travel sickness ginger biscuits

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Ginger Sweets – Simple and Effective Relief for Travel Sickness

• 5 June 2024

These ginger sweets are the best I have found – effective without being overpowering.

Some of the ones I tried were so strong they actually made me feel sick!

They are ideal for managing low-level travel sickness symptoms with no side effects.

Links You Might Find Helpful: Buy Direct on Amazon Try These Ginger Tablets for More Severe Motion Sickness Check Out All My Recommended Travel Essentials

Ginger Sweets for Nausea

Ginger Sweets

Table of Contents

What sweets help with nausea?

u003cstrongu003eGinger sweets help with nausea. The ginger flavour needs to be warming and not too overpowering. If it is too strong it can make cause feelings of nausea.u003c/strongu003e

Travel Sickness Sweets

Why Do I Recommend These Sweets?

• Ginger flavour helps deal with early symptoms of travel sickness
• The ginger flavour is not overpowering like some sweets I have tried
• Travel tin means they travel well and don’t stick together
• Effective at keeping mild travel sickness at bay

Ginger Sweets for Travel Sickness

The Best Ginger Sweets

Travel sickness can make travelling grim.

If like me you suffer from travel sickness, then you know how awful it can be. You can feel hot, sick and unsteady and it can stay with you after you have stopped moving.

As a lifelong sufferer of travel sickness I have tried all sorts of products including travel sickness tablets. However, the side effects of travel sickness tablets can also be quite unpleasant including drowsiness and unsteadiness.

Travel sickness can easily also lead to vertigo which can be much more serious and often requires medical intervention.

As someone who suffers from all forms of motion sickness including terrible sea sickness, I always try to be prepared and deal with travel sickness before the symptoms become unmanageable and overwhelming.

I have found ginger sweets a great way to manage low-level symptoms, such as feelings of sickness. The ginger keeps symptoms from getting worse. Ginger sweets are great at dealing with travel sickness when travelling by road for example.

If I was travelling somewhere where the road was particularly twisty then I might take ginger tablets in advance just to reduce the risk of sickness as much as possible. I would do the same if I was travelling by boat or ship.

However, for most day-to-day coach and car travel these ginger sweets work well.

Some ginger sweets I have tried have been so overpowering that they have made me feel sick, which completely defeats the purpose of taking them!

These sweets are the best I have found for being effective without being overpowering.

The travel tin ensures they don’t all stick together and last a long time, although you can easily put them in something smaller if you need to.

These ginger sweets are part of my travel essentials and I make sure I have these and am a travel fan when I am travelling by road, particularly by coach. The fan stops me from overheating, which can easily lead to feelings of sickness and the sweets prevent nausea.

I have tried sweetie shop-type ginger sweets but they are more sugary and less gingery so not as effective.

These have been described as warming, which I think sums them up nicely.

The base of these sweets is ginger oil and I like the fact that they are made in the UK – in Yorkshire!

Ginger Travel Sweets

Specification

• Weight 200 grams
• 10cm x 10cm x 4cm tin dimensions

Ginger Sweets Price

These ginger sweets are the best I have found – effective without being overpowering. Some of the ones I tried were so strong they actually made me feel sick! They are ideal for managing low-level travel sickness symptoms with no side effects. Links You Might Find Helpful:Buy Direct on AmazonTry These Ginger Tablets for More…

You Might Also Like

If you have found my ginger sweets information helpful you might also like;

Best Travel Ear Plugs  – these, combined with a sleep mask, mean a good night’s sleep anywhere!

Best Hanging Wash Bag  – a great way to save packing and unpacking time when travelling

Travel Fan – ideal to use along with these ginger sweets to help prevent travel sickness

Travel Sickness – my tried and tested techniques for managing this (as a lifelong sufferer)

Check out all my other recommended travel gear on my Travel Essentials page

Further Reading

Does ginger biscuits help with nausea?

Benefits of Ginger Biscuits for Nausea Relief

Introduction

Ginger has long been known for its medicinal properties, including its ability to ease digestive issues and nausea. One popular form of consuming ginger for its anti-nausea benefits is through ginger biscuits. But do ginger biscuits really help with nausea? Let’s find out more about the potential benefits of ginger biscuits for alleviating nausea and other digestive discomforts.

How Ginger Helps with Nausea

Ginger contains bioactive compounds such as gingerol and shogaol, which have been shown to effectively reduce nausea and vomiting. These compounds work by soothing the stomach and promoting digestion, making ginger a natural remedy for various gastrointestinal issues, including nausea.

The Anti-Nausea Properties of Ginger Biscuits

Ginger biscuits are a popular and convenient way to consume ginger for its anti-nausea benefits. The ginger in these biscuits can help relieve feelings of queasiness and discomfort, making them a go-to remedy for individuals experiencing motion sickness, morning sickness, or general stomach upset. Additionally, the carbohydrates in the biscuit can also provide a quick source of energy, which can help combat feelings of lightheadedness often associated with nausea.

How to Use Ginger Biscuits for Nausea Relief

For individuals looking to manage nausea with ginger biscuits, it’s important to consume them in moderation. Eating a couple of ginger biscuits at the onset of nausea or discomfort can help soothe the stomach and alleviate symptoms. It’s essential to choose ginger biscuits with real ginger as an ingredient, as synthetic flavorings may not offer the same benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions about Using Ginger Biscuits for Nausea Relief

1. can ginger biscuits be used to alleviate pregnancy-related nausea.

Yes, many pregnant women find relief from morning sickness by consuming ginger biscuits. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before using any natural remedies during pregnancy.

2. Are ginger biscuits effective for motion sickness?

Ginger biscuits can help ease symptoms of motion sickness for some individuals. They provide a convenient and portable way to consume ginger while traveling.

3. How many ginger biscuits should I eat to relieve nausea?

It varies from person to person, but consuming a couple of ginger biscuits when feeling nauseous can often provide relief.

4. Are there any side effects of consuming ginger biscuits for nausea?

While ginger is generally safe, some individuals may experience mild stomach discomfort or heartburn if consumed in excess.

5. Can ginger biscuits be used for chemotherapy-induced nausea?

Some cancer patients have reported finding relief from chemotherapy-induced nausea by consuming ginger biscuits, but it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before using any natural remedies during cancer treatment.

6. Are there any alternatives to ginger biscuits for nausea relief?

Yes, other forms of ginger, such as ginger tea or ginger chews, can also be effective for nausea relief. Additionally, peppermint and lemon may also help alleviate nausea.

7. Are ginger biscuits suitable for children with nausea?

Ginger biscuits can be a safe option for children experiencing mild nausea. However, it’s crucial to consult with a pediatrician before giving ginger to children.

8. Can ginger biscuits help with hangover nausea?

Some individuals find that consuming ginger biscuits can help ease hangover symptoms, including nausea. However, it’s important to also hydrate and rest to recover from a hangover.

9. Are ginger biscuits gluten-free?

Some ginger biscuits may be made with gluten-free ingredients, but it’s important to check the product label if you have a gluten sensitivity or allergy.

10. Can ginger biscuits be used for stomach flu-related nausea?

Ginger biscuits can provide relief for some individuals experiencing stomach flu-related nausea. However, it’s crucial to stay hydrated and monitor symptoms, especially in cases of severe dehydration.

11. Can I make my own ginger biscuits for nausea relief?

Yes, homemade ginger biscuits can provide the same anti-nausea benefits if made with real ginger and other soothing ingredients.

12. Can ginger biscuits reduce migraines or headache-related nausea?

While ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, there is limited evidence to support its effectiveness in reducing nausea related to migraines or headaches. Other remedies may be more suitable for addressing these specific types of nausea.

In conclusion, ginger biscuits can indeed help alleviate nausea and provide relief for various digestive discomforts. Whether for pregnancy-related morning sickness or motion sickness, ginger biscuits offer a convenient and natural way to consume ginger for its anti-nausea properties. As with any natural remedy, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if using ginger biscuits for specific medical conditions or in children.

About Rachel Bannarasee

Rachael grew up in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai until she was seven when her parents moved to the US. Her father was in the Oil Industry while her mother ran a successful restaurant. Now living in her father's birthplace Texas, she loves to develop authentic, delicious recipes from her culture but mix them with other culinary influences. When she isn't cooking or writing about it, she enjoys exploring the United States, one state at a time. She lives with her boyfriend Steve and their two German Shepherds, Gus and Wilber.

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How To Make Tasty Chewy Ginger Biscuits

Ginger biscuits are always a crowd-pleaser! They’re sweet and spicy, chewy yet crisp – absent from the everyday biscuit selection but definitely worth trying. I’m here to show you just how easy it is to make the most delicious ginger biscuits at home. You won’t believe how quickly these tasty treats come together with ingredients you already have on hand! Let’s get baking!

• EASY GINGER BISCUIT RECIPE

The best thing about these chewy ginger biscuits or ginger cookies recipes is that they are crunchy around the edges and chewy in the middle. One biscuit is never enough! These biscuits I baked are egg-free and can also be made gluten-free and vegan too.

I don’t know about you, but I love chewy ginger biscuits with a cup of tea. That is to say, don’t you always feel better after it if you’re feeling a bit off? I always buy organic ginger as I find it has a stronger flavour and an extra kick.

Table of contents

Ingredients, how to make chewy ginger biscuits, where is ginger from, ginger health facts, substitutes for golden syrup, gluten-free ginger cookies (biscuits), vegan ginger biscuits.

For 26 biscuits, you will need the following:

• 220 g Margarine or butter
• 220 g Caster Sugar
• 220 g  Golden Syrup
• 450 g Self-Raising Flour (I use organic flour)
• 4 tsp  Organic Ground Ginger  (Use organic, more powerful flavour)

According to Wikipedia , Ginger  ( Zingiber officinale ) is a flowering plant whose rhizome,  ginger root,  or ginger, is widely used as a spice.

It is a herbaceous perennial which grows annual pseudostems (false stems made of the rolled bases of leaves) about one meter tall, bearing narrow leaf blades.

The inflorescences bear flowers having pale yellow petals with purple edges and arise directly from the rhizome on separate shoots.

Ginger is in the family Zingiberaceae, which also includes turmeric, cardamom, and galangal.

Ginger originated in Maritime Southeast Asia and was likely domesticated first by the Austronesian peoples.

Moreover, it was transported with them throughout the Indo-Pacific during the Austronesian expansion, reaching as far as Hawaii.

Did you know ginger is one of the first spices to export from Asia, arriving in Europe with the spice trade, and was used by ancient Greeks and Romans?

In 2018, the world production of ginger was 2.8 million tonnes, led by India, with 32% of the world total.

Here a few health benefits of ginger . To help you feel less guilty about having a ginger biscuit.

• Good for travel sickness , morning sickness and nausea.
• Good for colds and flu’s (ginger, lemon and honey tea).
• Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving agent.
• Carminative agent (relieves wind/bloating).
• Ginger is useful in relieving menstrual cramps, says Dr Murthy, thanks to its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects.
• In a study by the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 150 women were instructed to take one gram of ginger powder per day for the first 3 days of their period. Ginger was found to reduce pain as effectively as ibuprofen tablets. Handy to know when you’ve run out of pills!
• Good for gut health
• High in vitamins and minerals.

If the facts aren’t food for thought, make these wonderful chewy ginger biscuits.

Golden syrup is a classic sweetener that adds flavour to recipes and ginger biscuits, giving them the perfect amount of richness. But did you know that you can substitute golden syrup with other ingredients? Maple syrup and honey are both great alternatives, as they provide some sweetness while still maintaining the taste. You can also use corn syrup or molasses as replacements – just keep in mind that it can give a slightly more intense flavour to your recipe than golden syrup would. While the golden syrup is a versatile ingredient and should definitely be used when possible, its substitutes can be great for adding an extra layer of flavour to your ginger biscuits.

To make gluten-free cookies, use gluten-free flour with 1/2 a teaspoon of Xanthan Gum

Use a vegan block instead of butter. The biscuit may be more crunchy than chewy, but will still taste amazing.

Ginger biscuits will keep for up to 5 days and kept in an air-tight container. You can freeze biscuits for up to 3 months, but fresh is best, and if you do want to freeze them, then I recommend freezing the dough rather than the biscuit. Defrost the dough overnight, then bake in the oven as per instructions.

If you like these biscuits, you will love my Walnut and Chocolate Chunk Cookies! and Chocolate Fork Biscuits . Or why not try Gingerbread Cake?

