{"id":702604,"date":"2026-01-17T18:06:19","date_gmt":"2026-01-17T18:06:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/702604\/"},"modified":"2026-01-17T18:06:19","modified_gmt":"2026-01-17T18:06:19","slug":"the-science-behind-an-herbal-remedy-that-has-worked-for-thousands-of-years","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/702604\/","title":{"rendered":"The science behind an herbal remedy that has worked for thousands of years"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n Ginger
\n is still often recommended as a way to ease stomach upset.\n <\/p>\n

Ginger, which is available at almost any grocery store and often used as a spice, looks like a root but is technically a rhizome \u2013 a modified, horizontal-growing stem of the Zingiber officinale plant. And it has properties that can relieve mild to moderate nausea, experts and studies say. However, it works better for some types of stomach trouble than others \u2013 and it matters how you take it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe live in a world where there\u2019s this gigantic box of options for our patients and so many of them are costly and have side effects,\u201d said Joshua Forman, a gastroenterologist at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, who recommends ginger to his patients. \u201cIt\u2019s interesting how sometimes the simplest things fly under the radar.\u201d<\/p>\n

What is ginger, and why does it work?<\/p>\n

Ginger can be eaten raw or cooked, steeped in tea, or taken as lozenges, gummies or chews. But when taken for medicinal purposes, Forman said, he advises his patients to take ginger root powder in capsule form, which offers more consistent dosing than most other variations, to ease symptoms of nausea, indigestion and other symptoms.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s why it works. Ginger contains compounds such as gingerol, shogaol and zingerone that act on receptors in our gut and nerves that send signals to our central nervous system. One receptor, 5-HT3, regulates nausea, while another, TRPV1, triggers pain signals. By affecting these receptors, ginger may help ease nausea and discomfort, Forman said.<\/p>\n

Additionally, these compounds can help the lower part of the stomach contract, which speeds up digestion and reduces fullness and bloating, he said.<\/p>\n

Ginger also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help protect against gastrointestinal irritation, said Keshab Paudel, an associate professor of pharmacology at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in Florida, who studies ginger.<\/p>\n

In a 2025 literature review on the pharmacological effects of ginger, Paudel and his colleagues found that ginger reduced nausea, particularly nausea related to pregnancy, but did not consistently relieve vomiting. Ginger also showed other potential benefits such as helping to reduce inflammation, oxidative stress and blood glucose levels, said Paudel, who was the lead author of the study.<\/p>\n

Additionally, some studies show that ginger may help with nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, particularly when combined with anti-nausea medications. It may help ease nausea after surgery, though findings are mixed on postoperative vomiting. It may also help with nausea related to migraine pain.<\/p>\n

There isn\u2019t enough data, however, to suggest that ginger can curb nausea related to stomach viruses, hangovers or chronic acid reflux, Paudel said.<\/p>\n

How should I take ginger for a stomach ache?<\/p>\n

The amount of ginger used in studies to treat nausea varies from 500 to 1,500mg divided throughout the day, with 1 to 3g daily at the upper end. More than that and it may worsen reflux, heartburn and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Forman said he recommends taking 500mg twice per day.<\/p>\n

If you like the taste, fresh ginger root works well in hot tea, though it\u2019s harder to figure out what dose you are getting, Forman said.<\/p>\n

Just boil freshly grated or sliced ginger in a pot of water and let it steep for at least 10 minutes, then strain out the ginger. Add a tea bag or loose tea leaves (which you would also strain out) and, if you\u2019d like, honey and lemon.<\/p>\n

Forman cautioned against using store-bought ginger tea drinks as they often contain sweeteners and other ingredients.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t waste your time with most ginger ales, Forman said. Many contain ingredients such as high-fructose corn syrup and very little ginger, sometimes using artificial ginger flavouring. Ginger beers (which are generally non-alcoholic, despite the name) can sometimes contain more ginger than soda, but the amount can vary.<\/p>\n

Who shouldn\u2019t take ginger medicinally?<\/p>\n

Although ginger is generally considered safe and is almost universally well-tolerated, it can lower blood sugar and impair blood platelet function when taken regularly at high doses, Forman said. If you have diabetes or take blood thinners, talk to your doctor before taking ginger supplements.<\/p>\n

Additionally, there is limited clinical data on the use of ginger in young children, so before giving it to your child as a daily supplement, consult a paediatrician, Paudel said.<\/p>\n

Ginger \u201cshould be viewed as a supportive, evidence-based complementary option, not a cure-all,\u201d and people with persistent or severe gastrointestinal symptoms should seek medical care rather than trying to treat the condition on their own, he said.<\/p>\n

What else you should know<\/p>\n

There are various over-the-counter medications to treat nausea and vomiting such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), which is commonly used to combat motion sickness, and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), which can help with nausea, indigestion and diarrhoea often related to stomach bugs.<\/p>\n

If you prefer natural remedies, however, here are some ideas from experts:<\/p>\n