Skip to main content
Print Save

Ginger Root

Generic name: ginger [ JIN-jer ]
Drug class: Herbal products

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 26, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Ginger Root?

Ginger Root is an herb also known as Amomum Zingiber, Ardraka, Black Ginger Root, Cochin Ginger Root, Gan Jiang, Gingembre, Ginger Root Essential Oil, Ginger Root Root, Imber, Jengibre, Jiang, Kankyo, Kanshokyo, Nagara, Race Ginger Root, Racine de Gingembre, Rhizoma Zingiberi, Zingiberis Recens, Sheng Jiang, Shoga, Shokyo, Shunthi, Srungavera, Sunth, Sunthi, Vishvabheshaja, and other names.

Ginger Root has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating nausea and vomiting after surgery, dizziness, menstrual pain, arthritis, preventing morning sickness.

Ginger Root has also been used for weight loss and to prevent motion sickness and seasickness. However, research has shown that Ginger Root may not be effective in treating these conditions.

Other uses not proven with research have included sudden respiratory failure, alcohol hangover, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, upset stomach, high cholesterol, migraines, muscle pains after exercise, rheumatoid arthritis, trouble swallowing, loss of appetite, colds, and other conditions.

It is not certain whether Ginger Root is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Ginger Root should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Ginger Root is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Ginger Root may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

Warnings

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

Before using Ginger Root, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use Ginger Root if you have certain medical conditions.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

  • a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;

  • diabetes; or

  • any heart conditions.

Ask a doctor before using Ginger Root Root if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

How should I take Ginger Root?

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use Ginger Root, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Do not use different formulations of Ginger Root (such as tablets, liquids, and others) at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with Ginger Root does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.

Ginger Root can affect blood-clotting and may increase your risk of bleeding.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Ginger Root?

Avoid using Ginger Root together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting. This includes angelica (dong quai), capsicum, clove, danshen, garlic, Ginger Root, ginkgo, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, saw palmetto, turmeric, and willow.

Avoid using Ginger Root together with other herbal/health supplements that can lower blood sugar, such as alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, devil's claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others.

Ginger Root side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although not all side effects are known, Ginger Root is thought to be likely safe for most people.

Stop using Ginger Root and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:

  • easy bruising or bleeding; or

  • any bleeding that will not stop.

Common side effects of Ginger Root may include:

  • heartburn, diarrhea, stomach discomfort;

  • heavier menstrual periods; and

  • skin irritation (if applied to skin).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Ginger Root side effects (more detail)

What other drugs will affect Ginger Root?

Other drugs may affect Ginger Root, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

  • debilidad muscular en sus caderas, hombros, cuello y espalda;

  • dificultad al levantar sus brazos, dificultad para subir o ponerse de pie;

Do not take Ginger Root without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Ginger Root, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Ginger Root drug interactions (more detail)

Popular FAQ

Over 60 drug interactions are reported with ginger, and include anticoagulants like warfarin, aspirin, or other blood thinners and pain medicines like morphine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication or herbal supplement. Continue reading

Further information

  • Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.02.