SO DYK
STOMACH & ACID

Ginger

Zingiber officinale

also known as Common ginger, Garden ginger

Ginger — Köhler 1887 botanical illustration

A pungent rhizome that eases nausea — whether from pregnancy, motion, surgery, or chemotherapy. Anti-inflammatory in its own right.

  • Strong evidence for nausea relief in many different settings
  • Eases morning sickness in pregnancy at modest doses
  • Helps with motion sickness
  • Reduces nausea after surgery
  • Eases nausea from chemotherapy as a supportive add-on
  • Speeds gastric emptying, which is why it helps a heavy meal sit better
  • Anti-inflammatory action from the warming compounds that give ginger its bite
  • Some evidence for easing osteoarthritis pain

Active in Gingerols, Shogaols, Zingerone, Essential oils.

At therapeutic doses, may add to the effect of blood thinners
Use caution with gallstones — ginger stimulates bile flow
Stop two weeks before any surgery at therapeutic doses
Can lower blood sugar — worth monitoring with diabetes medication