How Ginger Helps Relieve Nausea Naturally and Safely

Ginger as a Natural Remedy for Nausea

Nausea is an unpleasant and uncomfortable sensation that makes you feel like you need to vomit. It can arise from a variety of causes including morning sickness during pregnancy, motion sickness, food poisoning, migraines, and chemotherapy treatment. While there are prescription anti-nausea medications available, many people prefer to try natural remedies first.

One of the most popular and effective natural remedies for nausea is ginger. Ginger has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine to help settle the stomach and relieve nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness.

Why Ginger Works for Nausea

Ginger contains active compounds like gingerol, shogaol, and zingibain that have anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, and digestive benefits. The phenolic compounds in ginger are thought to help relieve nausea by breaking up and eliminating excess gas and stimulating digestion. Ginger also enhances the production of digestive fluids and bile, supporting better digestion.

In addition, ginger acts directly on the digestive system and stomach by speeding up the rate at which food empties from the stomach into the intestines. This helps relieve that uncomfortable, bloated, full sensation that makes nausea worse. The compounds in ginger also appear to have antiemetic properties, meaning they prevent vomiting by soothing the stomach.

Scientific Research on Ginger and Nausea

Numerous scientific studies have researched the effectiveness of ginger for treating different types of nausea:

Morning sickness during pregnancy - Multiple studies have found taking ginger daily significantly reduces nausea, vomiting episodes, and severity of morning sickness.
Motion sickness - Ginger has been shown to be as effective as prescription medications for preventing motion sickness on boats, simulated motion rides, and while traveling.
Post-surgery nausea - Ginger reduces nausea and vomiting after major surgery when taken before, during, and after the operation.
Chemotherapy-related nausea - Clinical trials demonstrate ginger supplementation substantially reduces acute and delayed nausea from chemotherapy treatment.

Overall, a recent meta-analysis of 12 studies with 1,278 patients found ginger to be an effective and safe treatment for nausea with no major side effects.

Ways to Take Ginger for Nausea Relief

There are many different ways you can take advantage of ginger's anti-nausea properties. Here are some of the most convenient options:

Ginger Tea

Sipping on a hot cup of ginger tea is one of the easiest ways to reap its benefits. Grate a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger root into a cup of hot water, let it steep for 5-10 minutes, then drink. The heat will release the active compounds. Add lemon, honey, or other herbs like peppermint to enhance the flavor and effects.

Ginger Ale

Traditional ginger ale made with real ginger can help calm nausea when sipped slowly. Look for genuine brewed ginger ales or make your own simple version by adding 2-3 tablespoons of grated ginger to club soda or sparkling water.

Ginger Capsules

Taking a ginger supplement in capsule form provides a convenient concentrated dose and prevents the need to taste it. Most clinical studies showing ginger's anti-nausea effects use dosages between 500mg to 1,500mg per day.

Ginger Candy

Ginger candy, like Gin Gins, is a tasty way to get a small amount of ginger for mild nausea relief. The sugar may also temporarily help curb nausea. Choose candies with higher ginger content and avoid overdoing the sugar.

Ginger Powder

Sprinkle ginger powder onto foods, mix intosmoothies, or stir into warm water or tea. Start with 1⁄4-1⁄2 teaspoon at a time. You can also take it as a supplement or make DIY capsules by packing powder into empty veggie caps.

Other Ginger Products

Ginger is also commonly used to make syrups, lozenges, chews, gums, cookies, and energy drinks. These provide smaller doses more conveniently throughout the day as needed.

Tips for Taking Ginger

Here are some tips for taking ginger to help combat nausea:

Take ginger about 30-60 minutes before traveling or an activity that triggers nausea.
Consume ginger early in pregnancy before morning sickness hits.
Drink ginger tea slowly - too much at once may irritate the stomach.
Start with lower dosages around 500mg daily and increase slowly if needed.
You can take ginger for up to 4 days in a row when nauseous.
Discontinue use if ginger causes heartburn, stomach pain, or diarrhea.

