What Does Ginger Do to a Person? Exploring Its Health Effects

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

With a history of use dating back over 5,000 years, ginger is a flowering plant whose root or rhizome is widely used as a spice and medicine. Its pungent flavor and aroma come from natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol. Understanding what ginger does to a person involves looking at its many biological activities.

Quick Summary

Ginger, a root known for its medicinal properties, contains bioactive compounds like gingerol and shogaol that offer various health benefits. These include easing nausea, reducing inflammation, supporting digestion, and potentially aiding metabolic health. It also provides antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, contributing to overall wellness. While generally safe in moderation, potential interactions and side effects should be considered.

Key Points

Combats Nausea and Vomiting: Ginger is proven to be highly effective against various types of nausea, including morning sickness, motion sickness, and post-chemotherapy sickness.
Acts as a Potent Anti-inflammatory: The bioactive compounds in ginger, gingerol and shogaol, have strong anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and swelling associated with conditions like osteoarthritis and exercise-induced muscle soreness.
Aids Digestion and Relieves Gas: By accelerating gastric emptying and relaxing the intestinal tract, ginger helps soothe indigestion, bloating, and gas.
Manages Blood Sugar and Cholesterol: Regular ginger consumption may help lower blood sugar levels and improve cholesterol profiles, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.
Supports Weight Management Efforts: Some studies suggest that ginger can assist with weight loss by boosting metabolism and enhancing feelings of fullness.
Protects Against Oxidative Stress: Ginger's strong antioxidant capacity helps neutralize free radicals in the body, which can damage cells and contribute to chronic disease.
Relieves Menstrual Pain: Research indicates that ginger can provide significant relief from menstrual cramps, acting as a natural alternative to some pain medications.

The Powerful Bioactive Compounds in Ginger

Ginger's potent health effects are attributed to its wealth of phytochemicals, particularly the phenolic compounds gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone. These compounds provide the root with its characteristic spicy flavor and many of its medicinal benefits. Gingerol, the primary bioactive compound in fresh ginger, possesses powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. When ginger is dried or cooked, gingerol is converted into shogaol, which is even more potent. This chemical transformation is why fresh versus dried ginger can sometimes have different strengths or applications.

Ginger's Effect on the Digestive System

One of the most well-known benefits of ginger is its ability to soothe gastrointestinal distress. Research shows ginger can accelerate gastric motility—the rate at which food moves through the digestive tract. This encourages efficient digestion and can alleviate discomfort caused by indigestion, bloating, and gas.

Relieves Nausea: Ginger is highly effective against various forms of nausea, including motion sickness, morning sickness during pregnancy, and chemotherapy-related nausea. It works by stimulating the flow of digestive secretions and blocking neurotransmitters that cause nausea in the brain.
Prevents Indigestion: By helping the stomach empty its contents more quickly, ginger can reduce the painful symptoms of chronic indigestion, also known as dyspepsia.

How Ginger Combats Inflammation and Pain

The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger are a major reason for its use in traditional medicine. The gingerols and shogaols in ginger can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppress enzymes involved in pain and inflammation pathways.

Reduces Muscle Pain: Studies have found that daily ginger consumption can lead to moderate-to-large reductions in exercise-induced muscle soreness. It is more of a long-term treatment rather than providing immediate pain relief.
Eases Osteoarthritis Symptoms: Ginger supplementation can help reduce joint pain and stiffness in individuals with osteoarthritis.
Relieves Menstrual Cramps: Some research suggests that ginger can be as effective as some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for alleviating menstrual pain.

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Benefits

Ginger’s benefits extend beyond digestion and inflammation to support metabolic and heart health. Evidence suggests it may help manage blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels.

Blood Sugar Management: In individuals with type 2 diabetes, ginger supplementation has been shown to significantly reduce fasting blood sugar levels and improve long-term blood sugar control markers.
Cholesterol Reduction: A review of 26 trials found that ginger can significantly lower triglycerides and LDL ("bad") cholesterol, while increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol.
Weight Management: Ginger has shown potential for aiding weight loss by boosting metabolism and promoting feelings of fullness, though more research is needed.

Comparison of Fresh vs. Dried Ginger Effects


Feature	Fresh Ginger	Dried Ginger (Powder)	Notes
Primary Bioactive Compound	Predominantly Gingerol	Predominantly Shogaol	Drying process converts gingerol to shogaol, which is more potent in certain properties.
Antioxidant Potency	High	Higher	The conversion to shogaol increases antioxidant activity.
Anti-Inflammatory Action	High	Higher	The anti-inflammatory effects are more pronounced in dried ginger.
Best for Nausea	Highly effective	Highly effective	Both forms work well, though fresh may be preferred for a soothing tea.
Best for Digestion	Aids gastric motility	Soothes general discomfort	Both aid digestion, but fresh ginger stimulates movement more actively.
Flavor Profile	Pungent, slightly sweeter	More intense, spicy	The flavor profile changes significantly during the drying process.

Considerations and Potential Side Effects

While ginger is generally safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts, excessive intake can lead to side effects such as heartburn, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. People with specific health conditions or those taking certain medications should consult a healthcare provider before increasing their ginger intake.

Blood Thinners: Ginger may slow blood clotting. Individuals on anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin should exercise caution as it could increase the risk of bleeding.
Diabetes Medication: Since ginger can lower blood sugar, individuals on diabetes medication should monitor their blood sugar closely to avoid it dropping too low.
Before Surgery: It is recommended to stop using ginger at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery due to its potential to slow blood clotting.

Conclusion

Ginger's impact on a person is multifaceted, rooted in its powerful bioactive compounds like gingerol and shogaol. Its medicinal properties offer significant relief from common ailments like nausea and inflammation, support digestive function, and show promise in managing metabolic markers such as blood sugar and cholesterol. While moderate consumption through diet is safe for most, those with underlying health issues or on specific medications should be mindful of potential interactions. With centuries of traditional use and a growing body of scientific evidence to support its efficacy, ginger remains a valuable natural remedy for enhancing overall health and well-being. For comprehensive medical guidance, always consult with a qualified health professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ginger can be consumed in various forms, including fresh, dried (powdered), as a tea, in capsules, or as an extract. The form and amount chosen can depend on the desired effect and individual preference.

Yes, ginger is considered a safe and effective remedy for morning sickness during pregnancy in moderation. However, some experts advise caution and suggest consulting a healthcare provider, especially before using large-dose supplements.

When consumed in high amounts, ginger may cause mild side effects such as heartburn, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, and burping. Consuming ginger in moderate amounts can help minimize these risks.

Yes, ginger can interact with some medications. It may slow blood clotting, increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding for people on blood thinners like warfarin. It can also lower blood sugar, so diabetics on medication should be careful.

Both fresh and dried ginger offer health benefits, but their chemical compositions differ. Fresh ginger contains higher levels of gingerol, while dried ginger has more shogaol, which is more potent in some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Your preference depends on the desired application and flavor profile.

Some studies suggest ginger can play a role in weight management by helping to boost metabolism, increase feelings of satiety, and enhance fat burning. However, it should be used in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise, and further research is needed.

Yes, ginger contains compounds with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Studies have shown it may be effective against certain bacteria like E. coli and S. aureus, and some fungi.

For most people, consuming a moderate amount of ginger daily as part of their diet is safe and can be beneficial. It is recommended to consume ginger in amounts typically used in food and to consult a doctor if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking medication.

You can easily add ginger to your diet by making ginger tea, adding grated or minced ginger to stir-fries, soups, and curries, or including it in smoothies. Crystallized ginger and ginger ale are other options, though they may contain added sugar.