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Ginger Root

Generic name: gingerJIN-jer ]
Brand names: Dramamine Non Drowsy, Dramamine-N, Ginger Root
Drug class: Herbal products

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 8, 2023. 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, Rhizoma 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 caused by taking HIV/AIDS medications or nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy, menstrual pain, or joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.

Ginger Root has also been used to treat or prevent motion sickness, and muscle pain after exercise. However, research has shown that Ginger Root may not be effective in treating these conditions.

Other uses not proven with research have included alcohol hangover, migraine headaches, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, trouble swallowing, high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis, insect bite, dry mouth, inflammatory bowel disease, hypertension, indigestion, 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.

Ginger Root side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult 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 when used as directed.

Common side effects of Ginger Root may include:

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.

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 this product 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 or have ever had:

Ask a doctor before using this product 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 Ginger Root, 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.

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and pour the product into a spoon or into food or drink. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Ginger Root. You may need to stop using this product at least 2 weeks ahead of time.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

hydroxyzine, ondansetron, lorazepam, olanzapine, meclizine, diphenhydramine, promethazine, Benadryl, Phenergan, scopolamine

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?

Do not use different forms of Ginger Root (pills, liquids, and others) at the same time or you could have an overdose.

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care while shaving or brushing your teeth.

Avoid using Ginger Root together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting. This includes angelica (dong quai), capsicum, clove, dandelion, danshen, evening primrose, 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, damiana, devil's claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others.

What other drugs will affect Ginger Root?

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.

Does Ginger Root interact with my other drugs?

Enter other medications to view a detailed interaction report.

Popular FAQ

Does Ginger interact with any drugs?

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

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.