Ginger
Also known as: Zingiber officinale
Ginger is a root used for thousands of years as both a spice and a remedy, best known today for easing nausea and calming the stomach, with growing evidence for anti-inflammatory effects.
What it is
The rhizome of Zingiber officinale. Its active compounds, gingerols and shogaols, have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-nausea (anti-emetic) properties, thought to work partly by acting on serotonin receptors in the gut and brain.1
Commonly used for
Nausea: the best-supported use — a review of 100+ trials found ~1 g significantly reduces nausea from pregnancy, motion sickness, chemotherapy, and surgery.2
Inflammation: supplementation has been shown to lower inflammatory markers (CRP, hs-CRP, TNF-α).3
Metabolic: in type 2 diabetes, 1–3 g daily improved HbA1c and fasting glucose; reviews also report improved cholesterol.3
Typical dosing
Commonly 1–3 g daily of dried ginger for anti-inflammatory and metabolic purposes; 500–1,500 mg daily in divided doses for nausea. Doses above ~1,500 mg/day for nausea may be less effective and cause more side effects.3
Route of administration
Oral, as capsules, tablets, powder, dried root, or liquid extract.
Storage & handling
Store at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.
Common considerations
May interact with blood thinners (anticoagulant effects); use caution with gallbladder disease. The FDA has not evaluated ginger for any medical use.
References
- 1. The Conversation — From arthritis to nausea: five ways ginger could benefit your health Review
- 2. UCLA Health — Why you should consider adding ginger to your diet Fact sheet
- 3. The effect of ginger supplementation on serum C-reactive protein, lipid profile and glycaemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis (PMC) Systematic review
The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs, contraindications, and responses to supplementation vary, and decisions about starting, stopping, or modifying any supplement or medication should be made in consultation with a physician, pharmacist, or other appropriate professional. References are provided to authoritative sources; STACK Tracker does not endorse any specific product or brand.