Educational reference — not medical advice. Talk to a clinician before changing what you take.Read more.

Remedy · herb

Ginger

Also: Zingiber officinale

A common kitchen root with modest evidence for osteoarthritis pain.

Active compounds Gingerols & shogaols

Evidence by condition

Each grade reflects the research for Ginger and that condition specifically.

B
Knee osteoarthritis
Modestly reduces OA pain and disability vs placebo, though some people stop because of GI upset.
2 citation s
- Efficacy and safety of ginger in osteoarthritis patients: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials
  Meta-analysis 2015 · n=593 · Osteoarthritis and Cartilage · PMID 25300574 · DOI 10.1016/j.joca.2014.09.024
- Ginger
  NCCIH · accessed 2026-06-21

What researchers studied

These describe how the remedy was used in studies — not a dose or a recommendation.

Form studied: standardized ginger extract or powder
Amounts in trials: 500–1,000 mg/day in trials

Safety

Caution in pregnancy

Interactions: anticoagulants at high doses
Side effects: heartburn
mouth/throat irritation
GI upset

Safety data is not exhaustive. Always check with a clinician or pharmacist before combining remedies or medications.

Tradition vs. evidence

Traditional use is context, not proof. Here is what older systems claim, and how modern research treats it.

AyurvedaEvidence aligns
'Maha-aushadhi' — the great medicine — used for pain, inflammation and digestion.
Traditional Chinese MedicineEvidence aligns
Warms and moves; used for painful, cold patterns.