That queasy, unsettled feeling in your stomach can strike at the worst moments—during travel, pregnancy, or after medical treatments. While there are many over-the-counter remedies available, one of the most effective and time-tested solutions is drinking a cup of ginger tea for nausea relief.
Ginger tea, made from the root of the ginger plant (Zingiber officinale), has been treasured across cultures for centuries as a powerful digestive aid and nausea fighter. This warm, slightly spicy beverage isn’t just comfort in a cup—it’s backed by solid science and packed with compounds that actively combat nausea at its source.
Research Insights: Current studies indicate that ginger can effectively alleviate nausea related to motion sickness, pregnancy, and chemotherapy. In fact, a meta-analysis found that ginger is more effective than a placebo for treating nausea and vomiting.
What Makes Ginger Tea So Effective?
Ginger’s anti-nausea powers come from two key bioactive compounds: gingerol and shogaol. These natural chemicals work together through multiple pathways to calm your stomach and reduce that uncomfortable queasy feeling.
Gingerol: The Stomach Soother
Gingerol is ginger’s primary active compound, responsible for both its distinctive flavor and its medicinal properties. This powerful substance works in two important ways:
Muscle Relaxation: Gingerol helps relax the smooth muscles in your gastrointestinal tract, reducing the spasms and contractions that often trigger nausea. Think of it as a natural muscle relaxer specifically for your digestive system.
Anti-inflammatory Action: When nausea stems from stomach irritation or gastritis, gingerol’s anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the stomach lining, addressing one of the root causes of digestive discomfort.
Shogaol: The Fast-Acting Enhancer
Shogaol becomes more concentrated when ginger is dried or heated, making it particularly abundant in ginger tea. This compound provides:
Enhanced Digestion: Shogaol stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, helping your body break down food more efficiently. This prevents the buildup of gas, bloating, and discomfort that can lead to nausea, especially after meals.
Gut-Brain Communication: Perhaps most importantly, shogaol influences the gut-brain axis—the communication highway between your digestive system and brain. This helps rapidly reduce nausea signals, making it particularly effective for motion sickness and morning sickness.
Serotonin Regulation: The Brain Connection
Research suggests ginger compounds can influence serotonin receptors in the brain, which play a crucial role in controlling nausea and vomiting. By modulating these receptors, ginger helps reduce nausea from various sources, including chemotherapy treatments and pregnancy-related morning sickness.
How Ginger Tea Helps With Nausea: What the Research Says
Multiple studies have confirmed ginger’s effectiveness against motion sickness, pregnancy, and chemotherapy related nausea: Here’s how ginger works!
- For Motion Sickness: Research shows that nausea from motion sickness often starts when your stomach’s natural rhythm—the pattern that helps digestion—gets disrupted. This disordered rhythm (called gastric dysrhythmia) tends to appear just before the nausea hits. In a recent study1, people who took 1000mg of ginger felt less sick and had fewer disruptions in their stomach rhythm.
- For Pregnancy-Related Nausea: Morning sickness may feel like your body’s way of sounding off before you’re ready. But it’s not just hormonal turbulence. In clinical trials2 involving over 1,200 pregnant women, ginger proved notably more effective than a placebo in easing nausea—though it didn’t curb vomiting episodes. Encouragingly, the studies also showed no risks or side effects from ginger supplementation, making it a gentle companion in pregnancy wellness. So, that cup of ginger tea might offer more than comfort—it’s backed by science.
- For Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) can be especially tough, often persisting days after treatment. In a recent clinical trial3, patients who supplemented their anti-nausea medications with ginger experienced less delayed nausea and vomiting, and reported better quality of life. Ginger didn’t replace medical treatment—it enhanced it. And importantly, it was safe, gentle, and didn’t cause harmful side effects.
Bottom Line: Whether you’re on a journey through winding roads, new life stages, or healing paths, sipping a cup of ginger tea for nausea offers comforting relief that’s steeped in both ancestral wisdom and scientific insight.
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Ginger Tea Side Effects
While ginger tea offers many health benefits, it can also have some potential side effects, especially when consumed in large amounts or by certain individuals. Here are the most common side effects to be aware of.
- Heartburn or Acid Reflux: Ginger can increase the production of gastric acids, which might lead to heartburn or worsen acid reflux in some individuals, particularly if consumed in large amounts.
- Stomach Irritation: While ginger is known for its soothing effects on the stomach, too much ginger can have the opposite effect, irritating the stomach lining, leading to discomfort or nausea.
- Hypoglycemia: Ginger can help lower blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for managing diabetes. However, in some cases, it may cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, especially if taken alongside blood sugar-lowering medications.