Other Anti-Nausea Herbal Remedies

Ginger is considered the most effective natural remedy for nausea, but other herbs can also help provide relief. Some additional options to try are:

Peppermint - Peppermint tea, essential oil, or candies can help calm the stomach due to its soothing effects.
Chamomile - Gentle chamomile tea may ease nausea, especially related to stress or anxiety.
Fennel - Fennel seeds reduce intestinal spasms and gas to relieve indigestion behind nausea.
Lemon - The scent of lemons or sipping lemon water can help reduce nausea in some cases.
Cannabis - In states where medical cannabis is legal, it may be prescribed for nausea and vomiting relief.

When to See a Doctor

For occasional mild nausea, ginger and other natural remedies are usually effective and safe to try at home first. However, contact your doctor promptly if:

Nausea persists for more than 24 hours
You cannot keep down any fluids
Nausea is accompanied by severe pain or fever
You observe signs of dehydration such as dizziness
You or a family member has recently suffered a head injury
Nausea may be a medication side effect

Severe dehydration and inability to keep fluids down requires immediate medical treatment. Seek emergency care if you experience bloody vomit, strong abdominal pain, chest pain, blurry vision, seizures, or fainting.

Dealing with Persistent Nausea or Vomiting

When nausea and vomiting persists, it can make you miserable. Severe cases can lead to dehydration and nutritional deficiencies if you aren’t able to keep enough fluids and nutrients down. Ongoing nausea can also be a sign of various medical conditions that require treatment.

If over-the-counter medication and natural remedies aren’t resolving your nausea after several days, it’s important to see a doctor. They can check for underlying conditions and prescribe stronger prescription medication to give you relief.

Treatments for Severe Nausea

Here are some of the medical treatments that may be used for chronic or severe nausea:

Antiemetic medications - Prescription medications like Zofran and Phenergan block nausea signals to the brain and prevent vomiting.
Steroids - Steroid drugs reduce inflammation associated with nausea causing conditions.
Antibiotics - If a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection is causing nausea, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Over-the-counter medication - Stronger OTC meds like Dramamine or Bonine may be recommended.
Marijuana - The THC and other cannabinoids in marijuana have anti-nausea effects.
Acupuncture - Acupuncture treatment can help relieve nausea and vomiting in some individuals.

Medical Conditions Causing Nausea

Some of the most common medical conditions that can lead to ongoing nausea and vomiting include:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Peptic ulcers
Food allergies or intolerances
Concussions or head injuries
Migraines
Gallstones
Appendicitis
Stomach flu
Food poisoning
Medication side effects

Rarely, persistent unexplained nausea can be a sign of serious conditions like cancers, bowel obstructions, kidney disorders, or heart disease. That's why it's crucial to consult your physician if nausea persists.

Lifestyle Changes for Nausea Relief

Making certain lifestyle adjustments can also help resolve ongoing nausea:

Avoid trigger foods like spicy, greasy, or dairy-based items
Eat smaller, bland, BRAT diet-friendly meals
Stay hydrated by sipping water, coconut water, or diluted fruit juice
Limit alcohol, caffeine, and smoking, which aggravate nausea
Rest and reduce stress
Avoid strong smells that trigger nausea
Try natural remedies like ginger, mint, lemon, and chamomile

When to Seek Emergency Treatment

In some cases, severe or persistent vomiting requires emergency medical treatment. Seek immediate help if you experience:

Frequent vomiting where you cannot keep liquids down at all
Signs of severe dehydration like fainting, confusion, or weak, rapid pulse
Bloody or black vomit which indicates internal bleeding
Severe stomach pain or bloating that comes on suddenly
Chest pain or heart palpitations
Vomiting that occurs with a head injury or high fever

Rapid dehydration and an inability to keep any fluids down due to vomiting requires hospitalization for IV fluid replacement and medications to control nausea. Seek emergency help right away if you have any of these warning signs accompanying severe vomiting.

