Ginger: Health Benefits and Dietary Recommendations During Cancer Treatment

Author: Dimitra Krissi Thomopoulos

Content Contributor: Allyson Van Horn, MPH

Last Reviewed: October 16, 2024

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What is ginger?

Ginger is an herb that is in the same plant family as turmeric and cardamom. Ginger has been used for many years for things like colds, arthritis, nausea, migraines, and more. We don’t know much about how ginger works in your body, but it is thought to be safe for most people. Talk with your care team before starting or stopping any herbs, vitamins, or medications.

Will ginger help me?

Ginger has been shown to help with many health problems, like stomach and digestive issues. During treatment, you may have nausea. Ginger may help. It may also help with motion sickness, morning sickness, gas, and diarrhea.

Is ginger safe during treatment?

Ginger may be safe to eat during treatment. It is important to talk with your healthcare provider before using ginger during treatment because it may affect medications you are taking.

If your provider tells you that you can add ginger to your diet, you should not eat more than 4 grams (1 tablespoon) of raw ginger per day or 2 teaspoons of powdered ginger per day.

You should try to buy things that are made with real ginger. The safest form to eat is natural ginger root. Although ginger supplements are easy to take, they are not always the best during treatment. The amount of ginger in some supplements may be more than is recommended. These may make you feel worse.

The forms of ginger most dieticians recommend are:

Ginger Form	How to Use	Dietitian Recommendations
Natural Ginger Root (Raw)	Remove skin and cut ginger root to preferred size and add to a stir-fry or soup. Wash thoroughly and eat ginger raw. Try our homemade ginger tea recipe below!	This is the preferred form of ginger. Do not eat more than 4 grams per day (about one tablespoon per day).
Ginger Hard Candies, Chews, or Snap Cookies.	Ginger candies, chews, and cookies can be found in stores or online. Be sure to buy foods that state that they are “made with real ginger."	Read the nutrition label or call your dietitian to make sure you do not go over 4 grams per day.
Powdered Ginger	Powdered (ground) ginger can be used while cooking or to make tea. Since powdered ginger is more concentrated, try not to eat more than 2 teaspoons per day.	Since powdered ginger is more concentrated, try not to eat more than 2 teaspoons per day.

Ginger Tea Recipe

Steep (soak) ginger tea bag in hot or boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes, remove tea bag, and enjoy!

For iced ginger tea:

Steep ginger tea bag in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes, let it cool, and place in the refrigerator overnight. Add honey for sweetness or lemon for tartness.

You may also simmer a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger in 4 cups of water. Steep and drink.

*Note: Most store-bought ginger teas may have more than just ginger, like chamomile or lemongrass. It is best to drink teas that only have natural ginger root to avoid having side effects from the other ingredients.

Since most store-bought teas also have 1 gram or more of ginger per tea bag, you should not have more than 3 to 4 tea bags per day.

If you think ginger may help lessen some of your symptoms, talk with your care team or ask to talk to a registered dietician (RD).