Ginger is the most studied natural anti-nausea remedy in the world, with over 30 clinical trials. Effective against nausea during ginger and ginger and pregnancy-natural-remedy">pregnancy, motion sickness, post-chemotherapy and post-operative nausea. Dose: 500–2,000 mg of gingerols depending on the indication.
Ginger against nausea: the most proven antiemetic plant
Nausea — whether related to travel, pregnancy, chemotherapy, or surgery — is among the most frequent and uncomfortable symptoms. Ginger is by far the most studied anti-bloating-natural-remedy-2026">nausea medicinal plant, with documented efficacy in virtually all nausea contexts.
5 types of nausea for which ginger is proven
1. Nausea during pregnancy (morning sickness)
A Cochrane review (2014) of 12 randomized trials (1,278 pregnant women) confirms that ginger is significantly more effective than placebo in reducing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy — with a favorable safety profile up to 1g/day in the first trimester.
2. Motion sickness (travel sickness)
A randomized double-blind trial (Lancet, 1982) — one of the first studies on ginger — showed that 940 mg of ginger was more effective than dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) in preventing ginger car sickness. Subsequent meta-analyses have confirmed this efficacy for nausea related to car, boat, and airplane travel.
3. Post-chemotherapy nausea and vomiting (CINV)
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the most feared side effects. A meta-analysis (Oncology Nursing Forum, 2012) of 5 studies (576 patients) showed that ginger supplementation significantly reduced the severity of acute post-chemotherapy nausea. In addition to standard antiemetics, ginger provides an additional 40% reduction.
4. Ginger post-operative nausea (PONV)
A clinical trial (British Journal of Anaesthesia, 2012) showed that 1g of ginger taken 1–2h before surgery reduced the incidence of post-operative nausea comparable to standard antiemetics (metoclopramide) in patients after gynecological surgery.
5. Functional nausea and ginger bloating-colon-irritable">dyspepsia
Ginger accelerates gastric emptying, thus reducing functional nausea linked to gastroparesis (slow stomach) and dyspepsia. Gingerols stimulate gastric contractions and facilitate the passage of food from the stomach to the intestine.
Ginger's anti-nausea mechanisms
- 5-HT3 antagonist: Blocks serotonin receptors involved in the nausea reflex (same mechanism as ondansetron)
- D2 antagonist: Blocks ginger dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the brainstem
- Accelerates gastric emptying: Reduces nausea related to gastric stasis
- Intestinal anti-inflammatory-science-utilisation">ginger anti-inflammatory effect: Reduces ginger gastroenteritis-intestinal irritation
Dosage according to indication
| Indication | Recommended dose | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy nausea | 500–1,000 mg/day | Morning, divided doses |
| Motion sickness | 1,000–2,000 mg | 30–60 min before departure |
| Post-chemo | 500–1,000 mg/day | 3 days before + during treatment |
| Post-operative | 1,000 mg | 1–2h before operation |
INTI: practical format against nausea
INTI Essence cold-press is concentrated and easily dosable — 10 ml = ~1g of active gingerols. Diluted in cold or warm water, it is easier to tolerate than raw ginger in case of nausea. Available on inti-drink.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, with the strongest evidence among natural anti-nausea remedies. More than 30 clinical trials confirm its effectiveness in several types of nausea: pregnancy, travel, chemotherapy, post-operative.
For motion sickness and acute nausea, take ginger 30–60 minutes before exposure. For chronic nausea (pregnancy, chemo), regular use over several days is more effective than a single dose.
A Lancet study (1982) showed that ginger outperformed Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) for seasickness. The major advantage of ginger: no drowsiness or dry mouth. For long journeys or severe nausea, the two can be combined.
Sources: Lancet (1982); Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews (2014); Oncology Nursing Forum (2012); British Journal of Anaesthesia (2012); Nutrition Journal (2014).
Related articles
To delve deeper into the topic, also read:
- Ginger for Motion Sickness and ginger dizziness: Complete Guide
- Ginger for Children and Adolescents: Dosage, Benefits, and Precautions
- Ginger for Children and Adolescents: Safety, Dosage, and Benefits
- Pregnancy and ginger and immunity in Belgium: what drinks during pregnancy? INTI ginger, the safe choice
- INTI during pregnancy: ginger for nausea without sugar or medication
- Ginger & Pregnancy Nausea: Safety, Efficacy, and Dosage in First Trimester