Ginger: Effects, Uses and Medical Dosage of This Remarkable Root

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the plant-based substances where traditional use and modern research overlap in several areas. It has been used for centuries to treat certain complaints.

This article focuses on the medical effects of ginger. We show what it can be used for and in which form, explain its mechanisms of action, dosage recommendations and answer further questions.

Origin, Characteristics and (Historical) Use: What Is Ginger?

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) originally comes from Southeast Asia and has been used for centuries both as a spice and as a medicinal plant. It is a perennial, herbaceous plant from the Zingiberaceae family, whose medically used part is the underground rhizome.

This rhizome is branched, thickened in a nodular manner and has a yellowish to light brown outer skin. Inside, it reveals a fibrous, juicy tissue with a characteristic yellowish colour and aromatic smell. The pungent compounds are distributed throughout the rhizome, although their concentration may vary depending on origin, processing and drying (EMA, 2012).

Ginger is currently receiving particular attention because it was selected as the Medicinal Plant of the Year 2026 by the Studienkreis Entwicklungsgeschichte der Arzneipflanzenkunde, Universität Würzburg (Study Group for the Development History of Medicinal Plant Science, University of Würzburg) together with the Gesellschaft für Phytotherapie (Society for Phytotherapy) (Niedenthal et al., 2026).

Ginger is used in various forms:

·       fresh rhizome: juicy, pungent, aromatic

·       dried powder: more concentrated, altered active compound profile

·       standardized extracts: defined content of active compounds.

Traditionally, ginger is used for:

·       nausea and vomiting

·       digestive complaints

·       cold symptoms

(EMA, 2012; WHO, 1999).

The Active Compounds of Ginger: Gingerols, Shogaols and Their Effects

A characteristic feature of ginger is that its pharmacologically relevant constituents are directly linked to the pungent compounds. In particular, gingerols and shogaols are not only responsible for the sensory perception but also influence inflammatory and neurobiological processes as follows (Mashhadi et al., 2013; Ha et al., 2012):

·       Gingerols (phenolic ketones)

They belong to phenolic compounds, i.e. plant substances with an aromatic ring and a hydroxyl group combined with a ketone structure. They are mainly found in fresh ginger, are responsible for the typical pungency and are associated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects (Mashhadi et al., 2013).

·       Shogaols (dehydration products of gingerols)

They are formed during drying or heating through the removal of water from gingerols. They also belong to phenolic compounds, are chemically more reactive and show pronounced effects on inflammatory processes (Mashhadi et al., 2013; Ha et al., 2012).

·       Essential Oils

They shape the characteristic taste and smell.

Ginger and Its Medical Effects: When and How Is It Used?

Ginger is available in different dosage forms, including fresh rhizome, dried powder and standardized extracts in capsule or tablet form. While fresh ginger and powder may vary in active compound concentration, standardized preparations allow for more targeted and reproducible use.

Details on medical use:

·       Ginger for Nausea

Ginger is one of the best-studied herbal remedies for nausea.

Randomized studies show that ginger may help improve nausea, particularly in pregnancy and after surgery (Ernst & Pittler, 2000).

In clinical studies, 1–2 g per day was used, divided into several doses.

·       Ginger for Digestive Complaints

This effect is one of the reasons why we are turning to ginger now. You may still be planning to enjoy one or two chocolate Easter treats. In that case, ginger may be useful by shortening gastric emptying time and thereby helping to reduce symptoms such as a feeling of fullness.

A randomized study showed significantly accelerated gastric emptying after ginger intake (Wu et al., 2008).

For the treatment of mild digestive complaints, the European monograph recommends doses of approx. 0.5–1 g of powdered ginger up to three times daily in adults (EMA, 2012).

·       Ginger for Migraine

Ginger may also have pharmacologically relevant effects beyond the digestive system.

A randomized, double-blind study showed that ginger powder may have comparable efficacy to sumatriptan in the treatment of acute migraine attacks, with a lower rate of side effects (Maghbooli et al., 2014).

A single dose of 250 mg powder was used.

·       Ginger for Pain and Inflammation

In clinical studies on inflammatory complaints, for example muscle pain caused by strain, approx. 2 g per day was used, with both raw and heat-treated powder in capsule form (Black et al., 2010).

In studies on inflammatory processes, various preparation forms (powder and extracts) are used, usually in the range of 1–2 g per day (Mashhadi et al., 2013).

Ginger: Risks and Side Effects?

Ginger is generally considered well tolerated. If you include it in your diet for its health-promoting effects, you don’t need to measure every gram. Possible side effects, which may be caused by its pungency, include:

·       gastric irritation

·       heartburn

·       mild digestive complaints.

Ginger should be used with caution when taking certain medications. This applies in particular to anticoagulant drugs (e.g. warfarin or acetylsalicylic acid), as ginger may influence platelet aggregation and thus increase the risk of bleeding (EMA, 2012).

Caution is also advised with medications that affect blood sugar levels, as ginger has shown effects on glucose metabolism in studies (Mashhadi et al., 2013).

 Ginger as Medicinal Plant of the Year 2026: Why Exactly?

This designation highlights, in particular, the long tradition of ginger use, its scientifically supported effects in certain areas and the increasing regulatory classification of herbal medicinal products (Niedenthal et al., 2026).

Ginger: A Proven and Relevant Medicinal Plant!

Ginger is one of the plant-based substances where traditional use and scientific evidence align in key areas. Its versatility, broad availability and solid evidence base in selected areas make it a medicinal plant that remains highly relevant today.

FAQ – (Further) Frequently Asked Questions About Ginger

1. How much ginger per day is healthy?

Studies usually use amounts between 1 and 2 g per day. In everyday use, smaller amounts are often used depending on tolerance and purpose.

2. Is it better to consume ginger raw or as tea?

Both are possible. However, preparation influences the active compound profile, as heat can affect certain constituents.

3. Is fresh ginger better than capsules or powder?

Capsules or powder provide a more consistent dosage of active compounds than fresh ginger root, which can vary individually.

Further information can be found in the newly published fifth volume of our “Codex Humanus”. In our online shop, you will also find the other four volumes of the series, as well as all volumes of the “Medizinskandale” series. Additional information can also be found in other articles on our blog — including many other topics.

Sources:

·       European Medicines Agency (2012): “Assessment report on Zingiber officinale Roscoe, rhizoma”.

·       Niedenthal, T. et al. (2026): “Medicinal Plant of the Year 2026: Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe),” Zeitschrift für Phytotherapie.

·       World Health Organization (1999): “WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume 10”.

·       Mashhadi, N. S. et al. (2013): “Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger in health and physical activity: review of current evidence,” International Journal of Preventive Medicine.

·       Ha, S. K. et al. (2012): “6-Shogaol inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines via the NF-κB pathway,” Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.

·       Ernst, E. & Pittler, M. H. (2000): “Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials,” British Journal of Anaesthesia.

·       Wu, K. L. et al. (2008): “Effect of ginger on gastric motility and symptoms of functional dyspepsia,” European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology.

·       Maghbooli, M. et al. (2014): “Comparison between the efficacy of ginger and sumatriptan in the ablative treatment of the common migraine,” Phytotherapy Research.

·       Black, C. D. et al. (2010): “Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reduces muscle pain caused by eccentric exercise,” The Journal of Pain.