Ginger and Breast Cancer

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a plant whose rhizome — or underground stem — is used as a spice and medicinal supplement.  

Ginger has traditionally been used to improve digestion and relieve nausea, vomiting, gas, and bloating. It’s also believed to reduce pain and inflammation and protect against cell damage. 

Although studies have shown promising results, research on ginger is still limited.

Key takeaways

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  There’s some evidence that ginger may reduce nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy.

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  Taking ginger supplements has not been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

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  Ginger is safe for most people, but it can slow blood clotting. Those with bleeding disorders or preparing for surgery should not take ginger supplements.

Gingerol is a naturally occurring chemical in ginger root. Other bioactive compounds in ginger include shogaol, zingerone, and paradol. 

You can take ginger as a pill supplement or powder. You can also get smaller amounts of ginger from:

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  ginger tea

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  ginger ale

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  candied ginger

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  adding it to food

Ginger appears to reduce chemo-induced nausea, but the research on ginger’s effects on inflammation and its anti-cancer properties is ongoing.

Nausea and vomiting

A few studies have found that people with cancer who take ginger supplements before or right after chemotherapy have less nausea and vomiting than those who don't take ginger. But others have found no effect of ginger on nausea and vomiting. A 2017 review in a journal of the American Cancer Society suggested that some people may benefit from adding ginger to other anti-nausea medications. Some studies show that ginger has a similar mechanism of action to Zofran, a prescription anti-nausea medication.

“Though more research needs to be done, some people find that ginger capsules, powdered ginger, or ginger-flavored foods and drinks help relieve nausea,” the patient guideline on nausea and vomiting by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) notes. The NCCN is an alliance of the world's leading cancer centers that collaborate on research, guidelines, and education to improve the care of people diagnosed with cancer.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

A 2024 review article found that active compounds in ginger have strong antioxidant properties and the potential to reduce inflammation. Antioxidants protect cells in the body from damage, which can sometimes lead to cancer. Inflammation has also been linked to some cancers.

However, much of the research on ginger’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects has been done on individual cells and in animals, not directly in people. There are limits to what researchers can determine from research in cells and animals, in part because the human body is more complex. Studies in people (clinical trials) allow researchers to directly test if what they see in cells and animals holds true for people.

Anti-cancer properties

Similarly, most research looking into ginger’s anti-cancer effects has focused on studies in cells and animals. A 2024 review concluded that the ginger compound shogaol can trigger cell death and reduce the growth or spread of cancer cells. More studies on humans are needed to see if the same holds true in the human body.

Ginger is generally safe to consume, but always talk to your doctor before incorporating a ginger supplement into your regimen since it does come with some risks. Some people report side effects such as:

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  heartburn 

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  gas

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  diarrhea

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  stomach pain

These side effects are more common with doses larger than 5 grams. Studies have shown that a dose of 0.5 to 1 gram of ginger is most effective for nausea, and doses of up to 4 grams are generally considered safe. 

Ginger may increase the risk of bleeding, so you shouldn’t take it seven days before or after surgery. You should also stay away from ginger supplements if you’re pregnant or have a bleeding disorder. 

Though drug interactions with ginger are not well documented, ginger may interfere with certain medications, like:

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  anticoagulants like warfarin, aspirin, or other blood thinners

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  diabetes medications

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  morphine

There’s no proof that taking ginger supplements can reduce your risk of breast cancer. But, in general, ginger supplements are safe and may help to ease symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Be sure to talk with your doctor before taking ginger supplements.