Ginger
The single best evidence-backed natural anti-nausea agent. Pregnancy morning sickness, motion sickness, chemo nausea, post-op nausea — all respond.
Strong for nausea (pregnancy, motion, post-op, chemo). Moderate for osteoarthritis pain, dysmenorrhea, post-exercise muscle soreness. Effects: hours for nausea; 4–8 weeks for joint pain.
Zingiber officinale rhizome contains gingerols, shogaols, and related compounds that act on serotonin (5-HT3) receptors in the gut — the same target as ondansetron (Zofran). Multiple RCTs and Cochrane reviews support efficacy in pregnancy morning sickness (the only commonly-recommended supplement for this), motion sickness, post-operative nausea, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Also anti-inflammatory: comparable to ibuprofen for osteoarthritis pain in some trials. Cheap, safe, food-derived.
- Form
- Standardised ginger extract, fresh ginger root, candied ginger, ginger tea. All effective at appropriate doses.
- Dose
- 250 mg standardised extract 4x daily, or 1 g/day (split). Fresh ginger: 1–4 g per day.
- Timing
- Before potentially nauseating events. With food for joint pain / general use.
- Schedule
- As-needed for nausea. Daily for chronic inflammation / joint pain.
- Side effects
- Mild heartburn, gas, mouth irritation at high doses.
- Interactions
- Anticoagulants — mild additive (case reports of bleeding at high doses + warfarin). Diabetes medications — mild glucose lowering. BP medications — mild additive.
- Contraindications
- Bleeding disorders (high doses). Pre-surgery (stop 1–2 weeks before). Gallstones (stimulates bile flow).
- Lab markers
- Not standard.
- Food sources
- Fresh ginger in food and tea is highly effective at culinary doses for everyday nausea / digestive support.
Pairs with
Turmeric / curcumin (synergistic anti-inflammatory). Boswellia, omega-3 (joint stack).
Where to buy
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