Chewy Ginger Biscuit Recipe

Ingredients    1x 2x 3x

• 220 g Margarine or butter
• 220 g Caster Sugar
• 220 g Golden Syrup
• 450 g Self-Raising Flour (I use organic flour)
• 4 tsp Organic Ground Ginger (Use organic, more powerful flavour)

Instructions  

• Heat your oven at 160° Fan oven. Line about 3 large baking trays with greaseproof paper.
• Melt margarine, sugar, and golden syrup gently in a saucpan. Remove and cool slightly.
• .Add the flour and ginger and mix through thoroughly. Roll into balls about the size of a walnut and place on baking trays. Press down with a fork on each ball.Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
• Remove from oven and leave to cool to firm up slightly and transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.Store in a a ir-tight container.

Thanks, Vic! Oh dear, no ginger! I usually buy big bags, so I don’t run out. These are what I get >> Organic Ground Ginger

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• Home Remedies
• Motion Sickness
• Stomach Ache

9 Natural Ways To Use Ginger For Motion Sickness

• 10 minute read

10 Natural Ways To Overcome Anxiety

Share article.

Motion sickness is caused when there is a miscommunication between the eyes and the ears, both end up sending different signals to the brain. Its symptoms include nausea, dizziness, breaking into sudden cold sweats or severe headaches. ( 1 )

While doctors may prescribe anti-histamines and anti-emetics to relieve the symptoms of motion sickness, these medications are usually accompanied with undesirable side effects like constipation, drowsiness or palpitations. ( 2 ) Hence, it is better to go with safer and more effective natural remedies which can help combat this problem.

A natural home remedy that is very effective in treating or preventing motion sickness is ginger – the herbaceous, perennial rhizome that is widely used as a spice in modern times.

What Makes Ginger Effective in Motion Sickness?

• Gingerols along with shogoals present in ginger help to reduce nausea by inhibiting the chemoreceptor trigger zone that initiates vomiting. ( 3 )
• It slows down intestinal spasms in the digestive system and is used in alleviating symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
• Ginger affects the parasympathetic system of the body and can stimulate salivary secretions. The variety of digestive enzymes secreted as a result of it act in neutralizing the acid content of the stomach, to prevent acid reflux and ensuing nausea.
• Ginger acts as a more effective anti-emetic than other over-the-counter (OTC) nausea medications. ( 4 )
• It is an effective natural aid for digestion and relaxes the smooth muscles lining the intestines to enable food to move along smoothly in the digestive tract, thus helping patients of stomach ache or severe motion sickness. ( 5 )
• It reduces the damage that is caused by free radicals and removes the products produced in the oxidative processes in the intestine, which most commonly causes nausea, vomiting and other symptoms of motion sickness.

Research on Ginger and its Effects on Motion Sickness:

As per a study conducted by Department of Internal Medicine, Taiwan – 13 volunteers with a history of motion sickness underwent the examination during which nausea and other recordings were analyzed with and without ginger. As per this study, it is concluded that ginger reduced nausea, recover time from motion sickness and gastric activity. ( 6 )

How to Use Ginger in Motion Sickness?

There are different ways of using ginger that are helpful in combating motion sickness. You can choose any one as per your convenience and try it as needed.

Note: If you are going on a longer trip then it is better to start ginger remedies at least 24 – 48 hours prior to be on safe side. Additionally, carry ginger (in any form) on you journey to overcome any unexpected motion sickness.

1. Raw Ginger Root

Ingesting raw ginger root is one of the cheapest and simplest ways to get rid of motion sickness.

• Take enough amounts of ginger root.
• Wash it thoroughly under running water and peel it.
• Chop it into fine pieces/slivers.
• Store in a small box to chew on, while on your journey.

2. Ginger Tea

Apart from helping to cope with motion sickness, ginger tea has a multitude of other benefits too.

• Wash, peel and cut fresh ginger root into slivers.
• Place these in a teapot and add boiling water to it.
• Let it stand for about 10-15 minutes before drinking. Or else, you can add some lemon juice, refrigerate it and drink.
• Drink this tea on your journey or before to get relief from the motion sickness.

3. Ginger Extract/Juice

Ginger juice can also be used to treat motion sickness. Instead of purchasing bottled ginger juices from the store, it is better to make it at home by following the below process.

• Take enough amounts of raw ginger and chop it into smaller pieces.
• Using a mixer/blender/juicer, blend the ginger pieces to make juice.
• Add the resulting ginger concentrate to a bottle which can be stored in the refrigerator and used multiple times.
• Add 1 teaspoon of ginger extract to a glass of lukewarm water and drink it to reduce nausea or other discomforts caused by motion sickness.
• Those who don’t like the ginger taste can add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to 1 teaspoon of ginger juice and drink it before starting a journey.

4. Powdered Ginger

If fresh ginger isn’t available then dry ginger powder can also be used to treat motion sickness. Below is the process of using ginger powder…

• Add half a teaspoon of powdered ginger to a glass of water.
• Stir it well. Drink about half an hour before a journey.
• Follow this method before starting your journey.

Note: You could also use apple or orange juice instead of water.

5. Ginger Candy

Sucking or chewing a candy can be a very effective way to keep nausea at bay. The process enables the salivary glands to produce saliva at a steady rate which neutralizes the acid content of the stomach and reduces nausea as well as vomiting. Here is a simple recipe for preparing homemade ginger candies:

• Wash, peel and chop 1 pound of fresh ginger into fairly thin slices.
• Add these slices to a saucepan of water and bring it to a boil.
• Allow it to simmer on a low flame for 30-40 minutes, till the ginger turns translucent.
• Drain off the resulting liquid (keep aside as it will be used in further steps) and weigh the amount of resulting ginger.
• Add an equal amount of sugar to the ginger in the saucepan.
• Add the drained off water that was kept aside so that the sugar and ginger mixture is fully covered. (remaining ginger liquid can be preserved and used as ginger tea)
• Let the mixture come to a boil.
• Stir frequently at regular intervals so that the sugar dissolves. Do this on a low flame for 20-25 minutes.
• Once the mixture assumes a fairly dry texture (crystallizes), turn off the heat and lay the resulting crystals out on a wax paper to dry.
• Once dry and cool, the ginger candy is ready to be stored in an air-tight container and carried along on long journeys.

Note: Crystallized ginger candies are easily available in stores. They are tastier as compared to chewing raw ginger.

6. Ginger Ale/Ginger Beer

Ginger ale is known to slow down intestinal spasms of the gastrointestinal tract and reduce nausea. Ginger beer is quite similar to ginger ale, with a stronger aftertaste of ginger. Here’s a simple way to whip up a quick drink that would do away with your motion sickness blues:

• Add 3 cups of water, 2 inch minced ginger root, ½ cup of sugar, ½ teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon of molasses (optional) to a saucepan.
• Bring it to a boil.
• Simmer for about 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves.
• Remove from heat and add some extra water to the mixture.
• Allow it to stand until it attains room temperature.
• Add ½ cup fresh lemon or lime juice and ½ cup homemade ginger bug (made from fresh ginger root and sugar).
• Stir it well and transfer into a 2 quart glass mason jar which has tight lid.
• Seal the lid and leave for 2-3 days to let it carbonate. Later it will be refrigerated to last indefinitely.
• It is better to watch this particular step carefully. Using whey helps to ferment very quickly in less time. The fermented product should bubble or make hiss sound when the lid is opened. This depends on the temperature, so the mixture may need to be stirred or burped during the fermentation time over the counter.
• Fermenting a drink is like an art than a science because it entirely depends on the culture strength, sugar used and temperature of the house. So, it is better to keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t become too carbonated. This may sometimes cause pressure and lead to explosion of jar.
• Strain the mixture and transfer it into glass bottles before refrigerating them.
• Before drinking, it is important to strain it.

Note: Since ginger ale is a carbonated soft drink, make sure you open the stored bottle at least once a day to let out excess carbonation. Also, remember to shake out the excess gas first before drinking on your journey.

7. Ginger Biscuits/Cookies

Ideal for those who aren’t very fond of the ginger-like taste, ginger biscuits/cookies are chewy and can help in cases of motion sickness as well. The recipe is pretty simple too.

• In a glass bowl, add 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, 4 ½ cups flour, 4 teaspoons ground ginger and ¼ teaspoon salt.
• Whisk them all together.
• Now beat butter in another bowl till it takes on a creamy texture.
• Add 2 cups of sugar and 2 eggs, beating well after each addition.
• Once uniformly mixed, add ½ cup of molasses.
• Add flour mixture from the first step to the butter mixture in the second step.
• Roll the dough into roughly 2.5 inch balls.
• Add some sugar to a separate bowl.
• Roll the dough balls into the sugar to sugarcoat them before baking.
• Place them a safe distance apart on a baking sheet.
• Bake in an oven preheated to about 170-180 degrees C for 15 minutes.
• Spread out on a wire rack to cool. The ideal ginger cookies should be light brown and puffed.

8. Ginger with Black Horehound and Chamomile

Black horehound (Ballota nigra) is a perennial herb containing volatile oils that is used to treat stomach ailments and symptoms of motion sickness. Chamomile is another effective herb for treating stomach cramps, colic as well as digestive upsets and nausea due to nervousness or anxiety.

• Add 2 tablespoons of grated ginger to 1 tablespoon each of black horehound and chamomile.
• Add the mixture to 2 cups of water.
• Boil till the water reduces to half of its volume.
• Strain the tea.
• Allow it to stand for a while to cool.
• Drink about half an hour before starting your journey.

9. Ginger Essential Oil Diffuser

Ginger essential oil is also helpful to alleviate the nausea and other discomforts caused by motion sickness.

• Into a small glass bottle, add equal amounts of ginger essential oil, petitgrain, dill, roman chamomile, and spearmint.
• Mix well and store it in a dark place.
• Before starting the journey, combine 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and 10 – 15 drops of the essential oil mixture.
• Soak diffuser pads in the mixture for couple of hours.
• Store them in a glass jar and use them as needed along the journey.

Ginger Capsules For Motion Sickness

Ginger in a tablet or capsule form is very effective in tackling the symptoms of motion sickness while traveling. Make sure you buy capsules that solely contain ginger without any other additive herbs. Also, double check the ingredients to ensure it doesn’t contain anything you are allergic to. It should be taken at least 30 minutes before the motion sickness starts.

The University of Maryland medical center advices to take 250 mg of ginger 3 times a day or as needed for motion sickness. Don’t exceed this dose unless and until your doctor or pharmacist advised to do so.

Note: Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking ginger pills. Consult your health care practitioner if you’re pregnant, a nursing women or if the treatment is for a child.

Best Ginger Supplements For Motion Sickness

• Nature’s Way Ginger Root Capsules
• NOW Ginger Root Capsules
• Solaray Organic Ginger Root Supplement

Tips & Precautions

• In addition to taking ginger in a suitable combination to reduce motion sickness during a journey, here are some additional tips which may be useful:
• If traveling in a car, try sitting in the front instead of the back and focus your eyes directly at the horizon to trick your brain into believing that you are not moving.
• Try having the window open (a source of fresh air) while traveling in a vehicle if you are prone to motion sickness.
• An empty stomach will aggravate motion sickness and the sensation of nausea. Make sure you never travel on an empty stomach and always keep a couple of healthy snacks or nuts at hand for your journey.
• Take deep breaths and suck hard on a peppermint candy; it will help lessen the bouts of nausea.

FAQ’s for Ginger Usage in Motion Sickness

1. Is it safe for pregnant women and young kids to use ginger in the above mentioned amounts to combat motion sickness?

Though ginger is a natural remedy to combat motion sickness, pregnant or lactating women and children below the age of three years are advised to consult their doctor before self-prescribing ginger doses for themselves.

2. Is it safe for heart patients to consume ginger if they suffer from motion sickness?

Heart patients and others suffering from similar ailments are sometimes on prescribed medication such as blood-thinners like aspirin. In such cases, excessive consumption of ginger can lead to unexpected bleeding. It is best to consult a doctor in this regard before self-prescribing.

3. My journey ended almost 24 hours ago, but I’m still feeling nauseated in spite of chewing on ginger tablets on my journey. What’s wrong?

Generally, the symptoms of motion sickness go away once the cause (motion) stops. In case of extended trips, the uneasy feeling may take 48-72 hours to subside. If it doesn’t, it is best to consult a doctor for the same.

4. Ginger capsules don’t seem to suit my gastrointestinal tract. What can I take as a substitute to help with my motion sickness problem?

You could try enteric-coated ginger capsules; they delay the herb’s digestion until it reaches the digestive tract. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you could also take 1 gram of fresh ginger per day in any form of your choice (raw or in combination) for up to four days to reduce nausea and vomiting.

5. What Kind of Ginger is Effective for Motion Sickness?

Ginger can be either taken in raw, powder, candied, capsules of tea form. All these forms are equally effective in treating motion sickness. You can choose any one as per your preference.

Did this article help to make your journey nausea-free? Which remedial combination of ginger helped you best in getting rid of motion sickness? Share your experiences and suggestions below. We would love to hear from you.

