At a Glance
- Best Overall Nature’s Way Ginger Root 1,100 mg – 1.1 g of whole ginger root per serving, the form and amount used in many nausea trials.Review ↓
- Best Budget Standardized NOW Ginger Root Extract 250 mg – an extract standardized to 5% gingerols plus 225 mg of root powder, at the lowest cost per capsule on our list.Review ↓
- Best Organic Zazzee Organic Ginger Root 20:1 Extract – USDA Organic extract standardized to 5% gingerols in one capsule.Review ↓
- Best Value Extract Nutricost Ginger Root Extract 550 mg – a 4:1 extract equal to 2,200 mg of root, with 240 capsules per bottle.Review ↓
- Best for Morning Sickness Pink Stork Vitamin B6 + Ginger – ginger plus 25 mg of vitamin B6, the two options obstetric guidelines suggest trying first.Review ↓
- Best Softgel NatureBell Ginger Root Extract with MCT Oil – 300 mg of ginger extract in MCT oil softgels.Review ↓
The Short Answer: The best ginger supplements give a clearly labeled amount of ginger root or a standardized extract, in the range used in research: about 1 g of ginger root a day, often split into smaller doses12. Nature’s Way Ginger Root is our top pick: two capsules give 1.1 g of whole root with nothing else added. If you want a standardized extract, NOW Ginger Root Extract gives a measured amount of gingerols at a very low cost.
On this page
- Do You Actually Need a Ginger Supplement?
- Find Your Match
- How Much Ginger Is in Each Product?
- Ginger Supplements Compared
- The 6 Best Ginger Supplements, Reviewed
- Products We Didn’t Recommend
- Evidence Scorecard
- How to Take Ginger for Best Results
- What to Expect and When
- Safety, Side Effects & Drug Interactions
- Food First: Other Ways to Get Ginger
- How to Choose a Ginger Supplement
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
Ginger has the best evidence for nausea in pregnancy and for menstrual cramps, and some evidence for knee osteoarthritis pain1345. It doesn’t seem to help much with motion sickness1.
Ginger labels are hard to compare: some list grams of root, others list milligrams of extract with a ratio (4:1, 10:1, 20:1) or a gingerol percentage. We compared 15 ginger supplements on form, dose, standardization, testing, other ingredients and cost. Every product is ranked by its BFN Score, a relative score within this guide. See our review process for how we score.
Do You Actually Need a Ginger Supplement?
Fresh ginger, ginger tea and ground ginger in food give you the same compounds. A capsule makes sense if you want a steady, measured dose, or if you don’t like the taste.
Ginger supplements make the most sense if you:
- Have nausea in early pregnancy and your obstetric provider agrees. Guidelines list ginger as a non-drug option2.
- Get painful menstrual cramps. Ginger reduced pain scores in trials, often taken for the first 3–4 days of the period5.
- Have mild knee osteoarthritis pain and want to add something to exercise and weight management4.
- Get occasional nausea or indigestion and find ginger helps.
Don’t rely on ginger for motion sickness: most studies haven’t shown a benefit1. It also can’t replace anti-nausea medicine during chemotherapy.
Who Should Skip It or Ask First
- Anyone who is pregnant: ask your obstetric provider about the dose before starting2.
- People taking warfarin or other blood thinners, or with a bleeding disorder.
- People with gallstones or frequent heartburn.
- Anyone with surgery coming up in the next two weeks.
- People taking diabetes medicines, since ginger may slightly lower blood sugar.
Find Your Match
| If you… | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Want ginger in the form used in most trials | Nature’s Way Ginger Root | 1.1 g whole root per serving |
| Want a measured gingerol amount at low cost | NOW Ginger Root Extract | 5% gingerols, flexible 1–3 capsules |
| Want organic | Zazzee Organic Ginger 20:1 | USDA Organic, 5% gingerols |
| Want the most capsules per bottle | Nutricost Ginger Root Extract | 240 capsules, 4:1 extract |
| Have morning sickness | Pink Stork Vitamin B6 + Ginger | Ginger plus vitamin B6 |
| Prefer softgels | NatureBell Ginger with MCT Oil | Oil-based softgel |
| Take a blood thinner | Talk to your doctor first | Ginger may add to bleeding risk |
How Much Ginger Is in Each Product?
