7 Proven Ways to Use Ginger for Nausea Relief

Ginger is a perennial herb with an edible root. It can be enjoyed in a cup of tea, a piece of candy, or to spice up your favorite dishes.

A healthcare provider might also recommend ginger to calm nausea, vomiting, or mild stomach upset. Since ancient times, ginger has been used for various medicinal purposes, including relief of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

1. Mild Upset Stomach

Ginger can help calm mild stomach upset. It eases nausea because it acts directly on the stomach instead of the central nervous system. It can also reduce bloating and gas due to fermentation and constipation. For an occasional upset stomach, try ginger tea, ginger tea with lemon, or ginger ale made with real ginger.

2. Menstrual Cramps

Research shows that 750–2,000 milligrams (mg) of ginger supplements taken daily during the first three to four days of a menstrual cycle may help treat dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps) and decrease menstrual pain. Some studies show that ginger is equally effective on pain severity as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen), with few or no side effects.

Ginger can also help alleviate the nausea associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Ask your healthcare provider about using ginger for frequent nausea during your period.

3. Morning Sickness

Taking a divided daily dosage of 1,500 mg of ginger is likely harmless and possibly effective in treating pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. If you have morning sickness, experts suggest trying: 

• Ginger ale made with real ginger
• Ginger candies
• Ginger capsules
• Tea made with fresh-grated ginger

Speak with a healthcare provider before taking large doses or adding supplements to your diet.

4. Motion Sickness

One review shows ginger may fight motion sickness by decreasing histamine and acetylcholine release and regulating sugar metabolism and fatty acid oxidation. However, other studies indicate that it may have little to no effect in easing nausea due to motion sickness and doesn't work as well as medications.

5. Chemotherapy

Nausea is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Ginger may help ease nausea from chemo without some of the side effects that come with taking prescription antinausea medications.

A research review found that participants who took no more than 1 gram of ginger per day for up to four days had significantly less acute vomiting than the control group. It is important to discuss the dietary supplements you use with your oncologist while on chemotherapy. Even natural herbs can interact with chemotherapy drugs and interfere with their effectiveness.

6. Postoperative Nausea

In one study, 1 gram of ginger was more effective than a placebo in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting. Other research found ginger lowered the severity and incidence of nausea. However, it wasn't better at lowering the incidence of post-op vomiting.

Ginger can reduce post-op nausea with few side effects. Another review also found that ginger does not affect the incidence rate of post-op nausea and vomiting. Discuss options for dealing with nausea before the day of surgery.

7. Certain GI Disorders

Studies suggest that ginger may help relieve inflammation, bloating, abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, and frequent stools related to gastrointestinal disorders such as:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Gastric (stomach) ulcers

Though research shows ginger can be an effective complementary treatment, more studies are needed to determine proper dosing and fully understand ginger's longer-term effects on GI disorders.

A Word From Verywell

Ginger can easily be added to your diet in a variety of ways. With its citrus and sweet flavor, fresh ginger can complement soups, smoothies, or stir-fries. Ginger powder adds a mild spice to marinades and baked goods. You can also enjoy it as a juice or eaten raw.

— KARINA TOLENTINO, RD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD

Why Ginger Eases Nausea

Gingerol, a bioactive compound in ginger, acts directly on the stomach, improving digestion by helping food move through the stomach faster. This can ease bloating, gas, and nausea.

Ways to Use Ginger

There are many ways to introduce ginger into your diet, such as:

• Capsules
• Extracts
• Lozenges
• Oils
• Paste
• Powder
• Tea
• Tinctures

You can slice or grate fresh ginger for cooking. Many foods and drinks contain ginger. Some types of tea are made with dried ginger (gan jiang).

Ginger ale made with real ginger can also be helpful, but many brands don't contain any actual ginger. Some may have trace amounts, while others use artificial ginger flavor.

Is It Safe?

Ginger is generally safe. Side effects are rare, but in high doses, ginger may cause:

• Diarrhea
• Mild heartburn
• Mouth irritation

Speak with a healthcare provider before taking ginger if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are scheduled for surgery or anesthesia
• Have a heart condition, diabetes, gallstones, or a bleeding disorder
• Take blood thinners such as aspirin, Jantoven (warfarin), or Plavix (clopidogrel) because ginger may increase the risk of bleeding
• Take blood pressure medications as it may raise the risk of low blood pressure or irregular heartbeat
• Take diabetes medications because it may increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  

Ginger can also interact with other herbs or supplements.

Recommended Dosage

There are no clear guidelines on which forms and doses work best for different causes of nausea. Some studies suggest that 1 gram of ginger daily, in divided doses, can help with nausea, gas, or indigestion. Adults should not take more than 4 grams of ginger per day. Ask a healthcare provider for the right dosage for children.

Other Tips for Nausea Relief

Whether or not you choose to use ginger, other methods to get rid of nausea include:

• Try to sit quietly or get some fresh air until it passes.
• Stay hydrated, especially if you're throwing up.
• Eat smaller meals throughout the day rather than three big meals.
• Avoid greasy, spicy, highly processed, and fast foods, especially those with strong smells.
• Choose bland foods such as crackers, toast, baked chicken or fish, potatoes, rice, and noodles.
• Don't lie down after eating.
  

If nausea is a frequent problem, a healthcare provider can recommend anti-nausea medicines that may help. And be sure to see a provider if you often have unexplained nausea or you:

• Can't keep food or liquids down
• Are vomiting more than three times a day
• Have a fever, pain, or weakness
  

Summary

Ginger may help relieve nausea from morning sickness, chemotherapy, and mild stomach upset.
In normal doses, it is generally safe and causes few side effects. This versatile herb can be enjoyed in many ways, including fresh, in tea, and to spice up your cooking.

However, it may not be right for you if you have an illness such as heart disease or a bleeding disorder. Ginger can also affect medications, including blood thinners and diabetes drugs. Be sure to discuss ginger and other dietary supplements with a healthcare provider.