Great review of the underrated uses and qualities of ginger. Hope you continue to share home remedy guides like this.

How long before or when should you take gingersnaps/ ginger buiscuits? And how long do they work for?

Whenever you feel motion sickness or before travelling for a long distance, eat gingersnaps or ginger biscuits. Time frame depends on your body’s reaction and as everyone is different it is a little difficult to mention. Eat on another piece of you didn’t get relief. If you are travelling for a very long distance, then they should be consumed at least 15 – 25 minutes before the trip and at regular intervals through the trip.

Carsickness is cause by roaring low-frequency noise.Symptoms of carsickness get stronger when vehicles bump or shake more frequently, which is just a coincidence. It is just because low-frequency noise gets louder when bumping and shaking gets more serious. Without such low-frequency noise, people will not feel carsick no matter how hard the car bumps or shakes. For example, people get carsick on trains or subways running at the same speed when hearing low-frequency noise. Without such noise on trains or subways, carsickness can be avoided. It fully proves that low-frequency noise is the only reason that causes carsickness.

Can you open a 550mg capsule of all natural ginger root and make a tea for nausea?

It is better to use fresh ginger to effective results instead of capsules.

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28 By Sam Wood

Australia's #1 Online Fitness & Nutrition Program

Home / Recipes

Low-Sugar Ginger Chew Biscuits

By Sam Wood - Updated 25th September 2020

Ingredients   

• 2.5 cup almond meal
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda bi-carb soda
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 120 g butter
• 1/4 cup stevia granular sweetener
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 orange zested

Instructions  

• Preheat the oven to 180°C/350ºF/ Gas Mark 4 and line a baking tray with baking paper.
• Pulse the almond meal, baking soda, salt and butter briefly in a food processor.
• Add in the stevia, vanilla, spices and zest of the orange and blend a little more to combine.
• Spoon heaped tablespoons of the mixture onto the baking tray, around 30, and press down with your hand to flatten.
• Bake for about 8-10 minutes until golden.
• Cool on wire racks.
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Posted by Sam Wood

Father and husband, on a mission to help people move more, eat better and make a positive change to their lives. Sam Wood has over 20 years experience as a personal trainer and is recognised as one of Australia’s leading experts and media commentators in the health & fitness industry. Sam is the founder and personal trainer of 28, Australia’s #1 home fitness and nutrition program, and he's also the proud owner of Australia’s largest personal training studio, The Woodshed, based in Brighton, Melbourne.

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Motion sickness

Motion sickness is feeling dizzy, or feeling or being sick when travelling by car, boat, plane or train. You can do things to prevent it or relieve the symptoms.

Check if you have motion sickness

Symptoms of motion sickness may include:

• feeling sick (nausea)
• feeling cold and going pale

How to ease motion sickness yourself

Do reduce motion – sit in the front of a car or in the middle of a boat look straight ahead at a fixed point, such as the horizon breathe fresh air if possible – for example, by opening a car window close your eyes and breathe slowly while focusing on your breathing distract children by talking, listening to music or singing songs break up long journeys to get some fresh air, drink water or take a walk try ginger, which you can take as a tablet, biscuit or tea don’t.

do not read, watch films or use electronic devices

do not look at moving objects, such as passing cars or rolling waves

do not eat heavy meals, spicy foods or drink alcohol shortly before or during travel

do not go on fairground rides if they make you feel unwell

A pharmacist can help with motion sickness

You can buy remedies from pharmacies to help prevent motion sickness, including:

• tablets – dissolvable tablets are available for children
• patches – can be used by adults and children over 10
• acupressure bands – these do not work for everyone

A pharmacist will be able to recommend the best treatment for you or your child.

Causes of motion sickness

Motion sickness is caused by repeated movements when travelling, like going over bumps in a car or moving up and down in a boat, plane or train.

The inner ear sends different signals to your brain from those your eyes are seeing. These confusing messages cause you to feel unwell.

Page last reviewed: 19 June 2023 Next review due: 19 June 2026

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Ginger for nausea - Does it really help?

23/11/2022 2 min read

How does ginger relieve feelings of nausea?

Is fresh or dried ginger better, different types of nausea, 1. ginger for motion sickness, 2. ginger for pregnancy sickness, 3. ginger for nausea caused by medication, side effects of taking ginger, how much ginger should i take for nausea, how do you use ginger for nausea.

• Raw ginger - use ginger when cooking or baking. Check out this wonderful recipe for carrot, ginger and turmeric soup .
• Ginger capsules, tablets and gummies - food supplements are an easy way to include ginger in your diet. Capsules and tablets are usually coated, making it easy to swallow, but there’s also chewable gummies for those who struggle with taking pills.
• Ginger drinks - with a wide range of flavours, including carbonated and still, there’s something to suit everyone's taste.
• Ginger tea - nothing is more soothing than a warm cup of ginger tea - comforting but still packed with nutrients.
• Ginger essential oil - essential oils have an energising but warming aroma - great for massages but can also be used in a diffuser for an energy boost.
• Ginger moisturiser - ginger can help support the skin’s normal healing capacity and promote normal blood circulation.
• Ginger liquid - available in different flavours, ginger liquids are a great alternative to capsules and tablets.
• Ginger bars - a healthy, tasty and convenient snack to have wherever, even on the go. Many different flavours available.
• Ginger powder - dissolves quickly in hot water and available in many different flavours. Quick and soothing way to get the benefits of ginger.

Do ginger chews help with nausea?

What relieves nausea fast.

• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water
• Get regular fresh air
• Find something to distract yourself
• Eat foods containing ginger or drink herbal teas (peppermint and ginger is the best)
• Eat smaller meals but on a more regular basis
• Apply a cool compress on the back of the neck
• Take deep breaths - even try meditation
• Drink regularly and slowly
• Eat light and bland meals
• Don’t wear tight and restricting clothing (especially around your waist or tummy)
• Don’t lie down soon after eating
• Don’t eat too quickly or have a large drink with meals
• Don’t eat or be around food that is strong smelling
• Don’t eat fried or greasy food
• Don’t brush your teeth after eating
• Don’t mix hot and cold foods
• Don’t do activity after eating

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How and when to take Ginger for Motion Sickness

How to take ginger, raw ginger root.

Ginger pills, tablets and capsules

Powdered ginger, ginger candy.

Pickled ginger

Ginger cookies and biscuits, ginger ale and ginger beer, when to take ginger.

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Anyone Tried Ginger Biscuits for Travel Sickness?

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We are off on holiday and Ami is going to have to endure 1.5 hours in the car. Last time this involved two stops to clean her up after she was sick. I have bought some ginger biscuits with actual pieces of ginger in them, top class cookies that have made the hubby jealous! How long before the journey should I give her a couple? Clutching at straws I know but it is worth a try. I am not going to give her any breakfast before we go either. Any other tips?  

1/2 a sea legs tablet. Ginger settles the stomach really well, where does she travel ? Back seat or boot  

She travels in a crate in the back of the estate. Would covering the crate so she can't see out help?  

Sorry is her name a variation of "Amy" I skim read the first line because my answer was just going to be yes. But my name is Aimee and I was like what!? :lol: Anyway back to it. I would give 2 hours before, 1 since she's a large dog and they do have quite a bit of sugar in them. Your better bet would be ginger capsules from H&B. I'd have also said in the run up to the trip get some skullcap and valerian in her system. Quite often it's not just the motion of travelling that sets their stomach it's how they feel about travelling. So if she's worried at all then she's more likely to upchuck. S&V are good to calm stressy dogs down - she may not be a stressy dog but in the car is a different matter. Does she travel in a crate? I'd cover that over so she is kept a little calmer. Good luck with your journey.  

We have had some success with the Skullcap and Valerian tablets.  

Not sure about travel but when I was on chemo and also when pregnant and was sick they recommended them x  

I tried the ginger biscuits for Bracken and they didn't work he was sick with them so the car smelt like ginger for a while I use to give him a sea legs the night before if we were going early and no problems. He is not sick now ( thank goodness )  

My friend uses ginger nut biscuits with her travel sick dog and they help apparently.  

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Motion sickness

Travel sickness.

Peer reviewed by Dr Hayley Willacy, FRCGP Last updated by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP Last updated 16 Mar 2023

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

In this series: Health advice for travel abroad Travelling to remote locations Ears and flying Jet lag Altitude sickness

Motion sickness (travel sickness) is common, especially in children. It is caused by repeated unusual movements during travelling, which send strong (sometimes confusing) signals to the balance and position sensors in the brain.

In this article :

What causes motion sickness, how long does motion sickness last, motion sickness symptoms, how to stop motion sickness, natural treatments for motion sickness, motion sickness medicines, what can a doctor prescribe for motion sickness, what should i do if i'm actually sick, what is mal de debarquement syndrome.

Continue reading below

Motion sickness is a normal response to repeated movements, such as going over bumps or around in a circle, send lots of messages to your brain. If you are inside a vehicle, particularly if you are focused on things that are inside the vehicle with you then the signals that your eyes send to the brain may tell it that your position is not changing, whilst your balance mechanisms say otherwise.

Your balance mechanisms in your inner ears sense different signals to those that your eyes are seeing which then sends your brain mixed, confusing messages. This confusion between messages then causes people to experience motion sickness.

Is motion sickness normal?

Motion sickness is a normal response that anyone can have when experiencing real or perceived motion. Although all people can develop motion sickness if exposed to sufficiently intense motion, some people are rarely affected while other people are more susceptible and have to deal with motion sickness very often.

Triggers for motion sickness

Motion sickness can also be triggered by anxiety or strong smells, such as food or petrol. Sometimes trying to read a book or a map can trigger motion sickness. Both in children and adults, playing computer games can sometimes cause motion sickness to occur.

Motion sickness is more common in children and also in women. Fortunately, many children grow out of having motion sickness. It is not known why some people develop motion sickness more than others. Symptoms can develop in cars, trains, planes and boats and on amusement park rides, etc.

Symptoms typically go when the journey is over; however, not always. In some people they last a few hours, or even days, after the journey ends.

There are various symptoms of motion sickness including::

Feeling sick (nausea and vomiting).

Sweating and cold sweats.

Increase in saliva.

Headaches .

Feeling cold and going pale.

Feeling weak.

Some general tips to avoid motion sickness include the following.

Prepare for your journey

Don't eat a heavy meal before travelling. Light, carbohydrate-based food like cereals an hour or two before you travel is best.

On long journeys, try breaking the journey to have some fresh air, drink some cold water and, if possible, take a short walk.

For more in-depth advice on travelling generally, see the separate leaflets called Health Advice for Travel Abroad , Travelling to Remote Locations , Ears and Flying (Aeroplane Ear) , Jet Lag and Altitude Sickness .

Plan where you sit

Keep motion to a minimum. For example, sit in the front seat of a car, over the wing of a plane, or on deck in the middle of a boat.

On a boat, stay on deck and avoid the cafeteria or sitting where your can smell the engines.

Breathe fresh air

Breathe fresh air if possible. For example, open a car window.

Avoid strong smells, particularly petrol and diesel fumes. This may mean closing the window and turning on the air conditioning, or avoiding the engine area in a boat.

Use your eyes and ears differently

Close your eyes (and keep them closed for the whole journey). This reduces 'positional' signals from your eyes to your brain and reduces the confusion.

Don't try to read.

Try listening to an audio book with your eyes closed. There is some evidence that distracting your brain with audio signals can reduce your sensitivity to the motion signals.

Try to sleep - this works mainly because your eyes are closed, but it is possible that your brain is able to ignore some motion signals when you are asleep.

Do not read or watch a film.

It is advisable not to watch moving objects such as waves or other cars. Don't look at things your brain expects to stay still, like a book inside the car. Instead, look ahead, a little above the horizon, at a fixed place.

If you are the driver you are less likely to feel motion sickness. This is probably because you are constantly focused on the road ahead and attuned to the movements that you expect the vehicle to make. If you are not, or can't be, the driver, sitting in the front and watching what the driver is watching can be helpful.

Treat your tummy gently

Avoid heavy meals and do not drink alcohol before and during travelling. It may also be worth avoiding spicy or fatty food.

Try to 'tame your tummy' with sips of a cold water or a sweet, fizzy drink. Cola or ginger ale are recommended.

Try alternative treatments

Sea-Bands® are acupressure bands that you wear on your wrists to put pressure on acupressure points that Chinese medicine suggests affects motion sickness. Some people find that they are effective.

Homeopathic medicines seem to help some people, and will not make you drowsy. The usual homeopathic remedy is called 'nux vom'. Follow the instructions on the packet.

All the techniques above which aim to prevent motion sickness will also help reduce it once it has begun. Other techniques, which are useful on their own to treat motion sickness but can also be used with medicines if required, are:

Breathe deeply and slowly and, while focusing on your breathing, listening to music. This has been proved to be effective in clinical trials.