Preventing Nausea

While you can’t avoid ever feeling nauseous, there are some things you can do to reduce and prevent episodes of nausea:

Avoid Triggers

Pay attention to activities, foods, environments, and situations that trigger nausea for you. Then try to avoid those triggers as much as possible. Common nausea triggers include:

Riding in cars, airplanes, boats, or amusement park rides
Eating greasy, spicy, or dairy-based foods
Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine
Exposure to motions, lights, or smells
Taking certain medications, vitamins, or supplements

Manage Health Conditions

If an underlying health issue like acid reflux, allergies, or migraines are causing your nausea, treating that condition can prevent recurrence. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan, take prescribed medications, and make recommended lifestyle changes.

Practice Relaxation Techniques

Stress and anxiety can trigger and worsen nausea. Try practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or aromatherapy to lower stress levels.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration from not drinking enough fluids often aggravates nausea. Drink plenty of water, coconut water, or diluted fruit juice and avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages which can cause dehydration.

Improved Diet

Eating regular small meals and snacks can keep blood sugar stable and prevent nausea caused by hunger. Choose easy to digest foods like toast, rice, applesauce, and yogurt. Avoid eating large, heavy, greasy, or spicy meals.

OTC or Prescription Meds

If you frequently experience motion sickness or morning sickness, talk to your doctor about carrying over-the-counter or prescription anti-nausea medication with you to take when symptoms start.

Alternative Therapies

Alternative medicine therapies like acupuncture, acupressure, aromatherapy, and hypnosis may be able to reduce your susceptibility to nausea.

Supplements

Certain supplements like ginger, vitamin B6, mint, and magnesium have anti-nausea properties and can help prevent episodes when taken daily. Check with your doctor before starting any new supplement.

When to Worry About Nausea

Occasional and short-lived nausea is usually not a cause for concern. However, recurrent or persistent nausea can signify an underlying medical problem that needs treatment. Contact your doctor if nausea:

Occurs frequently throughout the week
Lasts for more than 1-2 days
Disrupts your ability to do daily activities
Is accompanied by severe pain or concerning symptoms
Is triggered by smells that didn’t bother you before

Seek prompt medical attention if nausea is accompanied by:

Fever higher than 101°F
Confusion or fainting
Unexplained weight loss
Blood in vomit or black/tarry stools
Severe abdominal pain or chest pain
Persistent headache or stiff neck
Blurred vision or eye pain

Don’t ignore signs of severe dehydration from frequent vomiting either. Seeking timely treatment for persistent nausea can help identify and manage any underlying illness before it worsens.

When Nausea May Be Something More Serious

While nausea is most often caused by temporary conditions like viruses, motion sickness, or food poisoning, prolonged and severe nausea can sometimes indicate serious illness. Be alert for “red flag” nausea symptoms that require prompt medical evaluation like:

Nausea with Severe Vomiting

If nausea is accompanied by severe vomiting, especially if you are unable to keep down any fluids, IV medications and rehydration may be needed.

Nausea with Head Injury

Head injuries and concussions frequently cause nausea and vomiting. Seek emergency care if you hit your head and feel nauseous.

Nausea with High Fever

A fever over 101°F along with nausea can indicate a serious infection that requires treatment. High fever with nausea after meals may mean food poisoning.

Nausea with Abdominal Pain

Severe or worsening abdominal pain along with nausea can mean a medical emergency like appendicitis, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or a bowel obstruction.

Nausea during Pregnancy

While morning sickness is common during pregnancy, prolonged nausea and vomiting with dehydration may indicate a more dangerous condition like HG that threatens mom and baby.

Nausea after Head Injury

Nausea and vomiting after a blow to the head could signal a concussion or more serious traumatic brain injury requiring medical care.

Bloody or Black Vomit

Vomit that is dark brown/black or contains blood indicates internal bleeding and requires emergency treatment.

If you experience any of these “red flag” nausea symptoms, don't wait to get medical care. Call 911 or go to the ER immediately to determine if treatment is needed for a potentially life-threatening illness.