Rankings / Immune & Inflammation

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Immune & Inflammation · Anti-inflammatory / antiemetic

Tier A

Reviewed by Read Off Label · Last reviewed · How we grade

anti-inflammatoryotc
8 / 10
Tier A
Ev 8 Bn 5 Sf 9

Bottom line

Read Off Label grades Ginger (Zingiber officinale) as A (8.0/10) based on strong evidence, moderate benefit magnitude, and a low-risk safety profile.

One of the few herbal supplements with consistent positive RCT data — pregnancy nausea is the strongest indication and is in major obstetric guidelines.

Typical use: 1-3 g/day powdered root; 250-500 mg standardized extract 2-4x/day for nausea; 500-1000 mg/day for OA — OTC.

What this is

One of the few herbal supplements with consistent positive RCT data — pregnancy nausea is the strongest indication and is in major obstetric guidelines. OA effect is modest but real. Fresh ginger and dried/standardized extracts have different gingerol/shogaol ratios (drying converts gingerols to shogaols).

Mechanism

Gingerols, shogaols, paradols; 5-HT3 antagonism in GI tract (antiemetic); COX/LOX inhibition; modest NF-kB suppression; mild antiplatelet activity at high doses

Dose & route

1-3 g/day powdered root; 250-500 mg standardized extract 2-4x/day for nausea; 500-1000 mg/day for OA

Citations

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Common questions

Does Ginger (Zingiber officinale) work?
Read Off Label rates the evidence for Ginger (Zingiber officinale) as Strong and the benefit magnitude as moderate, producing an overall grade of A (8.0/10). One of the few herbal supplements with consistent positive RCT data — pregnancy nausea is the strongest indication and is in major obstetric guidelines.
Is Ginger (Zingiber officinale) safe?
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has a low risk profile in published human data. Legal status: OTC. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
What is the typical dose for Ginger (Zingiber officinale)?
1-3 g/day powdered root; 250-500 mg standardized extract 2-4x/day for nausea; 500-1000 mg/day for OA
How does Ginger (Zingiber officinale) work?
Gingerols, shogaols, paradols; 5-HT3 antagonism in GI tract (antiemetic); COX/LOX inhibition; modest NF-kB suppression; mild antiplatelet activity at high doses

This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.