As a nutrition support pharmacist, inquiries frequently arise regarding the efficacy of ginger supplements for alleviating nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, and other purposes. Ginger is studied for oral and topical use, and as aromatherapy. Its active components come from the rhizome and root.
Effectiveness. Explain that oral ginger is possibly effective to reduce the symptoms of pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting. Evidence shows that it works better than placebo and as well as vitamin B6, but is less effective than metoclopramide. If pregnant patients want to try ginger, suggest 500 mg to 2,500 mg divided BID to QID for 3 days to 3 weeks, as given in studies. Oral ginger is also possibly effective to reduce pain from dysmenorrhea or osteoarthritis. But contrary to popular belief, most research shows that oral ginger does NOT prevent or treat motion sickness. And it’s too soon to say whether ginger is helpful for nausea and vomiting due to other causes, such as chemotherapy, gastroenteritis, or surgery.
Safety. Point out that oral ginger is generally well tolerated. Its most common side effects include belching, diarrhea, and heartburn. If asked whether ginger is safe in pregnancy, clarify that research suggests medicinal use doesn’t increase the risk of congenital malformations, preterm birth, or low birth weight.
Interactions. Keep in mind, ginger has no known major interactions due to cytochrome P450 or P-glycoprotein. But caution that ginger may have antiplatelet and hypoglycemic effects, and may increase the risk of bleeding or low blood sugar, especially with other meds or supplements (garlic, etc) with these effects. Advise stopping ginger at least 2 weeks before elective surgery.
REFERENCES
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Jenabi E. The effect of ginger for relieving of primary dysmenorrhoea. J Pak Med Assoc. 2013;63(1):8-10. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23865123
Bartels EM, Folmer VN, Bliddal H, et al. Efficacy and safety of ginger in osteoarthritis patients: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2015;23(1):13-21. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25300574
Fischer-Rasmussen W, Kjaer SK, Dahl C, Asping U. Ginger treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 1991;38(1):19-24. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1988321
Ginger. (2024). TRCnaturalmedicines. Available at: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food