Ginger - can improve motion sickness in some people (as a biscuit or sweet, or in a drink).

There are several motion sickness medicines available which can reduce, or prevent, symptoms of motion sickness. You can buy them from pharmacies or, in some cases, get them on prescription. They work by interfering with the nerve signals described above.

Medicines are best taken before the journey. They may still help even if you take them after symptoms have begun, although once you feel sick you won't absorb medicines from the stomach very well. So, at this point, tablets that you put against your gums, or skin patches, are more likely to be effective.

Hyoscine is usually the most effective medicine for motion sickness . It is also known as scopolamine. It works by preventing the confusing nerve messages going to your brain.

There are several brands of medicines which contain hyoscine - they also come in a soluble form for children. You should take a dose 30-60 minutes before a journey; the effect can last up to 72 hours. Hyoscine comes as a patch for people aged 10 years or over. (This is only available on prescription - see below.) Side-effects of hyoscine include dry mouth , drowsiness and blurred vision.

Side-effects of motion sickness medicines

Some medicines used for motion sickness may cause drowsiness. Some people are extremely sensitive to this and may find that they are so drowsy that they can't function properly at all. For others the effects may be milder but can still impair your reactions and alertness. It is therefore advisable not to drive and not to operate heavy machinery if you have taken them. In addition, some medicines may interfere with alcohol or other medication; your doctor or the pharmacist can advise you about this.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines can also be useful , although they are not quite as effective as hyoscine. However, they usually cause fewer side-effects. Several types of antihistamine are sold for motion sickness. All can cause drowsiness, although some are more prone to cause it than others; for example, promethazine , which may be of use for young children on long journeys, particularly tends to cause drowsiness. Older children or adults may prefer one that is less likely to cause drowsiness - for example, cinnarizine or cyclizine.

Remember, if you give children medicines which cause drowsiness they can sometimes be irritable when the medicines wear off.

See the separate article called How to manage motion sickness .

There are a number of anti-sickness medicines which can only be prescribed by your doctor. Not all of them always work well for motion sickness, and finding something that works may be a case of trial and error. All of them work best taken up to an hour before your journey, and work less well if used when you already feel sick. See also the separate leaflet called Nausea (Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment) for more detailed information about these medicines .

Hyoscine patch

Hyoscine, or scopolamine, patches are suitable for adults and for children over 10 years old. The medicine is absorbed through your skin, although this method of medicine delivery is slow so the patch works best if applied well before your journey.

You should stick the patch on to the skin behind the ear 5-6 hours before travelling (often this will mean late on the previous night) and remove it at the end of the journey.

Prochlorperazine

Prochlorperazine is a prescription-only medicine which works by changing the actions of the chemicals that control the tendency to be sick (vomit), in your brain. One form of prochlorperazine is Buccastem®, which is absorbed through your gums and does not need to be swallowed. Buccastem® tastes rather bitter but it can be effective for sickness when you are already feeling sick, as it doesn't have to be absorbed by the stomach.

Metoclopramide

Metoclopramide is a tablet used to speed up the emptying of your tummy. Slow emptying of the tummy is something that happens when you develop nausea and vomiting, so metoclopramide can help prevent this. It prevents nausea and vomiting quite effectively in some people. It can occasionally have unpleasant side-effects, particularly in children (in whom it is not recommended). Metoclopramide is often helpful for those who tend to have gastric reflux, those who have slow tummy emptying because of previous surgery, and those who have type 1 diabetes. Your GP will advise whether metoclopramide is suitable for you.

Domperidone

Domperidone , like metoclopramide, is sometimes used for sickness caused by slow tummy emptying. It is not usually recommended for motion sickness but is occasionally used if other treatments don't help. Domperidone is not a legal medicine in some countries, including the USA.

Ondansetron

Ondansetron is a powerful antisickness medicine which is most commonly used for sickness caused by chemotherapy, and occasionally used for morning sickness in pregnancy. It is not usually effective for motion sickness. This, and its relatively high cost means that it is not prescribed for motion sickness alone. However, for those undergoing chemotherapy, and for those who have morning sickness aggravated by travel, ondansetron may be helpful.

If you're actually sick you may find that this relieves your symptoms a little, although not always for very long. If you've been sick:

Try a cool flannel on your forehead, try to get fresh air on your face and do your best to find a way to rinse your mouth to get rid of the taste.

Don't drink anything for ten to twenty minutes (or it may come straight back), although (very) tiny sips of very cold water, coke or ginger ale may help.

After this, go back to taking all the prevention measures above.

Once you reach your destination you may continue to feel unwell. Sleep if you can, sip cold iced water, and - when you feel ready - try some small carbohydrate snacks. Avoid watching TV (more moving objects to watch!) until you feel a little better.

The sensation called 'mal de debarquement' (French for sickness on disembarking) refers to the sensation you sometimes get after travel on a boat, train or plane, when you feel for a while as though the ground is rocking beneath your feet. It is probably caused by the overstimulation of the balance organs during your journey. It usually lasts only an hour or two, but in some people it can last for several days, particularly after a long sea journey. It does not usually require any treatment.

Persistent mal de debarquement syndrome is an uncommon condition in which these symptoms may persist for months or years.

Dr Mary Lowth is an author or the original author of this leaflet.

Further reading and references

• Spinks A, Wasiak J ; Scopolamine (hyoscine) for preventing and treating motion sickness. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Jun 15;(6):CD002851.
• Lackner JR ; Motion sickness: more than nausea and vomiting. Exp Brain Res. 2014 Aug;232(8):2493-510. doi: 10.1007/s00221-014-4008-8. Epub 2014 Jun 25.
• Leung AK, Hon KL ; Motion sickness: an overview. Drugs Context. 2019 Dec 13;8:2019-9-4. doi: 10.7573/dic.2019-9-4. eCollection 2019.
• Zhang LL, Wang JQ, Qi RR, et al ; Motion Sickness: Current Knowledge and Recent Advance. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2016 Jan;22(1):15-24. doi: 10.1111/cns.12468. Epub 2015 Oct 9.
• Van Ombergen A, Van Rompaey V, Maes LK, et al ; Mal de debarquement syndrome: a systematic review. J Neurol. 2016 May;263(5):843-854. doi: 10.1007/s00415-015-7962-6. Epub 2015 Nov 11.

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

Next review due: 14 Mar 2028

16 mar 2023 | latest version.

Last updated by

Peer reviewed by

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November 22, 2019 Cookies

Stem Ginger Biscuits

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase as a result of clicking one of these links. There is no additional cost to you. 

Stem Ginger Biscuits are packed with ginger heat. Plus, they're the perfect combination of crispy and chewy. You'll love them.

Things got a little personal on the blog this week. I'm not gonna lie. It felt a little weird to be talking about serious life stuff with all of you. It's been a long time since we've dug deep and found our inner awesomeness. Maybe we should make it a thing.

I feel much more comfortable back in the realm of butter and flour. Cookies are something I know about. A subject upon which I can speak with a modicum of authority. Because you know I've eaten a lot of cookies in my lifetime. Like a lot a lot.

Okay, technically I'm calling these biscuits because it's a British recipe, but they feel more like a cookie when you eat them. I don't know if the difference is anything other than regional semantics, but in my mind, a biscuit is more dry and crisp, and a cookie is more chewy or cakey. Maybe I'm not an expert on this after all.

What makes Stem Ginger Biscuits so awesome?

Perhaps we should have waited until December to talk about cookies, but I feel like these Stem Ginger Biscuits transcend season. They've got that glorious ginger warmth, and the addition of chopped stem ginger adds a chewy texture and depth of flavor.

One of the things I like about this recipe is that you use melted butter and golden syrup (or you could substitute light corn syrup). That means you don't have to wait for butter to soften before getting started. No creaming butter and sugar, either, so we can make the whole thing in one mixing bowl with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. So simple.

There are very few situations in life that can't be improved with tea and biscuits. If you've got these Stem Ginger Biscuits in your biscuit tin or cookie jar, happiness is sure to follow.

Stem ginger biscuits

24 biscuits

Ingredients

350 grams self-rising flour

1 tablespoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon baking soda

200 grams caster sugar

115 grams unsalted butter

85 grams golden syrup

1 egg, beaten

2 pieces (about 35 grams) stem ginger, drained and finely chopped

• Preheat your oven to 170 C (325 F) and butter your baking sheets.
• In a small sauce pan, add your butter and golden syrup and stir together over low heat until the butter is melted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
• Sift together your flour, ground ginger, baking soda and sugar into a large mixing bowl.
• Add your melted but cooled butter and syrup, beaten egg, and chopped stem ginger to your dry ingredients and stir together with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until well combined.
• Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to scoop out walnut-sized balls of dough. Roll them in your hands to form them into neat spheres. Place these on your baking sheets, leaving plenty of space for each biscuit to spread as it bakes.
• Bake your cookies for about 15 minutes until golden brown. If you prefer a more crispy texture, let them bake for a few more minutes, but keep a close eye on them so they don't tip over into burnt territory.
• Allow the biscuits to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an air tight container.

This recipe is from The Great British Book of Baking by Linda Collister.

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Catherine Graham says

November 22, 2019 at 5:49 pm

I don't know what stem ginger is. Please help.

November 23, 2019 at 12:17 pm

Stem ginger is pieces of fresh ginger preserved in syrup. Try looking for it in the home baking section.

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14 natural remedies for travel sickness suitable for the whole family

Planning a holiday? You might want to take a look at these expert-approved travel sickness remedies that work for all modes of transport

• Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Planning a trip? If you or your family suffer from travel sickness you'll be eager to know what motion sickness treatments are available.

If you're off on a family holiday this summer then you've probably spent plenty of time researching the best car seats and brushing up on child car seat rules , and you're probably on the hunt for ways to keep travel sickness at bay too. Travel sickness – or motion sickness – can make travelling (or fairground rides, if you enjoy those) a miserable experience. It can occur when you travel by car, boat, plane or train, and as well as feeling nauseous or being sick, people may feel sweaty, dizzy, breathless or drowsy. 

Dr Donald Grant , GP and Clinical Lead at online pharmacy The Independent Pharmacy, says: "Travel sickness is a common worry for many travellers but your symptoms shouldn’t stop you from having a great trip. Although anyone can experience travel sickness, some groups are more likely to have symptoms including those with a pre-existing medical condition, pregnant women, women using hormonal birth control and children between the ages of 2 and 12." With that in mind, we've asked the experts to help put together a list of travel sickness remedies suitable for all members of the family...

Dr Don Grant (MB, ChB, DRCOG, MRCGP, Dip.orth.med) is the clinical lead at The Independent Pharmacy, an online pharmacy and healthcare resource based in the UK. Dr Grant specialises in orthopaedic medicine, and has extensive experience in change and development in Primary Care.

14 of the best natural remedies for travel sickness

Dr Grant says, "The key to effectively managing travel sickness lies in proactive preparation before car rides, flights, boat excursions, or any motion-intensive activities. By addressing your symptoms ahead of time, you can minimise their onset and feel more comfortable throughout the duration of your journey."

Travel sickness is caused by a miscommunication between our eyes and brain, because our brain is expecting a certain image, yet our eyes relay a different image because of the movement. It can be triggered by all kinds of repeated movements, such as going over bumps in the road, waves in the sea, swaying on a train, or turbulence on a plane.

Consuming ginger is a tried-and-tested natural remedy for treating nausea, and is an effective natural remedy for travel sickness too. 

Abbas Kanani , lead pharmacist at Chemist Click Online Pharmacy, further explains: "Scientific research has found that ginger and its compounds may increase digestive responsiveness and speed stomach emptying, which may reduce nausea," he says. "It seems to aid digestion and saliva flow, and its anti-inflammatory properties also support the release of blood-pressure-regulating hormones to calm your body and reduce nausea."

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Abbas graduated as a pharmacist in 2013 and spent the first three years working for high street multiples, including a senior management role with the largest multinational pharmacy in the UK. In 2017, he qualified as an independent prescriber, spending time working in a primary care setting. He then assumed a consulting role within the NHS, providing advisory services on cost savings and clinical efficiencies. He has been within Chemist Click since the very start and continues to play an integral role within the team.

"Ginger has long been a go-to for settling the stomach and is the best-studied herb for motion sickness," adds natural health expert Dr Tim Bond, from Puressentiel. He says "It's both safe and effective for many people," - making it a great remedy for all the family.  

You can consume ginger in various forms, such as ginger tea, ginger candies, or even ginger capsules.

2. Chewing gum

Chewing on gum can create a distraction that will take your mind away from travel sickness, while peppermint can help to relieve feelings of nausea. Of course, this is not a suitable remedy for young children as it is a choking hazard, but it may be an effective remedy for older members of the family - and any pregnant woman will tell you this can help with morning sickness during early signs of pregnancy .

