Ginger

herb Verified

Specifically for COVID-19

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Why it works for COVID-19:

Ginger has plausible biologic actions that could be helpful in COVID-19 (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and in silico antiviral binding), but the clinical evidence is mixed and not strong enough to call it a proven treatment on its own.

Anti-inflammatory / immunomodulatory — ginger’s bioactive compounds (gingerols, shogaols) reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and can modulate neutrophil activity, which is relevant because severe COVID-19 often involves harmful inflammation. This was shown in preclinical work and a human pilot/clinical study that found ginger extract increased neutrophil cAMP and suppressed NETosis (neutrophil extracellular trap formation). JCI Insight

Antioxidant / lung-protective effects — animal and cell studies indicate ginger components reduce oxidative stress and attenuate lung injury in some models, mechanisms relevant to respiratory infections. BioMed Central Frontiers

Antiviral potential (computational and in-vitro signals) — several in-silico docking and pharmacoinformatics studies report that ginger constituents (e.g., 6-gingerol, shogaol) can bind SARS-CoV-2 targets (spike protein, main protease Mpro, papain-like protease) — these suggest antiviral potential but are theoretical until reproduced in robust in-vitro/in-vivo/clinical work. AIP Publishing ScienceDirect

How to use for COVID-19:

Hospitalized patients (Shanghai RCT) — ginger powder 1.5 g per sachet, mixed with hot water, one sachet twice daily (1.5 g × 2 = 3 g/day) continued until discharge. That trial reported a shorter hospital stay in the ginger group (primary outcome: length of stay). BioMed Central

Outpatients randomised trial (Medicine [Baltimore], 2024) — an outpatient RCT used 1,000 mg three times daily (1000 mg × 3 = 3 g/day) of ginger rhizome extract for 7 days (primary outcome viral clearance). That trial did not find a benefit on clinical parameters. Ingenta Connect Examine

Gingerols pilot clinical protocol (JCI Insight) — a small trial testing a standardized ginger extract (about 100 mg whole-ginger extract daily, equivalent to roughly 20 mg gingerols/day) in healthy volunteers for 7 days. This study measured neutrophil biology (cAMP and NETosis) and reported biological changes suggesting reduced NET formation. Note: participants were healthy volunteers, not COVID patients — this supports a mechanism (reduced neutrophil hyperactivity) rather than showing clinical benefit in COVID.

Scientific Evidence for COVID-19:

Clinical trials

Hospitalized RCT (Shanghai) — Ginger supplement significantly reduced length of hospital stay in individuals with COVID-19 (Nutrition & Metabolism, 2022). Intervention = 1.5 g sachet twice daily (3 g/day). Reported significantly shorter hospital stay in the ginger group vs control (primary outcome). This is an open (unblinded) trial and authors note limitations. BioMed Central
Outpatient RCT (Medicine [Baltimore], 2024) — The efficacy and safety of ginger rhizome extract in outpatients with COVID-19: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Intervention ≈ 1 g three times daily (3 g/day) for 7 days; no significant clinical benefit was found on primary clinical endpoints (Examine summary and indexing). Ingenta Connect Examine

Mechanistic / biological studies

JCI Insight (2023) — trial and preclinical paper showing ginger extract / gingerols raised neutrophil cAMP and suppressed NETosis in vitro, in mice models, and in a small healthy volunteer cohort (100 mg extract ≈ 20 mg gingerols/day). This suggests a host-directed anti-inflammatory mechanism relevant to severe COVID’s immunopathology. JCI Insight

In-silico & lab studies

Multiple in-silico docking and computational pharmacoinformatics reports show ginger constituents can bind SARS-CoV-2 targets (spike, Mpro, PLpro). These are hypothesis-generating — not proof of clinical antiviral effect. Example reviews and docking studies: ScienceDirect reviews and other docking papers. AIP Publishing ScienceDirect

Systematic reviews / reviews

Reviews summarize plausible mechanisms and call for more high-quality RCTs; systematic reviews find existing herbal/CAM studies to be heterogeneous and often low quality — so meta-level conclusions are cautious. Frontiers

Specific Warnings for COVID-19:

Ginger is generally safe at culinary doses, but important cautions if used as a concentrated supplement or at trial doses (~3 g/day):