| Product | Labeled Serving | Ginger per Serving | Root Equivalent (as labeled) | Gingerols |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nature’s Way | 2 capsules | 1,100 mg root powder | 1,100 mg | Not stated |
| NOW | 1 capsule | 250 mg extract + 225 mg root powder | Not stated | At least 12.5 mg (5%) |
| Zazzee | 1 capsule | 300 mg 20:1 extract | 6,000 mg | 15 mg (5%) |
| Nutricost | 1 capsule | 550 mg 4:1 extract | 2,200 mg | Not stated |
| Pink Stork | 2 capsules | 200 mg 10:1 extract | 2,000 mg | Not stated |
| NatureBell | 2 softgels | 300 mg extract | Not stated | Not stated |
“Root equivalent” is the brand’s own calculation from the extract ratio. It isn’t the same as taking that much whole root, so compare it with caution.
Ginger Supplements Compared
Scroll sideways to see every column →
| # | Product | Form | Dose per Serving | Servings | Purity Testing | Additives | Diet | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nature’s Way | Root powder capsule | 1,100 mg | 120 | Not stated | Clean | Vegan, Non-GMO Project | $$$ |
| 2 | NOW | Standardized extract + powder | 250 mg + 225 mg | 90 | Not stated (brand tests in-house) | Clean | Vegan | $$$ |
| 3 | Zazzee | 20:1 extract, 5% gingerols | 300 mg | 100 | Not stated (brand says lab tested) | Clean | USDA Organic, vegan | $$$ |
| 4 | Nutricost | 4:1 extract | 550 mg | 240 | Not stated | Note: gelatin capsule | Gluten-free, non-GMO | $$$ |
| 5 | Pink Stork | Extract + B6 + peppermint | 200 mg ginger | 30 | Brand says third-party tested | Clean | Vegetarian | $$$ |
| 6 | NatureBell | Extract in MCT softgel | 300 mg | 150 | Brand says third-party tested | Flag: Prop 65 lead warning | Contains coconut; gelatin | $$$ |
The 6 Best Ginger Supplements, Reviewed
#1Best Overall
1. Nature’s Way Ginger Root 1,100 mg
BFN Score9.6/10
$$$Budget120 servings2 capsules per serving
Strongest atPurity & additivesWeakest atQuality & trust
Nature’s Way gives 1.1 g of whole ginger root powder in two capsules, close to the 1 g a day used in many nausea trials, with only a capsule and two flow agents added.
Label Reality Check
- Active ingredient + form
- ginger root powder
- Dose per serving
- 2 capsules (1,100 mg)
- % DV / Upper Limit
- No DV or UL
- Purity testing
- Not stated (Non-GMO Project Verified)
- Other ingredients
- plant-derived capsule (hypromellose), cellulose, silica
- Additives
- Clean
- Allergens & diet
- vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free
Clinical Relevance
Whole ginger root powder in capsules is the form used in many pregnancy nausea and menstrual cramp studies35. Taking it as two separate capsules during the day matches how most trials split the dose.
Strengths
- Studied form and amount
- Very short ingredient list
- 240 capsules per bottle
Limitations
- Gingerol content not stated
- Two capsules per serving
- Can cause heartburn on an empty stomach
Practical Details
Take 2 capsules a day with a full glass of water and food, or 1 capsule twice a day.
Best For / Not For
Best forpeople who want plain ginger root in a measured dose.
Not forpeople who want a standardized gingerol amount.
Buyer Experience
Buyers rate the quality and value highly. Many say it settles the stomach and eases indigestion, and some take it for inflammation.
Side effects are split: a sizable group reports heartburn or reflux, and a few find the capsules large.
vs. NOW Ginger Root Extract
Choose Nature’s Way for whole root in the amount used in trials. Choose NOW for a standardized gingerol amount at a lower cost per capsule.
Nutritionist’s Note
Swallow the capsules with plenty of water; the label warns that ginger can cause a burning feeling in the throat if taken without enough liquid.
