Ginger
Zingiber officinale
A Strong clinical evidencePowdered ginger root taken before travel may help prevent motion-sickness nausea; it is also traditionally used for mild indigestion.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
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At a glance
The EMA recognises powdered ginger root for preventing nausea and vomiting in motion sickness as "well-established use", backed by clinical studies. Its use for mild indigestion, loss of appetite, minor joint pain and cold symptoms rests on traditional use.
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
A Strong clinical evidence
Strong clinical evidence: Supported by strong human clinical trials and well-established medicinal use monographs.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Powdered ginger root taken before travel may help prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used for mild, spasmodic digestive complaints such as bloating and wind, and for temporary loss of appetite. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used to relieve minor joint pain. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used to relieve symptoms of the common cold. [1]
How is it used?
Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 6 years
- As a precaution, avoid during pregnancy; not recommended while breastfeeding.
- Not recommended under 18 except for motion sickness, which is not recommended under 6.
- See a doctor if joint pain comes with swelling, redness or fever.
- If symptoms worsen or do not improve within the stated time, see a doctor or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- Stomach upset, belching, indigestion, heartburn and nausea (common)
- Hypersensitivity reactions (frequency unknown)
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
For motion sickness, ginger is taken 1 hour before travel; the EMA accepts this based on clinical data. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does ginger help with motion sickness?
Based on clinical studies, the EMA accepts that powdered ginger root taken before travel may help prevent motion-sickness nausea and vomiting.
Can I take ginger during pregnancy?
No malformations have been shown, but the EMA prefers avoiding it during pregnancy as a precaution. It is not recommended while breastfeeding.
Does ginger have side effects?
Stomach upset, belching, heartburn and nausea are common. Allergic reactions are rare.
Can children take ginger?
Children aged 6–12 may take a lower dose for motion sickness; other uses are not recommended under 18.
Sources
Cite This Page
Ginger (Zingiber officinale). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ginger/
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