Ginger for Nausea: How Strong Is the Evidence?
It depends on the cause. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says research shows ginger may be helpful for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, but most motion sickness studies have not shown it to be helpful, and it is uncertain for chemotherapy or after surgery. Many studies were not high quality.
Pregnancy
This is where the evidence is most encouraging. NCCIH says research shows ginger may be helpful for nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy. The NHS says there is some evidence that ginger may help reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, suggests foods or drinks containing ginger, and advises checking with a pharmacist before taking ginger supplements during pregnancy. NCCIH adds that ginger supplements during pregnancy may be safe, but that anyone considering them should speak to their provider.
Chemotherapy, surgery and motion sickness
For chemotherapy-related nausea, NCCIH says it is uncertain whether ginger adds benefit to standard treatment, and it is also uncertain whether ginger helps nausea after surgery. For motion sickness, it says most studies of ginger have not shown it to be helpful. If nausea is linked to cancer treatment or an operation, your care team can advise on medicines proven for it.
How good are the studies?
NCCIH notes there are many studies of ginger but some have not been of high quality, and most nausea studies tested dietary supplements rather than ginger in food or drink. That means the results do not necessarily apply to a cup of ginger tea or a piece of crystallised ginger.
The evidence at a glance
| Cause of nausea | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy | NCCIH: may be helpful. NHS: some evidence it may help reduce nausea and vomiting |
| Chemotherapy | NCCIH: uncertain whether it adds benefit to standard treatment |
| After surgery | NCCIH: uncertain |
| Motion sickness | NCCIH: most studies have not shown it to be helpful |
Safety and side effects
NCCIH lists abdominal discomfort, heartburn, diarrhoea and mouth and throat irritation as possible side effects when ginger is taken by mouth. It says some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways, so talk to a health care provider before using ginger or other herbal products, and that little is known about whether ginger is safe while breastfeeding.
When nausea needs medical attention
For pregnancy sickness, the NHS advises contacting a midwife, GP or NHS 111 if you cannot keep food or fluids down for 24 hours, have very dark urine or have not passed urine for more than 8 hours, feel very weak, dizzy or faint on standing, have tummy pain or a high temperature, vomit blood or have lost weight. Severe sickness can lead to dehydration and sometimes needs treatment in hospital. The NHS also suggests resting, avoiding foods or smells that trigger nausea, eating small frequent plain meals, and sipping drinks little and often.
Frequently asked questions
Does ginger help with nausea?
It depends on the cause. NCCIH says research shows ginger may be helpful for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, most motion sickness studies have not shown it to be helpful, and it is uncertain for chemotherapy or after surgery.
Is ginger safe in pregnancy?
NCCIH says ginger supplements during pregnancy may be safe but recommends consulting your provider. The NHS suggests foods or drinks containing ginger and advises checking with a pharmacist before taking ginger supplements.
Does ginger work for motion sickness?
NCCIH says most studies of ginger for motion sickness have not shown it to be helpful.
What are the side effects of ginger?
NCCIH lists abdominal discomfort, heartburn, diarrhoea and mouth and throat irritation when ginger is taken by mouth. It advises talking to a health care provider before using ginger if you take medicines, because some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Ginger.
- NHS. Vomiting and morning sickness.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Nausea can have many causes, some of which need medical attention. Speak to a healthcare professional before using ginger or any herbal product, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or take medicines.