Ginger has gained fame as a spice that helps treat nausea and vomiting, and for this reason it is widely used in various treatments to alleviate symptoms and diseases. Now, a report from the New York Times has investigated whether ginger can relieve stomach problems or if this is just a myth.
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In conversations with experts, the report asked whether there was any scientific evidence to support its use as a treatment for nausea or other stomach problems, as well as the best way to consume it.
In a conversation with Michael Curley, MD, a gastroenterologist at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, it was emphasized that the plant has been the treatment of choice for digestive problems for centuries. Regarding the studies conducted regarding its effectiveness, the doctor added that the available research, although limited, indicates that its consumption can be safe and effective in treating nausea and vomiting in certain contexts.
To answer the question of how this spice might help, The New York Times spoke with Megan Crichton, a researcher and nutritionist who studies ginger at the Queensland University of Technology.
They found that the plant contains two pungent compounds, gingerol and shogaol, which are believed to relieve nausea by blocking related pathways in the intestines and brain, preventing the vomiting center in the brain from being activated.
Meanwhile, Keshab Paudel, a pharmacologist and physician who studies ginger at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, added that there is some limited evidence to suggest that ginger supplements may relieve symptoms by speeding up gastric emptying.
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When discussing specific examples of ginger’s benefits, The New York Times reported on a study by a pharmacologist and colleagues, which found that pregnant women who took between 500 to 1,500 milligrams of ginger supplements daily showed improvement in nausea but no reduction in vomiting.
On the other hand, a 2023 study concluded that ginger may help treat symptoms of functional indigestion, with participants reporting improvement in heartburn, pain and burning in the upper abdomen, and feelings of excessive fullness after meals.
What types of ginger are effective?
Ginger is available in different forms: it can be eaten raw or used as a spice, ingested in tea or soft drinks, absorbed into lozenges or taken in capsules. However, there is little information about how the different forms compare in terms of stomach relief.
So the newspaper consulted Joshua Foreman, a gastroenterologist at the University of Maryland St. Joseph’s Medical Center, who often recommends ginger supplements to his patients with nausea. It is recommended to take 500 mg twice daily to treat nausea caused by chronic problems, such as morning sickness, or short-term problems, such as upset stomach, hangover, and motion sickness, although there is little research on the effectiveness of ginger in these contexts.
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In a 2017 study, Megan Crichton and her colleagues found that two popular ginger teas contained only 0.04 and 0.15 milligrams of the spice per serving. While ginger is generally considered safe in any form, the researcher and nutritionist noted that people who take medications, such as blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or blood pressure or diabetes medications, should consult a doctor before taking it regularly.
Likewise, ginger has few and scientifically proven side effects. In conclusion, Joshua Forman said: “It is a valuable tool in treatment.”