For example, one study in the Journal of Experimental Brain Research found that chewing either ginger gum or peppermint gum during a simulated flight experience significantly reduced symptoms of travel sickness.

Abbas Kanani explains that peppermint is effective because "it contains compounds like menthol, which have a calming effect on the muscles of the stomach and can help reduce feelings of nausea and vomiting associated with travel sickness."

As well as gum, try drinking peppermint tea or sucking on peppermint sweets for a natural travel sickness remedy. 

3. Acupressure bands

One of the most well-regarded natural motion sickness treatments is the use of acupressure bands . These work on the pressure points in our wrists to stop feelings of nausea and are another drug-free, non-drowsy way to treat the condition.

A small study in the Journal of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine found that those who wore an acupressure band on their wrist or arm experienced lessened travel sickness symptoms than those who did not wear any bands.

But you don't necessarily need to invest in acupressure bands to feel the benefit. Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy explains: "For nausea, the P6 pressure point, known as Neiguan, should be stimulated. If you turn your forearm over, this is situated around 1/6 of the way up the arm when measuring from the wrist to the elbow. It’s in the centre, between the two large tendons."

To do this, find the pressure point, then press down on it with your thumb, making steady circular movements for 2-3 minutes. This can be repeated as needed.

Having worked for many years in the NHS, mostly as Lead Clinician within an integrated Community Sexual Health Service, Dr Deborah Lee now works as a health and medical writer, with an emphasis on women's health, including medical content for Dr Fox pharmacy. She has published several books and remains passionate about all aspects of medicine and sexual health.

4. Aromatherapy

Certain natural scents are believed to help calm some of the symptoms of motion sickness. Peppermint and lavender are thought to be particularly effective, while inhaling these scents can also be a great distraction from being in motion.

Dr Bond explains: " Clinical research from 2020 supports the use of peppermint for both motion sickness and nausea, and lavender has many studies to show its efficacy on digestion, vomiting and travel sickness."

He recommends Puressentiel's SOS Travel Roll-On , explaining, "Each oil is selected for their anti-sickness and calming properties – exotic basil, fresh ginger, lemon, peppermint, red mandarin, sweet marjoram, and true lavender," says Dr Bond. "The roller is applied to wrists and temple pressure points."

5. Dry toast or crackers

You may not feel like eating if you know travelling makes you feel sick. But having a small, plain snack before – or while – you travel can keep nausea at bay.

Dr Lee exolains: "Eating small frequent meals can help those with nausea and vomiting. Crackers are bland but contain salt and carbohydrates – both of which can help if you feel weak and nauseated."

Chewing in itself has been found to help relieve travel sickness. A 2015 study from BioMed Research International found the process of mastication to be part of the stress relief response – and this may be why chewing gum can also help with travel sickness symptoms.

6. Stay hydrated

Dehydration can contribute to feelings of nausea, so sipping fluids is another way to prevent motion sickness.  And there is a certain amount of water you should drink a day , whether you're travelling or not.

Abbas Kanani explains: "When you're dehydrated, your body's fluid balance is disrupted. This imbalance can affect the inner ear, which plays a crucial role in maintaining your sense of balance."

He adds, "Make sure to drink plenty of water before and during your journey and avoid excessive consumption of caffeinated or sugary drinks, as they can contribute to dehydration."

Room temperature water or sparkling water work best as a travel sickness remedy, but - if you can stomach it - sports drinks, coconut water, ginger ale, and light broths can also be effective, and are all preferable to caffeinated, sugary or acidic drinks.

7. Chamomile tea

Chamomile has a reputation for being a calming and relaxing herb. By helping to reduce stress and anxiety it can also settle an upset stomach.

“Chamomile is also something some people opt for to settle their stomachs, particularly if they are feeling anxious or stressed," says Dr Bond. "Chamomile is believed to soothe the stomach, reduce acids and relax stomach muscles."

Try having a cup of chamomile tea the night before your travels to relax you, then another in the morning and during your trip if possible. 

8. Deep breathing

Breathing exercises are becoming an important part of wellness, as people realise that deep breathing can work as a natural anxiety remedy as well as reduce stress, panic and even physical symptoms such as nausea.

Dr Lee explains: "Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of anxiety. Travel sickness makes us feel anxious, and anxiety makes the symptoms worse. Unsurprisingly then, anti-anxiety techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing can help reduce the nausea of travel sickness."

And research backs this up, with one study in the Journal of Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance finding that breathing deeply from the belly (known as diaphragmatic breathing) was effective at reducing the sensation of motion sickness during a virtual reality experience.

In order to do diaphragmatic breathing Dr Lee says, you need to breathe in using the diaphragm - which is the sheet of muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. If you place your hand on your upper abdomen just under your ribs, then suck your tummy in as you breathe in, you will be filling your lungs using your diaphragm. 

Try counting slowly when you do this, by breathing in for 4 counts, holding for 7, then breathing out slowly for 8 counts. Do 4 cycles, slowly, and then repeat. You can do this as often as needed.

9. Keep distracted

If you don't want to - or can't - take any medication for travel sickness, it's heartening to know that simply being distracted has been shown to reduce symptoms. Talking, listening to music, playing a game or even singing songs can be helpful for kids struggling with feelings of motion sickness.

This has been supported by a study in the Journal of Vestibular Research , which found that participants who were distracted from motion sickness by performing a mental arithmetic task experienced reduced symptoms.

10. Focus on the horizon

Keeping your eyes on the horizon is easier to do on a boat, but it can be done on other modes of transport, too. If you're travelling by plane, try to reserve a seat by a window, and in a car it's best to sit in the front if you suffer from motion sickness.

Abbas Kanani explains: "By focusing on a distant point, such as a horizon or a stable object in the distance, you provide your visual system with a stable reference point. This helps to synchronize the information received by your eyes and your vestibular system, reducing the sensory conflict." 

Essentially, looking at the horizon is helping your brain better understand the motion and therefore reduces the likelihood of experiencing travel sickness symptoms. 

11. Get some fresh air

A stuffy environment won't help symptoms of travel sickness, so opening a car window or spending time on the deck of a boat will help ease nausea. If you're travelling by plane or train it can be harder to get fresh air, but a handheld fan can work wonders at keeping you cool and calm.

12. Don't look at a screen

Not reading or watching anything is probably one of the most important drug-free motion sickness treatments, because of the way your brain perceives motion.

Dr Lee says, "Trying to fix your gaze on a moving object on a screen, when sitting inside a moving object like a car, is only going to confuse your balance and proprioception even further. Scrolling is well known to cause cybersickness, even in those not travelling."

This also applies to watching something or a screen and even texting (sorry, kids!). If you are very bored, only read or watch something for a few minutes at a time, then take a break to stare at a fixed point, or try listening to music or an audiobook instead - both of which can help calm anxiety around travel sickness too.

13. Break up the journey

Regular stops, where you have a chance to stand on solid ground, can help to break up the monotony of long journeys. A rest stop also allows you to get fresh air, stretch your legs or have a drink or a snack, while being away from the motion of travel and get distracted by other activities.

14. Try to sleep

If you're not a napper, you're not tired, or you're driving, this won't work for you. But if you're able to get to sleep early on in the journey then you may be spared from feelings of travel sickness . Simply closing your eyes can be a distraction from the motion, or check out our list of 15 ways to fall asleep fast .

For children who suffer badly from motion sickness, it may be worth travelling at night, as this may mean they sleep through most of the trip.

How do you get rid of travel sickness fast?

The quickest way to reduce symptoms of travel sickness is to reduce motion. If you're in a situation where you're able to stop - such as in a car where you can safely pull over and take a break - this will be most effective.

However, you can trick your brain into thinking the motion has stopped by looking to the horizon - or you could even try anti-motion sickness smart glasses . These unusual-looking glasses have no lenses and instead, they use a liquid inside the frame of the glasses to mimic the horizon.

What is the best food to eat for travel sickness?

Light, dry and plain food is best to have before you set off on a journey if you suffer from travel sickness. Dr Lee adds, "It's generally advisable to eat small portions of light foods at regular intervals when travelling. Dry foods such as crackers, oat biscuits, or rice cakes are good options as they have no smell, and help fill the stomach."

Abbas Kanani adds that you should avoid eating a heavy meal before travelling. He says, "Eating a heavy meal before travelling can lead to increased gastric activity and digestion. This heightened activity can make your stomach more sensitive and prone to experiencing nausea or discomfort during the motion of travel. Instead, opt for light, easily digestible meals or snacks."

Can you take travel sickness tablets when pregnant?

According to the NHS , hyoscine hydrobromide - the drug used to treat travel sickness - is not recommended during pregnancy because not enough is known about its effects.

However, they add that our doctor may offer you hyoscine hydrobromide if you have severe travel sickness that cannot be treated any other way. Meanwhile, if you're breastfeeding it's ok to take hyoscine hydrobromide if it is in occasional doses for a short amount of time. 

If you are unsure whether travel sickness medication is an option for you, you should consult your GP.

Looking for more natural remedies? Check out these 14 hay fever remedies , these natural flu remedies and our natural remedies for insect bites , or try one of our expert-approved natural anxiety remedies .

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Ellie is GoodtoKnow’s Family News Editor and covers all the latest trends in the parenting world - from relationship advice and baby names to wellbeing and self-care ideas for busy mums. Ellie is also an NCTJ-qualified journalist and has a distinction in MA Magazine Journalism from Nottingham Trent University and a first-class degree in Journalism from Cardiff University. Previously, Ellie has worked with BBC Good Food, The Big Issue, and the Nottingham Post, as well as freelancing as an arts and entertainment writer alongside her studies. When she’s not got her nose in a book, you’ll probably find Ellie jogging around her local park, indulging in an insta-worthy restaurant, or watching Netflix’s newest true crime documentary.

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How Safe Is Ginger Rhizome for Decreasing Nausea and Vomiting in Women during Early Pregnancy?

Ginger, Zingiber officinale Roscoe, is increasingly consumed as a food or in food supplements. It is also recognized as a popular nonpharmacological treatment for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP). However, its consumption is not recommended by all countries for pregnant women. Study results are heterogeneous and conclusions are not persuasive enough to permit heath care professionals to recommend ginger safely. Some drugs are also contraindicated, leaving pregnant women with NVP with few solutions. We conducted a review to assess effectiveness and safety of ginger consumption during early pregnancy. Systematic literature searches were conducted on Medline (via Pubmed) until the end of December 2017. For the evaluation of efficacy, only double-blind, randomized, controlled trials were included. For the evaluation of the safety, controlled, uncontrolled, and pre-clinical studies were included in the review. Concerning toxicity, none can be extrapolated to humans from in vitro results. In vivo studies do not identify any major toxicities. Concerning efficacy and safety, a total of 15 studies and 3 prospective clinical studies have been studied. For 1 g of fresh ginger root per day for four days, results show a significant decrease in nausea and vomiting and no risk for the mother or her future baby. The available evidence suggests that ginger is a safe and effective treatment for NVP. However, beyond the ginger quantity needed to be effective, ginger quality is important from the perspective of safety.

1. Introduction

According to the World Health Organization, the growth and expansion of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) products is worldwide phenomenon. These days, this sector plays a significant role in the economic development of number of countries [ 1 ]. The growing mistrust of the side effects of pharmaceuticals products coupled with the desire for more traditional medicines perceived as natural and safe by consumers, may partially explain the increase in the use of herbal remedies.

In Europe, many herbal remedies are sold as food supplements and meet Directive 2002/46/EC [ 2 ]. Regarding botanicals, particularly, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published, in 2012, a compendium of botanicals and associated substances of concern. The objective is to have a guideline for the evaluation of specific ingredients in food supplements, identifying the compound(s) to monitor [ 3 ]. In parallel, positive and/or negative lists of botanicals are published by authorities in different European countries [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ] to control and guarantee the quality and traceability of used botanical ingredients in food supplements. These regulatory approaches aim to protect consumer health by ensuring that Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) are safe and of high quality.

More than 100 million Europeans use regularly CAM, and the prevalence varied from 5.9 to 48.3% [ 8 ]. However, women in the middle-age, tertiary educated are typical consumers. In France [ 9 ], women consume more food supplements than men. This is also true in Belgium [ 10 ], Australia, and the USA [ 11 ]. Despite higher consumption by women in Europe, there are variations by country [ 12 ]. The differences in consumption by country and gender are summarized in Table 1 .

Comparison of food supplement consumption between men and women by country [ 12 ].

Not only women, but also pregnant women, consume food supplements. In the United States, 36.7% of pregnant women from the ages of 19 to 49 reported using CAM in the last year compared to 40.7% of non-pregnant women [ 13 ]. In the UK and Australia, 57.8% and 52% of pregnant women, respectively, had used an herbal remedy during pregnancy [ 14 , 15 ].

