Ginger Extract
A versatile spice with a long history of use for digestive health and nausea relief.
Also known as: Zingiber officinale • Ginger Root
Overview
Ginger is a flowering plant whose rhizome, ginger root or ginger, is widely used as a spice and a folk medicine. It is a herbaceous perennial which grows annual pseudostems about one meter tall bearing narrow leaf blades. The inflorescences bear pale yellow with purple flowers and arise directly from the rhizome on separate shoots. Ginger is in the family Zingiberaceae, which also includes turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. Ginger originated in Maritime Southeast Asia and was likely domesticated first by the Austronesian peoples. It was transported with them throughout the Indo-Pacific during the Austronesian expansion, reaching as far as Hawaii. Ginger is one of the first spices to have been exported from Asia, arriving in Europe with the spice trade, and was used by ancient Greeks and Romans. The distantly related dicots in the genus Asarum are commonly called wild ginger because of their similar taste. The active compounds in ginger are called gingerols and shogaols. These compounds are responsible for its pungent taste and many of its medicinal properties. Ginger is well-known for its ability to relieve nausea and vomiting, and it is often used to treat morning sickness, motion sickness, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and may help to relieve pain, improve digestion, and lower blood sugar levels.
Key Benefits
Relieves Nausea and Vomiting
Effective for various types of nausea, including morning sickness, motion sickness, and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Supports Digestive Health
Can help to relieve indigestion, gas, and bloating.
Reduces Inflammation
May help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with conditions like osteoarthritis.
Lowers Blood Sugar
May help to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Dosage & How to Take
The dosage of ginger extract can vary depending on the form and the intended use.
| Purpose | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 1-2 grams of dried ginger per day, in divided doses | Can be taken as capsules, tea, or fresh ginger. |
| Osteoarthritis Pain | 500-1000 mg of ginger extract per day | May take several weeks to see an effect. |
Best Time to Take
For nausea, take at the first sign of symptoms. For digestive support, take with meals.
With or Without Food
Can be taken with or without food.
Forms & Bioavailability
| Form | Absorption | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standardized Extract | High | Targeted therapeutic effects | Contains a concentrated amount of active compounds. |
| Capsules | Medium | Convenient and tasteless | A good option for those who don't like the taste of ginger. |
| Tea | Medium | A soothing and traditional way to consume ginger | Made from fresh or dried ginger root. |
Side Effects & Safety
Common
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Stomach discomfort
Rare
- Bleeding (in high doses)
Contraindications
- Bleeding disorders
- Gallstones
Interactions
May increase the risk of bleeding.
May lower blood sugar, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
Scientific Research
Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials
A 2000 review of 6 studies found that ginger was more effective than a placebo for relieving nausea and vomiting.
The effectiveness of ginger in the prevention of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and chemotherapy
A 2014 review of 12 studies found that ginger was effective for reducing the severity of nausea in pregnant women and chemotherapy patients.
Food Sources
Products With Ginger Extract
5 products in our database contain this ingredient
Frequently Asked Questions
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications. The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.