Ginger for Motion Sickness

Topic Overview

Some people drink ginger ale or ginger tea or take powdered ginger capsules to try to prevent motion sickness.

Ginger root (Zingiber officinale) has long been regarded in traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for several conditions, including stomachache and nausea. Ginger may be eaten in raw or candied forms, taken as a powder in capsules, or consumed as a tea.

Although many people report that ginger prevents or eases their nausea from motion sickness, evidence is conflicting.1 More studies showing a benefit will be needed before ginger can be regarded as effective against motion sickness. In the meantime, ginger is considered safe to try.

Related Information

References

Citations

  1. Murray MT (2013). Zingiber officinale (ginger). In JE Pizzorno, MT Murray, eds., Textbook of Natural Medicine, 4th ed., pp. 1147–1153. St. Louis: Elsevier.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAnne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerBrian D. O'Brien, MD - Internal Medicine
Last RevisedMarch 24, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: March 24, 2011
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Brian D. O'Brien, MD - Internal Medicine

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