- Increased Bleeding Risk: Ginger has natural blood-thinning properties, which can interfere with blood clotting. While this can help improve circulation, it may increase the risk of bleeding, particularly for people taking anticoagulant medications.
- Mild Diarrhea: Ginger has a mild laxative effect, which can help with digestion, but excessive consumption might lead to diarrhea.
How to Use Ginger Tea For Nausea
Here are a few simple ginger tea recipes you can make at home:
Fresh Ginger Tea:
- Slice 1-2 inches of fresh ginger root
- Simmer in 2 cups of water for 10-15 minutes
- Strain and add honey or lemon to taste
Dried Ginger Tea:
- Use 1 teaspoon of dried ginger powder per cup of hot water
- Steep for 5-10 minutes
Pre-made Tea Bags:
- Follow package instructions, typically steeping for 3-5 minutes
Dosage Guidelines
For nausea relief, most studies suggest:
- 1-3 cups per day for general digestive support
- Start with small amounts (1/2 cup) to test tolerance
- Drink 30 minutes before travel for motion sickness prevention
- Sip slowly throughout the day for ongoing nausea
Ginger: A Time-Tested Tradition
Ginger’s use as a digestive aid spans thousands of years and countless cultures. Traditional Chinese medicine has long prescribed ginger for stomach ailments, while ancient Greek and Roman physicians used it to combat nausea. In many Asian cultures, ginger tea is a go-to remedy for morning sickness, motion sickness, and post-operative recovery.
This extensive traditional use, combined with modern scientific validation, makes ginger tea one of the most reliable natural remedies available.
Did You Know?
- Ancient Medicine: Ginger has been used for over 5,000 years in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
- Origin and Spread: Ginger is native to Southeast Asia but was one of the earliest spices exported from Asia to Europe. By the 1st century AD, ginger reached the Roman Empire, where it was considered a luxury spice.
- Heat Sensation: The “spicy” sensation from ginger comes from gingerol which is similar to capsaicin (found in chili peppers) and piperine (found in black pepper). Despite its heat, gingerol has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Related Article: You may also like Bay Leaf Tea For Migraines
Buy Quality Ginger
Where to Buy: Quality ginger is available at most grocery stores, health food shops, and online retailers. Organic options ensure you’re getting the purest product without unnecessary additives.
- Fresh Ginger: Look for firm, smooth roots with tight skin. Avoid pieces that are soft, wrinkled, or moldy.
- Dried Ginger: Choose organic options when possible, and store in airtight containers away from light and heat.
- Pre-made Teas: Read ingredient lists carefully—some commercial ginger teas contain very little actual ginger.
Here’s a list of pros and cons for each option.
| Formuulation | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Ginger Root | Fresh, potent flavor and customizable strength. | Requires more preparation time. |
| Ginger Tea Bags | Convenient and easy to brew. | May contain added preservatives. |
| Ginger Powder | Versatile and can be used to make tea and in recipes. | Flavor may not be as strong as fresh ginger. |
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Who Should Avoid Using Ginger
Ginger tea is generally safe, however individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, or those taking specific medications, should avoid consuming large amounts of ginger for nausea relief. These include:
- People with diabetes or hypoglycemia should monitor their blood sugar levels and consult their healthcare provider before consuming large amounts of ginger tea.
- Individuals who are prone to acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may want to limit consumption of ginger tea as it can cause a burning sensation or discomfort in the chest after drinking ginger tea.
- People who take medications for blood pressure, diabetes, or blood clotting. It may experience drug interaction that either enhances or reduces the effects of these medications.
Final Thoughts
Ginger tea offers a natural, scientifically-backed solution for nausea that’s been trusted for generations. Whether you’re dealing with morning sickness, motion sickness, or post-treatment nausea, this warming beverage provides gentle yet effective relief through multiple biological pathways.
Start with small amounts to gauge your tolerance, and remember that while ginger tea is generally safe, it’s always wise to consult with a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions or take medications. With its pleasant taste and proven effectiveness, ginger tea might just become your new favorite natural remedy.
We would like to hear about your experience using ginger for nausea. Leave your comment below:
References
- Stewart, J J et al. “Effects of ginger on motion sickness susceptibility and gastric function.” Pharmacology vol. 42,2 (1991): 111-20. https://doi:10.1159/000138781 ↩︎
- Viljoen, Estelle et al. “A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect and safety of ginger in the treatment of pregnancy-associated nausea and vomiting.” Nutrition journal vol. 13 20. 19 Mar. 2014, https://doi:10.1186/1475-2891-13-20 ↩︎
- Choi, Jihee et al. “Effects of Ginger Intake on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.” Nutrients vol. 14,23 4982. 23 Nov. 2022, https://doi:10.3390/nu14234982 ↩︎
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