Verdict: Plain ginger root in the amount research uses, at a low cost.
#2Best Budget Standardized
2. NOW Ginger Root Extract 250 mg
BFN Score9.5/10
$$$Budget90 servings1 capsule per serving
Strongest atValue & practicalityWeakest atPurity & additives
NOW combines 250 mg of ginger extract standardized to at least 5% gingerols with 225 mg of ginger root powder in each capsule, so you know the minimum gingerol amount.
Label Reality Check
- Active ingredient + form
- ginger root extract (min. 5% gingerols) and ginger root powder
- Dose per serving
- 1 capsule (250 mg extract, 225 mg powder; at least 12.5 mg gingerols)
- % DV / Upper Limit
- No DV or UL
- Purity testing
- Not stated (the brand says it tests in its own labs)
- Other ingredients
- hypromellose capsule, maltodextrin, stearic acid, silicon dioxide
- Additives
- Clean
- Allergens & diet
- vegan
Clinical Relevance
The label lets you take 1 to 3 capsules a day, which covers the 250 mg four times a day that obstetric guidelines describe for pregnancy nausea2. The stated gingerol content makes the dose easier to repeat.
Strengths
- Lowest cost per capsule
- Standardized gingerols
- Flexible dosing
Limitations
- Only 90 capsules
- Adds maltodextrin
- No outside certification
Practical Details
Take 1 capsule 1 to 3 times a day with food.
Best For / Not For
Best forpeople who want a measured, low-cost ginger capsule.
Not forpeople who want a single daily capsule with a large dose.
Buyer Experience
Buyers praise the quality and say it works quickly for nausea and upset stomach, including pregnancy nausea when their doctor approved it. Many call it good value.
Some can smell or taste ginger through the capsule, and a few report acid reflux.
vs. Zazzee Organic Ginger
Choose NOW for a lower cost and flexible dosing. Choose Zazzee for USDA Organic ginger.
Nutritionist’s Note
The label advises talking to your doctor first if you take blood thinners or have gallstones.
Verdict: A low-cost ginger capsule with a stated gingerol amount.
#3Best Organic
3. Zazzee Organic Ginger Root 20:1 Extract
BFN Score9.3/10
$$$Mid-range100 servings1 capsule per serving
Strongest atPurity & additivesWeakest atValue & practicality
Zazzee gives 300 mg of USDA Organic ginger extract standardized to 5% gingerols (15 mg) in one capsule, with organic rice as the only filler.
Label Reality Check
- Active ingredient + form
- organic ginger root 20:1 extract, standardized to 5% gingerols
- Dose per serving
- 1 capsule (300 mg extract; 15 mg gingerols)
- Dose vs. research
- Within studied range; the brand states it equals 6,000 mg of root3
- % DV / Upper Limit
- No DV or UL
- Purity testing
- Not stated (the brand says it is lab tested)
- Other ingredients
- organic pullulan capsule, organic rice powder, organic rice hulls
- Additives
- Clean
- Allergens & diet
- USDA Organic, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO
Clinical Relevance
A standardized extract gives a consistent gingerol amount from bottle to bottle. One capsule supplies more gingerols than a typical 250 mg dose of standardized extract.
Strengths
- USDA Organic
- Standardized gingerols
- One capsule a day
Limitations
- Higher cost per serving than NOW or Nature’s Way
- Only 100 capsules
- No outside certification
Practical Details
Take 1 capsule a day with food.
Best For / Not For
Best forpeople who want organic ginger in one daily capsule.
Not forbudget buyers.
Buyer Experience
The review base is small. Buyers say it helps with stomach upset and like taking just one capsule a day; a few mention less joint stiffness or fewer headaches.
Few complaints so far beyond the price.
vs. NOW Ginger Root Extract
Choose Zazzee for organic ginger in one capsule. Choose NOW for a lower cost.
Nutritionist’s Note
A 20:1 ratio describes how the extract was made; the gingerol percentage is the more useful number for comparing strength.
Verdict: A clean, organic, standardized ginger extract in one capsule.
