Comparisons
Ginger or Turmeric?
Ginger and turmeric belong to the same plant family and are often confused. In EMA assessments their evidence and uses differ. The table is built from the sourced cards of both herbs.
| Aspect | GingerZingiber officinale | TurmericCurcuma longa |
|---|---|---|
| Strongest evidence | A Strong clinical evidence | T Traditional use |
| Needs | Digestion, Joints, Bones & Pain, Immunity | Digestion |
| Form | Spice | Spice |
| How to use | For motion sickness, adults take 1–2 g of powdered ginger 1 hour before travel. | Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 0.5–1 g of chopped turmeric. |
| Pregnancy | Avoid | Avoid |
| Breastfeeding | Avoid | Avoid |
| Recommended minimum age | From age 6 | From age 18 |
| Drug interactions | No recorded interactions | No recorded interactions |
| Duration limit | See a doctor if no better after 2 weeks | See a doctor if no better after 2 weeks |
Which one, when?
Ginger
Has a use backed by clinical studies for preventing motion-sickness nausea; traditionally used for indigestion, joint pain and colds.
Full card →Turmeric
Traditionally used for digestive complaints such as fullness, slow digestion and wind. Not recommended with bile duct or liver disease.
Full card →Good to know
- The EMA turmeric monograph has no indication for joint pain or inflammation.
- No malformations have been seen with ginger in pregnancy, but the EMA prefers avoiding it as a precaution; turmeric is not recommended in pregnancy.