Some studies showed that the women had a positive opinion on the safety of herbal remedies during pregnancy [ 16 , 17 ]. Moreover, a minimum of one-third of the healthcare professionals are willing to recommend the use of CAM to pregnant women [ 18 , 19 ], and the majority (69.2%) agreed that there was some value in CAM use during pregnancy [ 20 ]. Nevertheless, the safety of CAM was also a key concern. Despite this, documentation on the safety and efficacy of many herbs used during pregnancy is limited. Whereas most Member States update and regularly implement regulations relative to herbal substances/products according to the most recent scientific evaluations, few toxicological data coming from studies on pregnant women are available.

A multinational, cross-sectional study [ 18 ] identified 126 specific herbal medicines used by 2379 women. They were classified on three categories: safe, caution, and contraindicated, and their consumption was observed. Women used herbal medicine mainly classified as safe for pregnancy use. However, a difference between regions was observed ( Figure 1 ). This study shows that there is still work to be done in informing pregnant women. Information confirmed by Pallivalappila et al. [ 19 ], 61% ( n = 127) of dietary supplement users during pregnancy and 44% ( n = 54) of non-users responded that CAM should be available through the NHS (the publicly-funded healthcare system in Scotland).

Herbal medicine used ( A ) and number of women who used them ( B ) by safety classification (green = safe; orange = caution; red = contraindicated; white = unknown). From Kennedy et al. [ 18 ].

One of the most popular botanical remedies during pregnancy is ginger ( Zingiber officinale Roscoe) [ 14 , 18 , 21 ]. Ginger is an Asian native plant. Its aromatic rhizome is used as a spice, but also in traditional medicine since ancestral times. Ginger belongs to the official pharmacopoeias of different countries, including Austria, China, Egypt, India, United Kingdom, Japan, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

For around 10 years, ginger imports in Europe have increased significantly [ 22 ], and many foods and food supplements have appeared on the market. Most of these food supplements are dedicated to pregnant women ( Table 2 ).

Sample of food supplements with ginger sold around the world; composition and claims.

Whereas ginger rhizome consumption is described for Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (NVP) in different monographs [ 23 , 24 , 25 ], it is not recommended in others as a precautionary measure [ 26 ]. In the same way, ginger rhizome consumption by pregnant women is tolerated or authorized in several countries (France, Belgium) or forbidden in others (Finland, Russia). Without scientific evidence established in the concerned population, clear recommendations, and harmonized regulations, it is difficult for healthcare professionals to provide safe advice.

This review focuses on the efficacy for NVP of ginger and the safety of its use in pregnant women. The main goal is to have an objective treatment of safety, so non-clinical and clinical data were analyzed to present and discuss factual information to healthcare professionals.

2. Generality

2.1. zingiber officinale roscoe.

Ginger, Zingiber officinale Roscoe is originated from Asia. It is a plant of the genus Zingiber and of the family Zingiberaceae, whose rhizome is used worldwide in cooking and traditional medicine. It is considered as premium spices, like cardamom and turmeric. Ginger was first cultivated in the Asian subcontinent, probably in South East Asia [ 27 ]. It migrated to Europe by Greek and Roman times and was used as digestive aids wrapped in bread. Ginger was then incorporated into bread and confections. In the 1600s, the Spanish established ginger plantations in Jamaica and in the 19th century some physicians used it to induce sweating, to improve the appetite or decrease the nausea [ 28 ].

Ginger is cultivated in the tropical regions from both hemispheres and India is the largest producer (32.75% of the world’s production), followed by China (21.41%) and Nigeria (12.54%) [ 23 , 29 ].

2.2. Nutritional Composition and Chemical Composition

The main ginger constituents are starch (up to 50%), lipids (6 to 8%), proteins, and inorganic compounds [ 25 , 30 ]. When referring to the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference and DTU Fødevaredatabanken, raw ginger root is a source of potassium (415 mg/100 g). When referring to the ANSES Table Ciqual 2017 [ 31 ], data are very different: ginger powder is a source of phosphorus (168 mg/100 g) and is rich in magnesium (214 mg/100 g), potassium (1320 mg/100 g), manganese (33.3 mg/100 g), zinc (3.64 mg/100 g), iron (19.8 mg/100 g), and niacin (9.62 mg/100 g) ( Table 3 ). These differences between nutrient databases showed high quantitative variations that could be explained by the plant variability itself but also by used analytical methods which can differ from database to another.

Nutritional composition of ginger root (USDA, ANSES, DTU).

The non-volatile pungent principles responsible of spicy aroma are the gingerols, shogaols, paradols, and zingerone. They represent 4 to 7.5% [ 27 , 29 ] ( Figure 2 ). The principal compound of these is 6-gingerol. In dried ginger, the concentrations of gingerols are reduced whereas the concentrations of shogaols are more abundant, coming from gingerol dehydration [ 27 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ].

Chemical structures of active constituents: zingiberene, shogaols, and gingerols.

Volatile oils represent 1–4%. More than 100 compounds are identified. Most of them are terpenoids, mainly sesquiterpenoids (α-zingiberene, zingiberol, β-sesquiphellandrene…) and smaller amounts of monoterpenoids (camphene, cineole, geraniol…) [ 34 , 35 ].

All the Z. officinale samples coming from different origins are genetically indistinguishable. However, their metabolic profiling showed quantitative variation [ 27 ] function of the type, the variety but also the agronomic conditions, harvest, drying methods, and storage conditions [ 35 , 36 ].

2.3. Ginger Consumption

In EU countries, the apparent consumption (henceforth referred to simply as ’consumption’) of ginger amounted to 58,000 tons in 2014 [ 22 ]. A large part of the consumption (around 70–80% of demand) comes from the food processing industry. Dried ginger is especially used in significant amounts in bakery (e.g., gingerbread, cookies) and Asian food products, as well as various drinks (e.g., ginger ale and ginger beer) [ 22 ].

Western EU countries accounted for 77% of EU consumption in 2014. The UK (32% of consumed volume), Germany (20%), and the Netherlands (13%) were the largest EU consumers. Concerning the UK, its large ethnic community is an important driver of the national consumption. The volume of consumed ginger in the EU increased by an average of 11% per year between 2010 and 2014, despite the economic crisis. This increase was greatest (over 20% per year) in the Eastern and Northern EU countries [ 22 ].

2.4. Women’s Perception of Ginger

In a multinational survey (Europe, North America, and Australia) including 9113 pregnant women and new mothers, Petersen et al. [ 37 ] determined their perception of risks related to medicines, foods or herbal substances, alcohol, tobacco, and thalidomide.

The least harmful products were cranberries and ginger, whereas antidepressants, alcohol, smoking, and thalidomide were rated as the most harmful. Mean risk perception scores for ginger is 1.5 on a 10-point scale ( n = 8318, Table 4 )

Mean risk perception scores for 13 individual items by geographical region (dark green = 0–2; pale green = 2–4; yellow = 4–6; orange = 6–8; red = 8–10). From Petersen et al. [ 37 ].

3. Non-Clinical Data

3.1. cytotoxicity.

The cytotoxic potential of ginger has been studied for many decades. Various cell lines or in-tissue culture cells were used. Results appeared very different from one study to another ( Table 5 ).

In vitro cytotoxicity of ginger extracts and main related compounds.

Wei et al. [ 43 ] indicated that diarylheptanoids and gingerol-related compounds were cytotoxic against human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells (IC50 < 50 μM), while Zaeoung et al. [ 42 ] reported that the IC50 of ginger was higher than 39.2 μg/mL against breast (MCF7) and colon (LS174T) cell lines.

In 2008, Kim et al. [ 45 ] investigated the cytotoxicity of five compounds of ginger (4-, 6-, 8-, 10-gingerols, and 6-shogaol) on four human tumor cell lines. 6-shogaol showed the most potent cytotoxicity against the four tumor cell lines (IC50 from 1.05 to 1.76 μg/mL) while the others showed moderate activity [ 45 ]. Peng et al., for their part, isolated 13 compounds from fresh ginger and studied their cytotoxicity against nine human tumor cell lines. Three of them were identified to be cytotoxic in cell lines tested: 6-shogaol, 10-gingerol, and an enone-diarylheptanoid analog of curcumin [ 46 ].

When comparing the IC50 of different chemical constituents to their maximum plasma concentration (see Section 4.1 : Pharmacokinetic Data) after an intake of 1.5 or 2 g of ginger, the IC50 value corresponds to concentrations that are not achievable in the human body. IC50 values represent from 7 to ca. 692 times the maximum concentration reached in the plasma ( Table 6 ).

IC50 values and plasma concentration comparison.

Moreover, according to pharmacokinetics data [ 48 ] no free 6-, 8-, and 10-gingerols and 6-shogaol were detected in the plasma of all the volunteers 24 h after ginger consumption. Only glucuronide and sulfate metabolites were observed at very low concentration [ 48 ]. It is difficult to conclude that ginger is toxic in humans on the basis of these results. The studies presented here cannot be generalized to ginger activity in the body. The potential cytotoxic effects of ginger have to be studied, taking account of the whole plant and its absorption metabolites.

3.2. Genotoxicity/Mutagenicity

Ginger showed some mutagenicity in TA 100, TA 1535 [ 49 , 50 ], and T 98 strains [ 41 ]. However, ginger’s mutagenicity was much lower than established mutagens, such as sodium azide or MNNG [ 49 ]. This mutagenicity could be linked to gingerols and shogaols [ 44 , 50 ]. However, in the presence of zingerone, mutagenic activity of gingerols and shogaols was suppressed in a dose-dependent manner ( Table 7 ).

Genotoxicity/mutagenicity of ginger and related compounds.

Thus, the observed mutagenic activity of ginger extracts in vitro is the result of the combined action of pro and antimutagenic compounds present in the ginger [ 50 ]. However, as for cytotoxic assays, studies presented here cannot be extrapolated to in vivo mutagenicity because of the tested compounds and their concentrations, which are not representative to absorption metabolites and their blood concentration.

Others in vitro and in vivo studies showed antimutagenic properties of ginger or ginger extracts [ 38 , 49 , 51 ]. When rats fed diets containing 0.5, 1, and 5% of powdered ginger for one month and are exposed to benzopyrene, the mutagenicity in vitro test realized with urine samples showed a reduced number of TA 98 and TA 100 revertants exposed to treated urine at all ginger concentrations compared to control urine [ 51 ]. On the basis of ingested dry matter, the ingested daily dose is approximately 0.1, 0.2, and 1 g of ginger by rats, which corresponds to 2.5, 5, and 25 g of ingested powdered ginger in humans, respectively.

Plengsuriyakarn et al., using a crude ethanol extract of ginger, concluded there was an absence of any toxicity at maximum dose of 5 g/kg body weight (BW) using a hamster model [ 38 ].

In the in vitro microbial test system, ginger root has mutagenic and antimutagenic properties. In vivo, it appears to be antimutagenic when it is consumed at the human dose.

3.3. Acute/Subacute Toxicity (Repeated Dose Toxicity)

Many acute (oral administration of a single dose of a substance in rodents within 24 h) or subacute (oral administration of a test substance in rodents for 28 days) toxicity studies were realized with different rhizome ginger extracts or related compounds. Five studies with ginger powder or ginger extracts (freeze-dried or ethanol extracts) [ 38 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 ], and one with related compound [ 56 ] showed no treatment-related signs of toxicity or mortality in any animals at tested doses. One of them was realized on pregnant rats and showed neither embryotoxic nor teratogenic effects of the tested ginger [ 55 ]. The No Observable Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) was 5000 mg/kg per day whatever the used extract (freeze dried or Ethanol extract) [ 38 , 53 ] whereas the NOAEL of ginger oil is up to 500 mg/kg per day [ 57 ]. In four studies [ 54 , 58 , 59 , 60 ], the oral LD50 is far above the highest dose used for human food, dietary supplements or drugs ( Table 8 ).

Acute/subacute toxicity of ginger extracts and the main related compounds.

3.4. Reproductive Toxicity

One in vivo study was made with a patented ginger extract [ 55 ]. Three groups of 22 pregnant female rats from days 6 to 15 of gestation received by gastric intubation of the extract in concentrations of 100, 333, and 1000 mg/kg and were killed on day 21 of gestation. A fourth group received sesame oil as control. Body weight, food, and water intakes were recorded during the study. Standard parameters of reproduction and performance were analyzed. Signs of teratogenic and fetuse toxic effects were determined. No adverse effects or deaths were observed and ginger supplementation was well tolerated. Neither embryotoxic nor teratogenic effects were showed by analysis of fetuses and the authors concluded that the ginger extract administered to pregnant rats during the organogenesis period caused neither maternal nor developmental toxicity at doses of up to 1 g/kg body weight per day [ 55 ].

