Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials

Ernst et al., 2000 | Br J Anaesth | Systematic Review

Citation

Ernst E, Pittler M H. Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Br J Anaesth. 2000-Mar;84(3):367-71

Abstract

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is often advocated as beneficial for nausea and vomiting. Whether the herb is truly efficacious for this condition is, however, still a matter of debate. We have performed a systematic review of the evidence from randomized controlled trials for or against the efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting. Six studies met all inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Three on postoperative nausea and vomiting were identified and two of these suggested that ginger was superior to placebo and equally effective as metoclopramide. The pooled absolute risk reduction for the incidence of postoperative nausea, however, indicated a non-significant difference between the ginger and placebo groups for ginger 1 g taken before operation (absolute risk reduction 0.052 (95% confidence interval -0.082 to 0.186)). One study was found for each of the following conditions: seasickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy-induced nausea. These studies collectively favoured ginger over placebo.

Key Findings

These studies collectively favoured ginger over placebo.

Outcomes Measured

Requires manual extraction

Population

Field	Value
Population	See abstract
Sample Size	See abstract
Age Range	See abstract
Condition	See abstract

MeSH Terms

Double-Blind Method
Female
Zingiber officinale
Humans
Nausea
Plants, Medicinal
Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Vomiting

Evidence Classification

Level: Systematic Review
Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
Vertical: ginger

Provenance

PMID: 10793599
DOI: (not available)
PMCID: Not in PMC
Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09