What Ginger Drinks Help With Nausea?

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

Multiple clinical trials have shown consistent evidence that ginger can reduce nausea and vomiting, particularly when compared to a placebo. While many people reach for ginger ale when they feel queasy, not all ginger-flavored beverages are created equal when it comes to soothing an upset stomach. Effective relief depends on the preparation method and the amount of real ginger used.

Quick Summary

Explore the best homemade and store-bought ginger drink options for combating nausea. This guide covers how to prepare potent ginger tea, the benefits of fresh ginger water, and how to identify commercial ginger ales with enough real ginger for effectiveness.

Key Points

Homemade Tea is Highly Effective: Boiling fresh, grated ginger root in water creates a potent tea with high levels of nausea-fighting gingerols.
Beware of Commercial Ginger Ale: Many store-bought ginger ales contain little to no real ginger, relying instead on artificial flavorings and high sugar that can aggravate an upset stomach.
Control Sugar Intake: Excess sugar can worsen nausea symptoms; homemade ginger drinks allow you to control the amount of sweetener, making them a healthier choice.
Fresh vs. Dried Ginger: Raw ginger contains a higher concentration of gingerols, while dried ginger has more shogaols, which are more potent. Both are effective.
Sip Slowly for Best Results: Drinking your ginger beverage slowly helps your stomach adjust and prevents potential irritation from consuming a large amount of liquid at once.
Multiple Preparations Offer Variety: From warm tea to chilled water or a fizzy ale, various ginger drinks can provide effective and enjoyable relief for different preferences.

How Ginger Drinks Help Combat Nausea

Ginger's effectiveness in alleviating nausea is primarily attributed to its bioactive compounds, particularly gingerols and shogaols. These compounds stimulate gastrointestinal motility, helping food move through the digestive system more efficiently and preventing indigestion and bloating that can contribute to feelings of sickness. In its different forms, ginger offers varied concentrations of these beneficial compounds.

Fresh Ginger Tea

Homemade fresh ginger tea is one of the most potent remedies for nausea. By steeping or boiling fresh, grated ginger root, you ensure a high concentration of gingerols. For a simple and effective recipe:

Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan.
Add 1-2 inches of peeled and thinly sliced or grated fresh ginger root.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, depending on desired strength.
Strain the tea into a mug. For added flavor and benefits, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey.

Refreshing Ginger Water

For a cooler option, ginger water can be prepared in advance and sipped throughout the day. This is especially helpful for sustained relief from conditions like morning sickness.

Bring a few cups of water to a boil with several crushed or sliced pieces of fresh ginger.
Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it steep for at least 15 minutes.
Strain and chill the mixture in the refrigerator. Serve cold, optionally with a squeeze of lemon or lime.

Homemade Ginger Ale

Unlike most commercial sodas, homemade ginger ale contains a significant amount of real ginger, making it a viable nausea remedy.

Make a concentrated ginger syrup by simmering chopped ginger with water and a sweetener like honey or sugar.
Strain the ginger pieces and store the syrup in an airtight container in the fridge.
To make the ginger ale, mix the syrup with chilled seltzer or club soda to taste. This provides a gentle fizz that can also help settle the stomach.

Commercial Ginger Ale and Other Products

When opting for a store-bought solution, it is crucial to read the label. Many popular brands of ginger ale contain minimal, if any, real ginger and instead rely on artificial flavorings and high-fructose corn syrup, which can worsen an upset stomach. Look for brands that explicitly state they use real ginger or are made with real ginger extract. Crystallized ginger is another effective store-bought product, favored by some pregnant women for its convenience.

Optimizing Your Ginger Drink for Nausea

To maximize the effectiveness of your ginger drink, consider the following tips:

Use Fresh Ginger: For the highest concentration of beneficial gingerols, use fresh ginger root whenever possible.
Control the Strength: Adjust the amount of ginger and steeping time to find a strength that works best for you. Some people find a milder taste preferable when nauseous.
Sip Slowly: Drinking any beverage too quickly can upset a sensitive stomach. Sip your ginger drink slowly to allow it to take effect gradually.
Avoid Excess Sugar and Carbonation: Commercial sodas with high sugar content can be counterproductive. Homemade options allow you to control sugar levels and use gentle fizz, which is less likely to cause irritation.

Comparison of Ginger Drink Options for Nausea


Feature	Homemade Fresh Ginger Tea	Homemade Ginger Ale	Commercial Ginger Ale	Crystallized Ginger
Real Ginger Content	High; dependent on preparation	High; dependent on preparation	Often low or zero	High
Active Compounds	High concentration of gingerols	High concentration of gingerols	Minimal bioactive compounds	High concentration of shogaols
Preparation	Requires simple boiling and steeping	Requires making syrup; more complex	Ready to drink	Ready to eat
Freshness	Highest; made on demand	High; requires syrup preparation	Lowest	Dependent on product
Sugar Control	Fully customizable	Fully customizable	High sugar content in many brands	Often very high sugar content
Best For	Immediate, potent relief	Refreshing, customized fizz	Quick access (if real ginger)	On-the-go relief (be mindful of sugar)

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Ginger Drink for Relief

Whether you opt for a soothing cup of homemade ginger tea, a glass of refreshing ginger water, or a homemade ginger ale, the key to finding relief from nausea lies in using a drink with a substantial amount of real ginger. For most effective and customizable relief, homemade options using fresh ginger are superior. These methods allow you to maximize the benefits of the root's active compounds without the high sugar and artificial additives often found in commercial alternatives. While store-bought products can be convenient, discerning labels to find real ginger is crucial. Regardless of your choice, a ginger drink is a time-tested remedy for calming a queasy stomach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most commercial ginger ales contain very little real ginger and are loaded with sugar, which can worsen an upset stomach. True relief comes from drinks made with real ginger root.

To make a basic ginger tea, simply peel and slice or grate a 1-2 inch piece of fresh ginger root, boil it in water for 5-10 minutes, and strain. Adding honey and lemon is optional but can enhance flavor.

Yes, ginger water is an effective remedy. It provides a more mild and cooler option for relief, and its benefits can be enjoyed by sipping throughout the day.

Fresh ginger root is generally recommended for its high concentration of gingerols. However, dried ginger contains shogaols, which are also very effective, so both can work well.

Scientific studies on ginger and nausea relief have used varying amounts of ginger. There is no universally recommended amount, and what works best can depend on individual factors and the form of ginger used.

Yes, powdered ginger can be used for convenience, but the concentration of beneficial compounds can vary. Some sources suggest powdered ginger tea has a lower concentration of active compounds than fresh or dried ginger.

For generations, women have used ginger to help with morning sickness. Studies indicate that consuming ginger in moderation is generally considered safe, but it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider.