirely.

Bleeding Disorders

If you have a diagnosed bleeding disorder, taking ginger can increase your risk of bleeding or internal hemorrhage due to its antiplatelet properties. It is not safe to consume high doses of ginger without a doctor's guidance.

Gallstones

Ginger increases stomach acid levels. Individuals who suffer from gallstones should be cautious, as increased stomach acid can exacerbate their condition.

Heart Conditions

High doses of ginger may worsen some heart conditions by affecting blood pressure and heart rate. Consult a cardiologist before taking ginger supplements if you have any pre-existing heart issues.

Upcoming Surgery

Due to its effect on blood clotting, it is strongly advised to stop using ginger at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery to prevent extra bleeding during and after the procedure.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

While culinary ginger is often considered safe during pregnancy, especially for morning sickness, high doses are a concern. Some experts advise against it near delivery due to bleeding risk. For breastfeeding, insufficient reliable information exists, so avoiding large quantities is the safest approach. Always speak with a healthcare provider before using ginger medicinally during these times.

Comparison of Culinary vs. Supplemental Ginger


Feature	Culinary Ginger (small amounts)	High-Dose Ginger Supplements
Drug Interaction Risk	Generally low	Significant; consult a doctor.
Gastrointestinal Effects	Mild, if any; may aid digestion.	Higher risk of heartburn, diarrhea, and stomach upset.
Blood-Thinning Effect	Minimal to non-existent	Pronounced; increases bleeding risk.
Recommended Intake	Safe for most in daily meals.	Requires caution; typically not recommended for those on medication.
Benefit Absorption	Provides flavor and mild health benefits.	Potentially higher therapeutic dose, but with greater risk.

Potential Side Effects of Overconsumption

Even without conflicting medications, consuming more than 5 grams of ginger daily can cause side effects. These may include gastrointestinal issues like heartburn, gas, and diarrhea, as well as mouth irritation. High intake can also lead to drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion in some individuals.

Conclusion: Responsible Ginger Consumption is Key

While many enjoy the flavor and moderate health benefits of ginger, it is essential to be mindful of its potent properties, especially in concentrated supplement form. The rule of thumb for what cannot be eaten with ginger often relates to medications and other supplements that affect blood clotting, blood pressure, and blood sugar. Furthermore, individuals with specific health conditions must exercise caution. By staying informed and consulting with a healthcare professional, you can safely enjoy ginger's benefits without putting yourself at unnecessary risk.

For more detailed information on drug interactions, reputable sources like Drugs.com offer interaction checkers and comprehensive resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not recommended to combine ginger, especially high-dose supplements, with blood thinners like warfarin. Ginger has blood-thinning properties that can intensify the medication's effects, significantly increasing your risk of bleeding.

Yes, ginger can interact with diabetes medication. It has been shown to lower blood sugar levels, and when taken with drugs like insulin or metformin, it could cause your blood sugar to drop dangerously low.

If you have a bleeding disorder, it is generally unsafe to consume large amounts of ginger. Its antiplatelet properties can increase the risk of bleeding. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice.

While small amounts of culinary ginger are often used to ease morning sickness, pregnant women should consult a healthcare provider, especially before using high-dose ginger supplements. Some experts advise caution near delivery due to a potential increase in bleeding risk.

Several herbs with blood-thinning properties should be used cautiously with ginger, particularly in supplement form. These include garlic, ginkgo biloba, turmeric, and clove.

For most people, consuming up to 4 grams of ginger daily is considered safe. Taking more than 5 grams a day can increase the likelihood of side effects like heartburn, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues.

Based on current research, there are no known negative interactions between ginger supplements and other foods. The main risks are related to medications, other supplements, and pre-existing health conditions.