Ginger

herb Verified

Specifically for Morning Sickness

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Why it works for Morning Sickness:

Active compounds (gingerols, shogaols) appear to modulate the serotonin (5-HT₃) pathway involved in the vomiting reflex. In vitro/animal work suggests non-competitive 5-HT₃ receptor antagonism and related downstream effects, which aligns with how several prescription anti-emetics work. ScienceDirect

Major obstetric guidelines consider ginger a reasonable non-pharmacologic option that can reduce nausea (with less consistent effects on vomiting). Doxinate

How to use for Morning Sickness:

Standardized capsule dosing (what many trials/guidelines used):

250 mg capsule, four times daily (total 1,000 mg/day of dried ginger). This “250 mg QID” dosing appears in the ACOG Practice Bulletin algorithm as a first-line non-drug option. Doxinate

Other acceptable forms (if you prefer food/drink):

ACOG notes you can try ginger capsules, candies, ginger ale made with real ginger, or tea made from fresh-grated ginger. (Products vary—choose ones with real ginger, not just flavoring.) ACOG

How long to try:

Give it several days; if symptoms persist, worsen, or you can’t keep fluids down, escalate care (vitamin B6 ± doxylamine, other antiemetics) with your clinician. ACOG’s FAQ lists red-flag dehydration signs that require medical review. ACOG

Practical tips:

Take capsules with small, frequent snacks to reduce heartburn.
If using tea, steep freshly grated ginger 5–10 min and sip slowly; this is a culinary preparation—no exact medical dose—so if you need reliable dosing, use standardized capsules (above), per guideline dosing. ACOG

Scientific Evidence for Morning Sickness:

Systematic reviews/meta-analyses & guidelines

Nutrition Journal meta-analysis (2014; 12 RCTs/controlled studies): Ginger reduced nausea vs placebo; effect on vomiting was less consistent. No signal of increased miscarriage or major adverse pregnancy outcomes across analyzed studies. BioMed Central
ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 189 (2018; last reviewed 2023 in the FAQ): Concludes ginger “has shown some beneficial effects in reducing nausea” and can be considered a non-pharmacologic option; notes trials did not consistently reduce vomiting. Dosing figure lists ginger capsules 250 mg QID. Doxinate
Family medicine meta-analysis (J Am Board Fam Med, 2014): Supports benefit of ginger for nausea in early pregnancy across randomized, placebo-controlled trials. JABFM

Examples of randomized trials often cited:

Vutyavanich 2001 (Obstet Gynecol): 1 g/day of ginger vs placebo for 4 days—improved nausea scores. ICHGCP
Sripramote 2003 (J Med Assoc Thai): Ginger vs vitamin B6—similar efficacy for NVP. ICHGCP
Smith 2004 (Obstet Gynecol equivalence trial): 1 g ginger/day vs pyridoxine 25 mg TID—comparable symptom control. rima.org

Specific Warnings for Morning Sickness:

General safety in pregnancy:

Observational data and reviews have not shown increased risks of birth defects, stillbirth, or preterm birth with typical doses (~1 g/day) used for morning sickness. MotherToBaby
The UK Committee on Toxicity (COT) concludes there’s no reason to change NHS advice that foods/drinks containing ginger may ease symptoms; check with a pharmacist before using supplements. cot.food.gov.uk

Medication interactions / medical conditions:

Blood-thinners or clotting issues: Ginger can affect clotting; discuss use if you take anticoagulants/antiplatelets or have bleeding disorders. (MotherToBaby flags interactions with medicines that affect blood pressure or blood clotting.) MotherToBaby
Diabetes meds: High doses may lower blood sugar—monitor and discuss with your clinician if you’re on glucose-lowering therapy. MotherToBaby
Significant heartburn/GERD or gallbladder disease: Ginger can aggravate reflux in some people; adjust form/dose or avoid if it worsens symptoms (clinical caution echoed in patient guidance). ACOG
Product quality: Supplements are less tightly regulated than medicines; choose brands with credible third-party testing and avoid excessive or “mega-dose” products. (MotherToBaby explains supplement regulation caveats.) MotherToBaby

Stop self-treating and seek care urgently if you have signs of dehydration or hyperemesis gravidarum, such as inability to keep liquids down, very dark/low urine, dizziness/syncope, racing heartbeat, or weight loss. ACOG

Back to Morning Sickness

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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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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