SupplementStrong evidenceDigestion

Ginger

Cochrane-supported for pregnancy-related, post-operative, and chemo-induced nausea.

Why

Cochrane-supported for pregnancy-related, post-operative, and chemo-induced nausea. EFSA-recognised for normal digestive function (traditional use).

How it works

Gingerols and shogaols are partial 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (mechanism shared with ondansetron) and prokinetic agents.

Expected onset · Acute effect within hours; cumulative effect over 4 days in pregnancy-nausea trials

How to take

Dosage

Typically 1 g/day in divided doses (250 mg 4 times daily, or 500 mg twice daily) for nausea. Subgroup analyses favour daily doses below 1.5 g.

Timing

Pre-emptively before nausea triggers; with meals for motion sickness

Safety

Mild antiplatelet effect. Discuss with your doctor if on anticoagulants or before surgery. May lower blood glucose (caution with antidiabetics). High doses can cause heartburn.

Check interactions with my medications

Evidence

At a glance

Viljoen 2014 Nutr J meta-analysis (12 RCTs, n=1,278 pregnant women): ginger ≤1.5 g/day significantly reduced nausea on the visual analogue scale (MD 1.20, 95% CI 0.56–1.84, p=0.0002 vs placebo). EMA HMPC monograph also recognises Zingiber officinale for prevention of motion sickness and short-term post-operative nausea.

Where to get it

Shop Ginger on Amazon

Sponsored · As an Amazon Associate, Healicus earns from qualifying purchases.