#4Best Value Extract
4. Nutricost Ginger Root Extract 550 mg
BFN Score8.8/10
$$$Budget240 servings1 capsule per serving
Strongest atValue & practicalityWeakest atEvidence fit
Nutricost gives 550 mg of a 4:1 ginger extract per capsule, which the brand equates to 2,200 mg of root, with 240 capsules in each bottle.
Label Reality Check
- Active ingredient + form
- ginger root 4:1 extract
- Dose per serving
- 1 capsule (550 mg)
- Dose vs. research
- Unclear – the extract isn’t standardized, so it’s hard to compare with trial doses
- % DV / Upper Limit
- No DV or UL
- Purity testing
- Not stated (made in an NSF-registered, GMP facility)
- Other ingredients
- gelatin capsule, corn starch, magnesium stearate, silica
- Additives
- Note – gelatin capsule (not vegetarian)
- Allergens & diet
- gluten-free, non-GMO
Clinical Relevance
A 4:1 extract is more concentrated than root powder, but without a gingerol percentage you can’t tell how strong each batch is.
Strengths
- 240 capsules per bottle
- Low cost per serving
- One capsule a day
Limitations
- Not standardized for gingerols
- Gelatin capsule
- No outside certification
Practical Details
Take 1 capsule a day with food.
Best For / Not For
Best fordaily users who want a large bottle at a low cost.
Not forvegetarians.
Buyer Experience
Most buyers say it helps with nausea and digestion and like the price for a large bottle.
Some got heartburn, a few dislike the corn starch and gelatin, and several find the capsules large.
vs. Nature’s Way Ginger Root
Choose Nutricost for one capsule a day and more capsules per bottle. Choose Nature’s Way for whole root in a vegan capsule.
Nutritionist’s Note
If ginger causes heartburn, take it with your largest meal of the day.
Verdict: A large, low-cost bottle of ginger extract for everyday use.
#5Best for Morning Sickness
5. Pink Stork Vitamin B6 + Ginger
BFN Score8.4/10
$$$Premium30 servings2 capsules per serving
Strongest atPurity & additivesWeakest atValue & practicality
Pink Stork combines 200 mg of a 10:1 ginger extract with 25 mg of vitamin B6, plus peppermint, magnesium and small amounts of electrolytes, for nausea in pregnancy.
Label Reality Check
- Active ingredient + form
- ginger root 10:1 extract, vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5-phosphate), peppermint leaf 10:1 extract, magnesium glycinate, vitamin B12, sodium, potassium
- Dose per serving
- 2 capsules (ginger 200 mg, vitamin B6 25 mg, peppermint 200 mg, magnesium 100 mg)
- Dose vs. research
- Within studied range for both ginger and vitamin B6 in pregnancy nausea2
- % DV / Upper Limit
- vitamin B6 1,471% DV, well below the 100 mg adult upper limit; magnesium 24% DV
- Purity testing
- Brand says third-party tested
- Other ingredients
- hypromellose capsule, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide
- Additives
- Clean
- Allergens & diet
- vegetarian; made without gluten, dairy, peanuts and tree nuts
Clinical Relevance
Obstetric guidelines list both vitamin B6 and ginger as first steps for nausea in pregnancy2. Peppermint may worsen heartburn, which is common in pregnancy.
Strengths
- Ginger and B6 in one product
- Third-party tested
- Clean capsule
Limitations
- Highest cost per serving
- Only 30 servings
- Peppermint may worsen heartburn
Practical Details
Take 2 capsules a day, or as your obstetric provider advises.
Best For / Not For
Best forpeople with morning sickness whose provider approves ginger and B6.
Not forpeople with reflux or anyone already taking a prenatal with high B6.
Buyer Experience
Experiences are mixed. Some buyers say it was the only thing that eased their morning sickness and helped their energy; others say it didn’t help or even made nausea worse.
A few mention an aftertaste, and opinions on value are split.
vs. NOW Ginger Root Extract
Choose Pink Stork for ginger plus B6 in one product. Choose NOW for plain ginger at a fraction of the cost.
