Ginger: Science and Safety

The part of the ginger plant used as a spice is the rhizome (underground stem).

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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services  /  National Institutes of Health

Background

  • The part of the ginger plant used as a spice is the rhizome (underground stem).
  • Ginger has had a prominent role in Chinese, Indian, and Japanese medicine for hundreds of years.

How Much Do We Know?

  • There have been many studies of the use of ginger for health purposes in people.

What Have We Learned?

  • Research shows that ginger may be helpful for mild nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy. However, most studies of ginger for nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy or motion sickness have not shown it to be helpful.
  • A small amount of research suggests that ginger might be helpful for menstrual cramps.

What Do We Know About Safety?

  • Ginger has been used safely in many research studies where it was taken orally as a dietary supplement.
  • Ginger can have side effects such as abdominal discomfort, heartburn, diarrhea, and mouth and throat irritation, especially if taken in high doses.
  • The evidence on the safety of using ginger during pregnancy is not conclusive. If you're considering using ginger while pregnant, consult your health care provider.

Find out more


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