What it is
It is the rhizome of Zingiber officinale. The European monograph grants it a well-established use to prevent the nausea and vomiting of motion sickness, and a traditional use for mild digestive complaints such as bloating and wind.
Its characteristic compounds are gingerols and shogaols. The anti-nausea effect is modest but real, and it does not cause the drowsiness of the antihistamines used for travel sickness. For every other use it is credited with — inflammation, joint pain, immunity — the evidence is weak or absent.
How it works
Mainly in the gut:
- It acts on 5-HT3 receptors and on stomach motility, which explains the anti-nausea effect
- It helps gastric emptying and relieves the feeling of fullness
- It does not act on the central nervous system like antihistamines do, which is why it does not cause drowsiness
At the counter
When to recommend it
- Preventing travel sickness, especially when drowsiness must be avoided (a passenger who has to work on arrival, for example)
- Mild digestive complaints: bloating, wind, a feeling of fullness
- Adults who prefer a herbal option for travel sickness
- Children from 6 years, with the dose adjusted to the product
When not to
- Pregnancy: the monograph does not recommend it for lack of data; pregnancy sickness should be discussed with a midwife or doctor
- Children under 6
- Persistent vomiting, or vomiting with fever, severe abdominal pain or signs of dehydration
- Gallstones, without checking first
Warnings
- Important Anticoagulants and antiplatelets: the data are scarce and contradictory, but caution is advised with high doses. With an anticoagulant, check first.
- Important Pregnancy: not recommended for lack of sufficient safety data.
- Caution It can cause heartburn or stomach upset, especially on an empty stomach.
- Caution Gallstones: check with the doctor before using it.
- Worth knowing Its effect on travel sickness is more modest than that of antihistamines, but without drowsiness.
How it is used
- For travel sickness: take it before the journey, not once nausea has started.
- The European monograph refers to powdered rhizome at 1-2 g in adults, one hour before travelling.
- For heavy digestion: as a tea or powdered rhizome spread through the day, with meals.
- Not recommended in children under 6.
Ginger vs dimenhydrinate for travel sickness
| Aspect | Ginger | Dimenhydrinate |
|---|---|---|
| Drowsiness | No | Yes, common |
| Anti-nausea strength | Modest | Greater |
| Driving afterwards | No problem from sedation | Not advised |
| When to take it | Before the journey | Before the journey |
| Young children | Not under 6 | Depends on product and age |
Ginger when avoiding drowsiness matters and the sickness is mild; dimenhydrinate when the sickness is severe and drowsiness is not a problem.
Self-assessment
Three questions. When you check your answers you will see the explanation for each one.
-
That is the indication with trials behind it. Mild digestive complaints are a traditional use, and the rest has not been shown.
-
As with antihistamines, prevention works better than treatment: take it before setting off.
-
Although it is popular, the monograph does not recommend it in pregnancy. Pregnancy sickness should be discussed with a midwife or doctor.
Training content. It does not replace the summary of product characteristics or clinical judgement.