Ginger Gum for Gastritis and Severe Nausea
Yes, ginger gum is safe and effective for patients with gastritis and severe nausea, with evidence showing gastroprotective effects and significant nausea reduction at divided daily doses of 1500 mg. 1, 2
Evidence for Efficacy in Nausea
- Ginger has demonstrated significant reduction in nausea across multiple clinical settings, with divided lower daily dosages of 1500 mg showing benefit for nausea relief 1
- In children with acute gastroenteritis and vomiting, ginger reduced vomiting episodes by 20% compared to placebo (absolute risk reduction -20%, 95% CI -33% to -7%, P = 0.003), with a number needed to treat of 5 3
- Ginger works through 5-HT3 receptor antagonism, the same mechanism as prescription antiemetics like ondansetron, providing a clinically relevant mechanism for its anti-nausea effects 4
Gastroprotective Benefits Specific to Gastritis
- Ginger has been shown to possess gastroprotective effects and is effective in preventing gastric ulcers induced by NSAIDs, ethanol, stress, and H. pylori in preclinical studies 2
- The rhizome has validated ethnomedicinal uses for treating gastric ailments including gastritis, dyspepsia, bloating, gastric ulcerations, and epigastric discomfort 2
- Ginger's free radical scavenging, antioxidant properties, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation contribute to its gastroprotective effects 2
Positioning in Treatment Algorithm
- Ginger should be tried before advancing to prescription medications such as H1-receptor antagonists, metoclopramide, or ondansetron 5
- For gastritis-related nausea, ginger can be used concurrently with standard acid-suppressive therapy (PPIs or H2 blockers), which remain first-line for gastritis itself 6
Important Caveats and Contraindications
- Patients taking anticoagulants like Eliquis (apixaban) or warfarin should avoid ginger supplements due to increased bleeding risk from additive antiplatelet effects 7
- Ginger contains constituents that inhibit platelet aggregation in vitro, and the Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement recommends holding ginger supplements for 2 weeks before surgery 7
- If patients are on anticoagulants and using ginger, monitor for signs of increased bleeding including unusual bruising, petechiae, prolonged bleeding from cuts, nosebleeds, or gum bleeding 7
Practical Dosing Recommendations
- Use divided doses totaling approximately 1500 mg daily for optimal nausea relief 1
- Ginger gum provides a convenient delivery method that may be better tolerated than capsules in patients with active nausea 1
When to Escalate Treatment
- Patients with severe symptoms requiring more aggressive management need IV fluids and prescription antiemetics rather than relying solely on ginger 5
- If nausea persists despite ginger therapy, advance to dopamine receptor antagonists or 5-HT3 antagonists as appropriate for gastritis-associated nausea 6