By contrast, some ginger adverse events have been reported on pregnant rats [ 61 ]. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats received ginger tea (15, 20, or 50 g/L) on day 6 of gestation onwards until day 15 of gestation. They were sacrificed at day 20. No maternal toxicity was observed, but embryonic loss was increased in the treatment group compared to control. No gross morphologic malformations were seen but fetuses exposed to ginger tea were significantly heavier than control and had more advanced skeletal development. This effect was greater in female fetuses and not correlated with increased placental size. Thus, results of this study suggest that in utero exposure to ginger tea leads to an increased early embryo loss with increased growth in surviving fetuses [ 61 ].

In 2009, Sukandar et al. studied the effect of ethanol extracts of ginger and noni fruit in pregnant rats. The blend was administered per os at three different doses on days 6–15 of gestation (50 and 50, 500 and 500, 1000 and 1000 mg/kg BW). Sacrifices were realized on day 19 of gestation to observe live fetus, resorption, and growfail fetus. No malformation was found. The combination, did not cause any fetus resorption, growth failure, malformation in organs nor in the skeleton, whatever the dose. The highest dose (500 and 500 and 1000 and 1000 mg/kg BW) caused liver color change of 7.3% and 8.3% of rat fetuses, respectively [ 62 ].

In a double-blind randomized cross-over clinical trial, ginger per os, 250 mg, four times daily did not generate teratogenic aberrations in newborns and Apgar scores of these babies were 9 to 10 after five minutes [ 63 ].

Reproductive and developmental toxicity has been investigated in three studies in rats [ 55 , 61 , 62 ] and one double-blind randomized cross-over clinical trial [ 63 ]. All these studies showed no teratogenic aberrations. Extensive data do not suggest any major concerns with respect to reproductive and developmental safety of ginger root.

4. General Population Safety Data

Many reviews have been published on ginger effects and few minor adverse events have been reported with the use of ginger in humans [ 34 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 ].

A systematic review by Betz et al. [ 65 ] including 15 randomized studies with safety data showed that, among the 777 patients included, 3.3% reported slight side effects that did not require treatments like mild gastrointestinal symptoms and sleepiness.

In a clinical trial involving 12 healthy volunteers who consumed 400 mg of ginger three times per day for two weeks, one subject reported mild diarrhea during the first two days of treatment. Authors explained that ginger could cause heartburn and as a gastric irritant with doses higher than 6 g. Moreover, its inhalation could produce an IGE-mediated allergy [ 64 ].

An assessment report on Zingiber officinale Roscoe made by the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) in 2012 summarized the published clinical studies with safety data indexed by PubMed through June 2010 [ 30 ].

Adverse effects resulting from the intake of ginger root observed in clinical studies occur with low frequency, low intensity, and are mainly gastrointestinal. No severe events have been reported. An interaction between ginger and warfarin has been showed in some case reports however the latter are unconvincing. Moreover, one randomized study in healthy volunteers failed to demonstrate any warfarin interaction. No sufficient evidence are available to suggest induction or inhibition of CYP-enzymes by ginger or its constituents [ 30 ]. Consequently, the committee concluded that the benefit/risk balance is in favor of the oral use of ginger extract and complies with the criteria for well-established use in the prevention of nausea and vomiting in motion sickness [ 30 ]. However, ginger’s effect on platelet aggregation cannot be confidently dismissed and future clinical trials are needed to further investigate this area, particularly in risk population [ 68 ].

More recently, Wang et al. [ 69 ] assessed daily ginger consumption in adults, explored its correlation with chronic diseases and analyzed further how different levels of ginger intake may affect the prevalence of chronic diseases. A total of 4628 participants (1823 men and 2805 women), aged from 18 to 77 years old, completed face-to-face dietary and health questionnaires. Daily ginger consumption was associated with a decreased risk for hypertension ((OR), 0.92; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.86–0.98) and chronic heart disease (CHD) (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.78–0.96) in adults ≥18 years old. Differences were also observed in adults ≥40 years old: hypertension (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.87–0.99), CHD (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.78–0.97). However, after 60 years old, no association was seen for hypertension, but there was still a difference regarding CHD (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.73–0.96). Again, the probability of illness (hypertension or CHD) decreased when the dosage of daily ginger intake increased. No adverse events were reported [ 69 ].

4.1 Pharmacokinetic Data

In 2008, Zick et al. [ 47 ] realized a single dose pharmacokinetic escalation study of the ginger constituents 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol, and 6-shogaol. 27 healthy volunteers were recruited, three participants per dose except for the highest doses for which 6 and 9 participants were included. Administrated doses of ginger extract were 100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, 1.0 g, 1.5 g, and 2.0 g. The dry extract of ginger root used in the study was standardized to 6% of gingerols. A dose of 250 mg correspond to 15 mg of total gingerols, with 5.38 mg 6-gingerol, 1.28 mg 8-gingerol, 4.19 mg 10-gingerol, and 0.92 mg 6-shogaol. Blood was sampled at different times after ginger intake and analysis showed that no free 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol, or 6-shogaol was detected and no conjugate metabolite were detected below the 1 g ginger extract dose, except for 6-gingerol. However, as of this dose, all metabolites were quickly absorbed and detected as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates. Conjugate metabolite appeared 30 min after 2 g dose intake, with their T max between 45 and 120 min and their elimination half-lives between 75 to 120 min. The maximum concentrations were 1.69 μg/mL for 6-gingerol, 0.23 μg/mL for 8-gingerol, 0.53 μg/mL for 10-gingerol, and 0.15 μg/mL for 6-shogaol at either the 1.5 g or 2.0 g dose. No pharmacokinetic model was able to be constructed due to the low levels of ginger constituent absorption, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were based on a non-compartment analysis with an elimination half-life only presented for the 2.0 g dose [ 47 ].

Another study made by Yu [ 48 ] in 2011 with 12 volunteers receiving 2 g of ginger extract per os for 24 days showed that no 6-, 8-, and 10-gingerols, and 6-shogaol under free form were detected in the plasma of all the participants 24 h after the last dosing. Concentrations of 6-gingerol glucuronide (from 5.43 to 13.6 ng/mL), 6-gingerol sulfate (from 6.19 to 7.29 ng/mL), and 10-gingerol glucuronide (from 6.96 to 9.33 ng/mL) were low whereas levels of other conjugate metabolites were not detectable in all the volunteers. Maximum concentrations determined for 10-gingerol and 6-shogaol were 9.5 ± 2.2 ng/mL (0.027 ± 0.006 μM) and 13.6 ± 6.9 ng/mL (0.049 ± 0.025 μM), whereas the IC50s of 10-gingerol and 6-shogaol were 12 and 8 μM, or 4.2 and 2.2 mg/mL, respectively. The half-lives of all metabolites are between 1 and 3h [ 48 ].

Table 6 reviews the pharmacokinetic data and IC50 values of some ginger metabolites absorbed and detected in plasma, such as 6-, 8-, 10- gingerols, and 6-shogaol. As mentioned before, IC50 values represents between 7 to 692 times the maximum concentrations detected in plasma.

5. Pregnant Women Data

5.1. safety data.

We analyzed 14 randomized clinical studies from 1991 [ 63 ] to 2017 [ 70 ] and three prospective studies [ 71 , 72 , 73 ]. In randomized clinical studies, a total of 1 331 pregnant women have been studied, including 617 who consumed ginger ( Table 9 and Table 10 ). Paritakul et al. studied 63 postpartum women (33 for the placebo group and 30 for ginger group). Studies included pregnant women at less than 20 weeks of gestation and only for one greater than or equal to 37 weeks of gestation [ 74 ].

Randomized double-blind trials investigating the effectiveness and safety of ginger for pregnancy.

Prospective studies investigating the effectiveness and safety of ginger for pregnancy.

Different types of ginger were used, like fresh ginger, ginger powder, ginger extract, or ginger essence. The ginger dose ranges studied were from 500 mg/d to 2.5 g/d. The recommended daily doses were: 3 × 650 mg, 4 × 250 mg, 2 × 500 mg, 4 × 125 mg, 3 × 350 mg, 3 × 250 mg, and five biscuits. The majority of the studies were conducted over four days, but three studies chose seven days [ 75 , 76 , 77 ], one study was conducted for two weeks [ 78 ], and one study was conducted for three weeks [ 79 ]. Clinical studies were realized in Asia (Thailand), Europe (Denmark), Oceania (Australia), and the Middle East (Iran). The majority of studies (12/14) lasted between four and seven days, which is consistent with the symptomatology of pregnant women with regard to nausea and vomiting. Ten studies, all randomized versus placebo or positive control (vitamin B6 or dimenhydrinate), have highlighted various side effects.

The various adverse effects founded in RCTs are listed in Table 11 . There are no common side effects from one study to another with the exception of heartburn and spontaneous abortion, which are quoted six and five times, respectively.

List of adverse effects identified in the different clinical studies.

This diversity of side effects can be explained by changes in several parameters depending on the studies. The most important point is that ginger quality is never specified and there are many variations on the type of ginger, recommended daily doses, and the duration of treatment.

According to Boltman-Binkowski [ 87 ], ginger does not increase spontaneous abortion compared to the control group (relative risk with 95% CI = 0.80 (0.21, 2.99)) and does not increase the rate of stillbirth (relative risk with 95% CI = 0.64 (0.03, 13.59)) and congenital abnormalities (relative risk with 95% CI = 2.11 (0.07, 65.87)) compared to the general population.

In Saberi’s studies made in 2013 and 2014 [ 76 , 77 ], a total of 249 women participated to RCTs, 87 of whom are treated with ginger, and only two cases of heartburn were detected. Babies whose mothers were exposed to ginger during Saberi’s study did not appear to be at an increased risk of fetal abnormalities or low birth weight. All these side effects were reported by subjects as minor and did not preclude them from taking their prescribed medication [ 76 , 77 ].

Three prospective studies [ 71 , 72 , 73 ] focus on the exposure of pregnant women to ginger and the possible side effects that would result from it. In 69 361 women, 812 pregnant women were studied because they took ginger during first trimester. Choi et al. [ 73 ] noted seven cases of spontaneous abortions in the ginger group and 17 cases in the control group (OR: 0.8; 95% CI: 0.3–1.9; p = 0.59). At first reading, rates of stillbirths and babies that required attention at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were marginally superior in the ginger group vs. the control group. However, no difference was observed when the NICU admission rate was compared with what was reported from the hospital and Women’s Healthcare Center in 2012.

Heitmann et al. [ 72 ] found that ginger use during pregnancy at any time did not increase the risk of malformations (4.7% in the no exposure to ginger group vs. 4,1% in those exposed to ginger during the first trimester group, adjusted OR (95 % CI) 0.8 (0.5–1.4)). Moreover, ginger use during pregnancy is not significantly associated to the risk of stillbirth/perinatal death, low birth weight, preterm birth, or low Apgar score. Equivalent results were found by Portnoi et al. [ 71 ], with no differences between the groups in terms of live births, spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, therapeutic abortions, birth weight, or gestational age. One exception: there were more infants who weighed less than 2500 g in the control group. Unfortunately, Heitmann et al. [ 72 ] specified neither the duration, nor the dose, nor the type of ginger used. Several types of ginger were consumed by women in Portnoi’s study [ 71 ] and Choi et al. [ 73 ] did not give any details except that it is a dried ginger.

Three studies [ 70 , 78 , 82 ], used ginger in syrup and powder form, respectively, on 14, 28, and 32 pregnant women during two weeks or four days. None of them had safety outcomes, but they concluded that ginger is a safe option in early pregnancy.

Term birth parameter is mentioned in three others studies [ 79 , 80 , 83 ]. In two of them, there was no significant difference between ginger groups vs. other groups (placebo or B6) [ 80 , 83 ]. Conversely, Smith, et al., showed that term birth in the ginger group was significantly better than placebo (93% vs. 98% for placebo and of ginger groups, respectively, p = 0.03) [ 79 ].

A randomized, double-blind controlled trial was conducted by Paritakul et al. [ 74 ] in 2016 on women for seven days postpartum. Sixty-three women (30 ginger group, 33 placebo group) received 500 mg of dried ginger powder in capsules twice a day and no notable side effects are mentioned.

The 14 randomized and three prospective clinical studies have observed more than 70,000 pregnant women, including more than 1500 who have consumed ginger during their pregnancy. Studies ran through over more than 25 years. Doses, durations, types of ginger, and countries vary from one study to another, thus addressing the different possibilities of current consumption. The use of ginger during pregnancy do not present a risk for the mother or her future baby. All studies conclude the safety of ginger. We can, however, note a side effect inherent to the composition of ginger—heartburn—which must be monitored in sensitive persons.