Nutritionist’s Note
Add up vitamin B6 from your prenatal vitamin and this product; most pregnancy nausea regimens stay within about 25 mg three or four times a day2.
Verdict: A convenient pregnancy nausea option that pairs the two first-line ingredients.
#6Best Softgel
6. NatureBell Ginger Root Extract with MCT Oil
BFN Score8.2/10
$$$Budget150 servings2 softgels per serving
Strongest atValue & practicalityWeakest atQuality & trust
NatureBell gives 300 mg of ginger extract in MCT oil softgels, with 300 softgels per bottle.
Label Reality Check
- Active ingredient + form
- ginger root extract in MCT oil
- Dose per serving
- 2 softgels (300 mg extract)
- Dose vs. research
- Unclear – extract ratio and gingerol content aren’t stated
- % DV / Upper Limit
- No DV or UL
- Purity testing
- Brand says third-party tested; label carries a California Prop 65 warning for lead
- Other ingredients
- MCT oil (from coconut), softgel (gelatin, glycerin, yellow beeswax, purified water)
- Additives
- Flag – Prop 65 lead warning
- Allergens & diet
- contains tree nuts (coconut); not vegetarian
Clinical Relevance
Gingerols dissolve in oil, so an oil-based softgel is a reasonable form, but no studies show it works better than capsules.
Strengths
- Low cost per serving
- Easy-to-swallow softgels
- 300 softgels per bottle
Limitations
- Prop 65 lead warning
- Extract strength not stated
- Gelatin and coconut
Practical Details
Take 2 softgels a day with a meal.
Best For / Not For
Best forpeople who prefer softgels.
Not forvegetarians, people with coconut allergy, or pregnant people.
Buyer Experience
The review base is small. Buyers find the softgels easy to swallow with no ginger taste or burning, and some say it helps with bloating and digestion.
A few find the softgels fairly large.
vs. Nutricost Ginger Root Extract
Choose NatureBell if you prefer softgels. Choose Nutricost for a capsule without a lead warning.
Nutritionist’s Note
Prop 65 warnings flag exposure above California’s very low limits; they don’t mean the product is unsafe, but pregnant people may prefer another option.
Verdict: A low-cost softgel option, with a lead warning to weigh.
Products We Didn’t Recommend
Supersmart Super Gingerols (20%). A very concentrated extract with little research at this strength, and repeated buyer complaints about empty or leaking capsules and burning in the mouth.
Enzymedica Ginger & Vitamin B6 Gummies. Only 10 mg of ginger extract per serving, with 3 g of added sugar, far below studied amounts.
Toniiq Extra Strength Ginger Extract. Combines ginger with curcumin and black pepper, so you can’t take ginger on its own.
Swanson Full Spectrum Ginger Root. We couldn’t find a current offer.
Herbal Roots Organic Ginger, Himalaya Organic Ginger and SOLARAY Organic Ginger. On the previous version of this page; Zazzee now covers the organic option with a stated gingerol amount.
Turmeric and ginger blends. Useful for some people, but they aren’t ginger supplements and the ginger dose is often small.
Evidence Scorecard
| Use | What it’s studied for | Evidence level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea in pregnancy | Nausea and vomiting | Moderate | Better than placebo; listed in obstetric guidelines23 |
| Menstrual cramps | Pain severity | Moderate | Reduced pain in a meta-analysis5 |
| Knee osteoarthritis | Pain | Limited to moderate | Small benefit; mostly low-quality trials4 |
| Chemotherapy nausea | Added benefit to standard drugs | Unclear | Mixed results1 |
| Motion sickness | Prevention | Not supported | Most studies show no benefit1 |
How to Take Ginger for Best Results
| Step | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Daily amount | About 1 g of root (or 250 mg extract up to 4 times a day) | Matches most trials23 |
| Splitting | 2–4 smaller doses | Reduces heartburn |
| With food | Take with meals and water | Prevents throat and stomach irritation |
| Menstrual cramps | Start on day 1 of your period for 3–4 days | How most trials used it5 |
| Duration | Judge after 1–2 weeks for nausea, 4–12 weeks for joint pain | Matches study timeframes34 |
- Stay under about 4 g a day of ginger from all sources.
