Ginger chews are a popular product that delivers the traditional health benefits of the ginger rhizome in a convenient, chewy format. They typically combine concentrated ginger extract with sweeteners like cane sugar and glucose syrup, along with tapioca starch for texture. The use of ginger, or Zingiber officinale, for medicinal purposes is ancient, documented in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. This portable format allows people to easily access the root’s active compounds for various health applications.
Primary Use for Acute Nausea Relief
The most recognized use for ginger chews is the rapid alleviation of acute nausea and vomiting. Ginger is frequently used to counteract motion sickness and is often recommended for morning sickness associated with early pregnancy. It is also utilized as a complementary approach for managing post-operative or chemotherapy-induced nausea, though this should always be discussed with a medical provider.
The anti-sickness effect is attributed to the root’s main bioactive components: gingerols and shogaols. These compounds act on the gastrointestinal tract by accelerating gastric emptying, moving stomach contents along more efficiently. Gingerols and shogaols may also interact with serotonin (5-HT3) receptors in the gut and central nervous system, which trigger the sensation of sickness. This dual action helps to calm the stomach while reducing the brain’s perception of queasiness.
Supporting General Digestive Health
Beyond combating sudden sickness, ginger chews offer support for general digestive comfort. Many people consume them to relieve common issues such as bloating, excessive gas, and indigestion that follow a large meal. The warmth of the ginger helps settle the stomach by promoting the smooth movement of food through the digestive system.
The compounds in ginger stimulate the production of saliva and the secretion of various digestive juices and enzymes, including pancreatic lipase and trypsin. This improves the overall efficiency of the digestive process, reducing the likelihood of food lingering in the stomach. By enhancing natural motility and encouraging quicker transit time, ginger chews help eliminate the intestinal gases that cause uncomfortable pressure and cramping.
Practical Guide to Consumption
To maximize the effects of ginger chews, timing and dosage are important considerations for the user. For motion sickness, it is most effective to consume one or two chews 20 to 30 minutes before a journey begins, rather than waiting for symptoms. When addressing post-meal indigestion, one chew immediately following a meal is generally sufficient to promote gastric motility.
Typical commercial chews contain a concentrated amount of ginger, often around 10% by weight. A common approach is to consume between 500 milligrams and one gram of ginger extract per day. Since a single chew typically contains several grams of sugar, moderation is advised. A standard approach is one to two chews every two to four hours as needed for acute relief.
Precautions and Contraindications
While ginger chews are generally safe, caution is warranted in specific situations. The most common mild side effects are gastrointestinal, including minor heartburn, gas, or a mild stomach upset, especially when consumed on an empty stomach.
Individuals taking blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin or aspirin, should consult a healthcare provider. Ginger can mildly inhibit platelet aggregation and may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising. Because ginger may lower blood sugar levels, people managing diabetes should monitor their glucose closely. Furthermore, the sugar content of these confectionary products is a factor for those following a restricted diet.