According to McLay [ 88 ], ginger could potentially cause interactions with concurrent prescription medicines: one major interaction with nifedipine, and three moderate interactions with metformin, insulin, and aspirin. In France, these drugs—except insulin—are not recommended for use or are contraindicated in pregnant women.

5.2. Efficacy

The mechanisms of action underlying ginger’s efficiency in reducing NVP has been investigated [ 89 ], dual antiemetic action have been highlighted: (i) gingerols and shogaols act as antagonists of cholinergic M3 and serotonin 5-HT3 receptors of the central nervous system; (ii) ginger’s constituents improve the gastric tonus, motility, and emptying due to peripheral anticholinenergic and antiserotonergic actions. However, these data need further investigations to elucidate and confirm those preliminary findings.

Concerning the efficacy of ginger on pregnant women, Mohammadbeigi‘s study is added to the previous studies mentioned in Section 5.1 [ 84 ]. The total number of pregnant women studied in randomized clinical studies was 1433, with 651 pregnant women who consumed ginger. The doses used and the duration of treatment vary according to the studies.

To determine the effectiveness of ginger on NVP, its effect was compared to control [ 77 ] or placebo [ 77 , 78 , 80 , 84 , 85 , 86 ] groups, but also vitamin B6 [ 70 , 79 , 81 , 83 ], drugs like dimenhydrinate [ 75 ], metoclopramide [ 84 ], or acupuncture [ 76 ].

A minimum of 1 g of fresh ginger root per day during at least four days significantly decreased nausea and vomiting and improved significantly symptoms vs. placebo or vitamin B6 [ 79 , 80 , 81 , 83 ].

Willets, et al., [ 85 ] investigated in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study, the effect of a ginger extract (EV.EXT35) on morning sickness symptoms in 120 pregnant women. 125 mg of ginger extract was equivalent to 1.5 g of dried ginger. After four days, the nausea experience score was significantly less than zero (except for day 3). Concerning vomiting symptoms, there was no significant difference between ginger extract and placebo groups

Keating et al. [ 78 ] demonstrated that 1 g/d (4 × 250 mg) of ginger syrup for a two-week period revealed that 67% of women in the ginger group stopped vomiting at day 6 vs. 20% in the placebo group. Additionally, 77% of women in the ginger group had a four-point improvement on the nausea scale at day 9 vs. 20% in the placebo group.

Mohammadbeigi et al. [ 84 ] used 600 mg/d (3 × 200 mg) of ginger essence for five days vs. 30 mg/d (3 × 10 mg) of metoclopramide and 600 mg/d (3 × 200 mg) of placebo. Significant decreases in the severity of nausea and vomiting, as well as the Rhodes Index for ginger and metoclopramide groups vs. the placebo group, was shown. There was also no difference between both groups.

Basirat et al. [ 86 ] realized a randomized double-blind clinical trial on 62 pregnant women. Thirty-two women took five biscuits daily for four days. Each biscuit contained 0.5 g of ginger. The average change in nausea scores in the ginger group was significantly better ( p = 0.01) than that in the placebo group. The average change in the number of vomiting episodes was not significantly different between the ginger group and the placebo group. However, after four days of treatment, the proportion of women who had no vomiting in the ginger group (11/32 patients) was greater than that in the placebo group (6/30).

Regardless of the dose, duration, or type of ginger, there is a significant impact on nausea and there are no safety concerns. In 4/15 studies either ginger had no effect on vomiting or there was no significant difference with placebo or vitamin B6.

According to Ding et al. [ 90 ], all various forms of ginger studied were a safe and effective treatment for NVP when compared to placebo and vitamin B6. Two meta-analyses made in 2014 [ 67 , 91 ] concluded also that ginger could be considered as an effective and harmless alternative option for women suffering from the symptoms of NVP and that 1 g/day for a duration of at least four days is better than placebo in improving NVP.

6. Conclusions

NVP affect 7 in 10 pregnant women and have a deep impact on the quality of life. Recently, increasing concerns have been pointed out regarding the safety of traditional antiemetic drugs (metoclopramide, domperidone, etc.). Thus, considering natural options, such as ginger, with a favorable risk/benefit ratio and a good level of evidence, is now part of several practice guidelines [ 92 ].

Many food supplements with ginger powder or ginger extracts are used to decrease symptoms of nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy. This effect is supported by a European claim (ID 2172) that it “ Helps to support the digestion/contributes to the normal function of intestinal tract/contributes to physical well-being/contributes to the normal functioning of the stomach in case of early pregnancy ” provided the product contains the equivalent of 0.5 to 2 g of root per day.

Beyond the quantity of ginger needed to be effective, the quality of the ginger is important for the safety aspect. For example, in France, it is mandatory to monitor the concentration of methyleugenol because of its potential toxicity [ 5 ]. It is important to focus special attention on pungent components of ginger powder, including the main components, 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, and 10-gingerol [ 89 ]. It is also important to highlight the wide variability in 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, 8-gingerol, and 10-gingerol composition from one food supplement to another. The 6-gingerol concentration ranged from 0.0 to 9.43 mg/g, 6-shogaol ranged from 0.16 to 2.18 mg/g, 8-gingerol ranged from 0.0 to 1.1 mg/g, and 10-gingerol ranged from 0.0 to 1.40 mg/g [ 93 ]. Variations could be due to sourcing, method and period of harvest, storage, and processing methods [ 93 ]. The main critical control points to assure safety and quality of ginger used are chemical constituents (actives like gingerols, or potentially toxics like methyleugenol), contaminants (microbiology, pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents), and adulteration risks. In view of the sensitivity of this raw material, control and qualification procedures appear mandatory: supply chain transparency, traceability, management of material safety, and quality standards are keys to assure consumer safety. Processes have to be in place to approve the suppliers’ production sites and the relationship between buyer and supplier is critical to support any adulteration prevention effort.

With regard to toxicity associated with ginger chemical constituents, such as gingerols, cytotoxic or mutagenic in vitro studies already performed are not representative and difficult to extrapolate to humans. Potential toxic effect of ginger have to be studied taking account of the whole plant and its absorption metabolites in humans (glucuronides and sulfates of gingerols, for example), not plant metabolites. Recently, one in vitro study showed that free forms are more cytotoxic compared to the glucuronide conjugates [ 94 ].

All the in vivo results do not suggest any major concerns with respect to reproductive and developmental safety of ginger root. At least, no associations were found between the use of ginger and malformations in humans. This finding is reassuring and supports previous findings. Moreover, according to the data, the use of ginger during pregnancy does not increase the risk for any of the following pregnancy outcomes: stillbirth/perinatal death, low birth weight, preterm birth, and low Apgar score [ 72 ].

It is interesting to note that one member of the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) did not agree with HMPC’s opinion on Zingiber officinale Roscoe rhizome [ 30 , 95 ]. He reported that ginger is used in food without any restrictions. Additionally, there are results of tests on reproductive toxicity and results of clinical trials including pregnant women published which support safe use during pregnancy. Therefore, the restriction for use during pregnancy is not justified. Moreover the results of the clinical trials for pregnancy-induced vomiting are such a quality that well-established use could be established for ginger rhizomes [ 92 ].

Finally, a recent consensus [ 96 ] was published on a list of benefits and potential harms of ginger use for the management of NVP. The authors suggest that this guideline should be addressed during the clinical consultation for NVP and should help to take a decision to use ginger or not. They reported that even if no conclusive evidence of adverse events of ginger on fetus was shown nowadays, the potential anti-coagulant effect of ginger is still equivocal and have to take account by clinicians before ginger recommendation.

Can we safely give ginger rhizome to decrease nausea and vomiting in women during early pregnancy?

First, medical supervision is mandatory. Ginger recommendation has to be done on a case-by-case basis after evaluation of patient medical history. Then, the quality of the finish product containing ginger and the quality of ginger itself, the quality of its transformation process (powder, extract, oils, etc.), and its relative standardization have to be mastered to assure consumer safety. If all the prerogatives are met, doctors could recommend ginger for NVP in early pregnancy.

At the least, further clinical studies are still needed to highlight the effect of ginger on platelet aggregation, particularly in pregnant women population.

Acknowledgments

The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.

Abbreviations

Author contributions.

J.S., P.-Y.M. and S.L. made literature searches. S.L. analyzed the data and all authors discussed them. J.S. & S.L. wrote the manuscript, P.-Y.M. reviewed it.

Conflicts of Interest

Gynov SAS is involved in research/development and marketing/sales of Gynosea ® as a food supplement for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. The general goal of Gynov SAS is to develop food supplements or FSMP with scientifically-proven well-being benefits. Gynosea ® contains ginger rhizome extract, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Therefore, Gynov SAS has a commercial interest in this publication.

Best Ginger Dog Treats for Motion Sickness

My dogs and I have always been eager to hit the road, never letting a little issue like rain or snow stop us. Unfortunately, motion sickness turned out to be a different story!  It felt cruel to drag my poor, car-sick dog along on a road trip (even though they were bursting to go).

The hours of clean-up and distress afterward didn’t even make a quick trip to the dog park feel worth it. I had never heard of ginger dog treats for motion sickness, only ginger tablets for human nausea.

Since then, we’ve been through our fair share of ginger treats – and quickly discovered that not all products designed for our furry friends are made equally. To take the guesswork out of your shopping, I’ve collated our top three tried and tested ginger dog treats for motion sickness. 

Do Ginger Dog Treats For Motion Sickness Work?

First, let’s take a look at the basics. Do these treats really work?

With nothing left to lose, we decided to give our neighbor’s suggestion a try. Thankfully, I can confirm that ginger-based treats were life-changing for us! We noticed a drastic improvement in our dog’s nausea and even their willingness to travel in the car.

Ginger is a natural remedy for nausea in dogs.

Aside from settling the stomach, these delicious treats can also defuse anxiety, prevent bloating, and ease arthritis in your dog.

Are Ginger Treats Safe For Dogs?

Ginger is perfectly safe for dogs in a reasonable quantity but it’s best not to exceed 1 teaspoon of raw ginger per day. Many treats will come with their own recommended serving quantities. We suggest following these guidelines and speaking with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

3 Best Ginger Dog Treats For Motion Sickness

Do you feel ready to give ginger a try? Let’s jump into the recommendations! We found these three treats to be delicious, affordable, and of high quality.

Grain and Gluten-Free Gingerbread Biscuits – Portland Pet Food Company

If you’re conscious of what you feed your puppy, these treats should be first on your list!

These gingerbread biscuits are free of gluten and grain, as well as being made with no GMOs, BHA, BHT, artificial colors, flavors, or dyes. Even the packaging is BPA-free (win!).

While some reviewers felt the price was too high for the number of treats you received, I personally found that, for the sole purpose of aiding car sickness, there were more than enough.

Owners of small dogs also mentioned this being beneficial to them, as the treats were more manageable in size.

If your dog ends up loving them as much as you do, you can always save by signing up for a recurring subscription.

Waggedy Calming Chews for Dogs

Aside from the ginger, they’re a delicious mix of melatonin, L-Tryptophan, chamomile flowers, and passion flowers. The ginger aids with any nausea, while the melatonin and chamomile flowers in particular help to soothe anxiety.

We have had fantastic experiences with these and favor them for longer journeys, as our dog still becomes quite anxious on a big trip.

The price point on these feels reasonable for their strength and effectiveness. Again, you can save 5% by signing up for a recurring subscription.

K9 Bytes Gingerbread Dog Treats

The reviews of this product say it all: these treats are amazing for dogs suffering from motion sickness! As recommended, they work best when given 30 – 45 minutes prior to car travel.

The only downside for us was that these treats can’t be purchased as a subscription. For the price point and the number of treats included, however, we’re more than willing to overlook this. This is also the largest bag of treats on our list based on weight, making it great value for money.

We also love that they’re handmade in Oregon. Purchasing treats that meet US standards and guidelines is important to us. With such a local production location, we can be sure we know exactly what we’re getting in these K9 bites.

Bake Your Own Ginger Dog Treats!

A bit of a whiz in the kitchen? Why not try baking your own treats? 

My favorite ginger dog treats for motion sickness recipe is this simple forty-minute gingerbread treat. The majority of the ingredients are simple pantry staples, making it easy to whip up on short notice. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, you can even use cookie cutters to shape them like traditional gingerbread men. 

Just make sure you pop them away once they’re finished… or risk another unsuspecting human in the household becoming your first taste tester.

It’s been a long time now since our initial motion sickness incident, and we’ve rarely had a problem since discovering these ginger dog treats. I hope this piece of neighborly wisdom has now been of some help to you, too! 

If you’ve already given ginger a try and think something else might be stopping your dog from hitting the road, why not try one of our other favorite methods for helping a car-sick dog.

Jenni and her dog Bailey take every opportunity to go adventuring together. Now their family of pups has grown to 7. Their favorite places to visit are freshwater lakes and mountains.

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