Bleeding / anticoagulant interactions — ginger may have antiplatelet effects and has been reported to increase bleeding risk in rare cases. Avoid large ginger supplements (or use with extreme caution) if you take warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin or other anticoagulants/antiplatelet drugs — discuss with your prescriber. Drugs.com EatingWell
Blood sugar & blood pressure drugs — ginger can lower blood glucose and may potentiate hypoglycemic drugs; it may also affect blood pressure — monitor closely if on diabetes or antihypertensive medications. Verywell Health EatingWell
Pregnancy — ginger is commonly used for pregnancy-related nausea and low doses (~1 g/day) are generally considered safe by several authorities, but higher supplemental doses should be discussed with an obstetrician. Some agencies (NHS/NICE) support limited use; use caution and consult your clinician. ScienceDirect Food Standards Agency
GI side effects / allergies — oral ginger can cause heartburn, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, mouth or throat irritation in some people. Stop if you develop severe reactions. NCCIH
Quality & contamination — supplements vary widely. Use reputable manufacturers and products that list gingerol content or are standardized — impurities, adulteration, or incorrect dosing are risks. (General supplement-safety guidance from ODS/NCCIH applies.) Office of Dietary Supplements NCCIH
Do not replace standard care — ginger should not replace vaccinations, approved antivirals (e.g., paxlovid when indicated), oxygen therapy, corticosteroids, or other treatments recommended by clinical guidelines. NIH/WHO say complementary approaches have limited/insufficient evidence and should not substitute standard care. World Health Organization Office of Dietary Supplements

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General Information (All Ailments)

Note: You are viewing ailment-specific information above. This section shows the general remedy information for all conditions.

What It Is

Ginger is a flowering plant whose rhizome (underground stem), commonly called the ginger root, is widely used as both a spice and a medicinal ingredient. Native to Southeast Asia, it has been used in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Middle Eastern traditional medicine for thousands of years. The bioactive compounds in ginger—especially gingerols, shogaols, and zingerone—are responsible for its distinctive aroma, pungent flavor, and therapeutic effects. It can be consumed fresh, dried, powdered, as an oil, or as a juice or extract.

How It Works

Ginger exerts its health effects through several biochemical and physiological mechanisms:

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Actions: Gingerols and shogaols inhibit pro-inflammatory molecules such as prostaglandins and cytokines, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body.
Digestive Support: Ginger enhances gastric motility and stimulates digestive enzymes, helping relieve indigestion, nausea, and bloating. It’s especially well known for easing morning sickness, motion sickness, and nausea after surgery or chemotherapy.
Pain Relief and Circulation: Its anti-inflammatory properties may alleviate muscle soreness, joint pain (including from osteoarthritis), and menstrual cramps by reducing prostaglandin production.
Metabolic and Cardiovascular Support: Some studies suggest ginger may lower blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, and improve lipid metabolism, thereby supporting heart health. It can also enhance blood flow and exhibit mild anticoagulant effects.
Immune and Antimicrobial Activity: Ginger contains compounds with mild antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-modulating properties, which may help the body fight off infections and maintain immune balance.

Why It’s Important

Ginger is valued as a natural, accessible, and versatile remedy with a broad range of health benefits. It offers:

Natural symptom relief without synthetic additives, appealing to those seeking holistic or preventive care.
Support for digestive and metabolic health, which are key to overall well-being.
Potential long-term benefits for chronic inflammation, which underlies many diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders.
Cultural and traditional significance, with millennia of use across multiple healing systems confirming its safety and efficacy in moderation.

Considerations

While ginger is generally safe, there are important factors to keep in mind:

Dosage and Form: Typical safe amounts are up to 4 grams per day of fresh or dried ginger. Excessive intake can lead to heartburn, stomach irritation, or diarrhea.
Pregnancy: Small amounts can relieve morning sickness, but high doses should be avoided during late pregnancy due to potential uterine-stimulating effects.
Medication Interactions: Ginger can interact with anticoagulants (like warfarin), antiplatelet drugs, and antidiabetic medications, potentially enhancing their effects and increasing bleeding or hypoglycemia risk.
Individual Sensitivity: People with gallstones, bleeding disorders, or acid reflux should consult a healthcare professional before regular use.
Supplement Quality: As with many herbal supplements, product purity and potency vary; it’s best to choose standardized, reputable brands.

Helps with these conditions

Ginger is most effective for conditions with strong anti-inflammatory components . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.

Acid Reflux (GERD) 100% effective

Stomach Ulcers 0% effective

Flu 0% effective

COVID-19 0% effective

Arthritis 0% effective

Back Pain 0% effective

Conditions

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181

Studies

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Detailed Information by Condition

Acid Reflux (GERD)

100% effective

Ginger is often considered helpful for managing acid reflux (GERD) because of its natural digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. Here’s why it ca...

1 vote Updated 4 weeks ago 14 studies cited

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