- Stop 2 weeks before surgery and tell your surgeon.
- See a doctor if nausea lasts, you can’t keep fluids down, or you lose weight.
What to Expect and When
For nausea, ginger usually works within days if it’s going to help3. Menstrual cramp relief shows up in the same cycle5. Joint pain changes, if any, take several weeks4.
Safety, Side Effects & Drug Interactions
Heartburn, stomach upset, diarrhea, and mouth or throat irritation are the most common side effects1.
| Medication or condition | Possible interaction | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin, other blood thinners | May increase bleeding risk | Ask your doctor first |
| Diabetes medicines | May slightly lower blood sugar | Monitor your levels |
| Gallstones | May increase bile flow | Ask your doctor first |
| Pregnancy | Likely safe at studied doses12 | Ask your obstetric provider about the dose |
| Breastfeeding | Not well studied1 | Ask your doctor |
| Surgery | Bleeding risk | Stop 2 weeks before |
Food First: Other Ways to Get Ginger
| Food | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Fresh ginger root | A teaspoon of grated root gives a few grams |
| Ginger tea | An easy way to sip ginger for nausea |
| Ground ginger | Add to cooking, smoothies or oatmeal |
| Crystallized ginger | Handy for nausea, but high in sugar |
Ginger ale usually contains little or no real ginger.
How to Choose a Ginger Supplement
Root Powder or Extract
Root powder matches most trials. Extracts are more concentrated but vary in strength.
Gingerol Percentage
If you choose an extract, look for a stated gingerol percentage (usually 5%) so you know its strength.
Dose per Day
Aim for about 1 g of root a day, or the equivalent extract amount.
Single Ingredient
Ginger-only products make dosing simple. Blends often hide how much ginger you get.
Capsule Type
Check for gelatin if you’re vegetarian, and for coconut if you have a tree nut allergy.
Label Red Flags
- Ginger listed only as part of a blend without an amount
- Gummies with more sugar than ginger
- Claims to cure arthritis, infections or cancer
- No root amount, extract ratio or gingerol percentage
Important: These supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Results vary by individual. If you have a health condition or take medications, check with your doctor before adding any new supplement to your routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ginger supplement?
Nature’s Way Ginger Root is our top pick for its 1.1 g of whole root per serving. For a standardized extract, choose NOW Ginger Root Extract; for organic, Zazzee.
What is the best ginger supplement for inflammation?
Ginger has small anti-inflammatory effects. For knee osteoarthritis, trials used whole root or standardized extracts at about 500 mg to 1 g a day4. Nature’s Way or Zazzee fit that range.
How much ginger should I take a day?
What does 20% gingerols mean?
It means 20% of the extract’s weight is gingerols. Most products use 5%. Higher strength isn’t better studied.
Are ginger capsules safe in pregnancy?
Can ginger interact with medications?
Yes. Ginger may add to the effect of blood thinners and diabetes medicines. Ask your doctor first if you take either.
Final Verdict
Nature’s Way Ginger Root is the best ginger supplement for most people: the studied amount of whole root in a clean vegan capsule.
On a budget, choose NOW Ginger Root Extract. For organic, choose Zazzee. For morning sickness, ask your provider about Pink Stork Vitamin B6 + Ginger.
Take ginger with food, start with a lower dose, and talk to your doctor if you take blood thinners. For joint support options, see our guide to knee supplements.
Sources & History
References
- Ginger — National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 189: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy — Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2018
- A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effect and Safety of Ginger in the Treatment of Pregnancy-Associated Nausea and Vomiting — Nutrition Journal, 2014
- Efficacy and Safety of Ginger in Osteoarthritis Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials — Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 2015
- Efficacy of Ginger for Alleviating the Symptoms of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials — Pain Medicine, 2015
Update history
- Moved to BFN Score v3: compared 15 ginger labels and ranked six by form, dose against research, gingerol standardization, testing, other ingredients and cost; removed fixed prices; added a ginger-per-serving table, evidence scorecard and safety table; replaced products without stated doses or current offers, and dropped a 20% extract with capsule quality complaints.





