What Does Ginger Do to Help Your Body? A Comprehensive Guide

December 19, 2025 •

2 min read

For over 5,000 years, ginger has been a staple in traditional medicine systems across Asia for its remarkable therapeutic properties. This fiery, aromatic root contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols, which are responsible for its spicy flavor and numerous health benefits. This guide explores exactly what ginger does to help your body in detail.

Quick Summary

Ginger, rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, aids the body by relieving nausea, soothing digestive issues, reducing exercise-induced muscle soreness, and decreasing menstrual pain, making it a versatile natural remedy.

Key Points

Relieves Nausea: Ginger is highly effective for soothing nausea from pregnancy, chemotherapy, and general indigestion by improving stomach motility and blocking nausea-related pathways.
Fights Inflammation: Its active compounds, gingerols and shogaols, act as powerful anti-inflammatories, reducing pain and swelling associated with conditions like osteoarthritis.
Eases Menstrual Pain: Ginger can be as effective as some over-the-counter pain relievers for alleviating menstrual cramps and dysmenorrhea.
Aids Digestion: It promotes healthy digestion by speeding up gastric emptying and reducing fermentation, which can relieve bloating and gas.
Supports Heart Health: Regular ginger consumption has been linked to potential benefits like lowered cholesterol, reduced blood pressure, and improved circulation.
Boosts Antioxidant Levels: The antioxidant properties help fight free radicals in the body, protecting cells from damage and supporting overall cellular health.

The Science Behind Ginger's Benefits

Ginger's health effects come from active compounds like gingerols and shogaols, known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Both fresh and dried forms of ginger have culinary and medicinal uses, supported by both history and modern research.

Alleviating Nausea and Digestive Discomfort

Ginger is widely recognized for its effectiveness against nausea and vomiting in various situations, including morning sickness (acknowledged by the American Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology), chemotherapy-induced nausea, and potentially motion sickness. Its compounds also help improve gastrointestinal movement, reducing issues like bloating and indigestion.

Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Ginger's anti-inflammatory power stems from its ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory substances. It may help reduce joint pain and stiffness in conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, with some studies showing a modest effect on OA pain. Daily ginger may also decrease exercise-induced muscle soreness and potentially support those with autoimmune diseases by modulating immune cell activity.

Supporting Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health

Ginger also offers benefits for heart and metabolic health. It may assist in managing blood sugar levels for individuals with diabetes, potentially improve cholesterol levels by reducing LDL and triglycerides, and support better blood circulation.

Comparison of Fresh Ginger vs. Dried Ginger


Feature	Fresh Ginger	Dried Ginger
Active Compound Profile	Higher concentration of gingerols.	Heating converts gingerols to shogaols, which are more pungent.
Potency	High gingerol content makes it good for nausea.	More shogaols can be potent for antioxidant and pain relief.
Culinary Use	Adds fresh spiciness to savory dishes.	Provides warm flavor for baked goods.
Best For	Immediate digestive upset and morning sickness.	Chronic inflammation or concentrated forms like supplements.

How to Incorporate Ginger into Your Diet

Enjoy ginger's benefits by making ginger tea, adding it to cooking and smoothies, taking supplements for standardized doses, or using concentrated juice/shots.

Conclusion: A Versatile and Powerful Root

Ginger is a potent root offering benefits from soothing upset stomachs to fighting inflammation and supporting heart health, backed by both tradition and science. Its compounds, gingerols and shogaols, contribute to overall well-being. Adding fresh, dried, or supplement ginger to your diet is a natural way to boost health. Consult a healthcare provider if you have underlying conditions or take medication. You can find more information on natural remedies and their benefits on WebMD Explore more natural remedies and their benefits on WebMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the exact timing can vary, some people experience relief from nausea within minutes to an hour of consuming ginger, particularly when taken in tea or supplement form.

Both fresh and dried ginger have health benefits, but they differ slightly. Fresh ginger has higher levels of gingerols and is often preferred for immediate digestive issues, while dried ginger contains more shogaols, which are more pungent and may be more potent for long-term anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Yes, for most people, it is safe to consume ginger daily in moderation, often through food or tea. However, those on certain medications or with specific health conditions should consult a doctor, as high doses can increase bleeding risk or cause mild side effects like heartburn.

For maximum benefits, brewing fresh, grated ginger into a tea is a highly effective method as the hot water helps extract the beneficial compounds. Incorporating it into daily cooking or taking supplements are also excellent options.

Yes, ginger can potentially interact with certain medications, including blood thinners (like warfarin) due to its blood-thinning properties and diabetes medications, as it may lower blood sugar. Always speak with a healthcare provider before using ginger supplements if you take prescription medications.

Some studies suggest that ginger may aid weight loss by boosting metabolism and promoting feelings of fullness, helping to curb appetite. However, a balanced diet and regular exercise remain the most crucial factors.

Yes, ginger is rich in antioxidants and has strong antimicrobial properties that can help support the immune system and protect against infections.