Ginger Chews for Nausea: How They Work & When They’re a Good Option

For busy adults, life is a series of "yes" moments. Yes to the last-minute weekend getaway, yes to the early morning spin class, and yes to the high-stakes presentation. But when nausea strikes—whether from motion sickness, stress, or a sensitive stomach—it threatens to turn your "yes" into a "not today."

Maintaining an active lifestyle requires a wellness toolkit that is as mobile and efficient as you are. While herbal remedies have been used for centuries, the modern professional needs more than just a home remedy. They need a reliable, science-backed format that fits into a busy schedule. Enter the ginger chew. It’s portable, non-medicated, and an effective form of nausea relief.

The Science of the Chew: How Ginger Settles the Stomach

Ginger is more than just a flavor profile in your stir fry or favorite organic green juice. Its power to settle stomach upset is rooted in two primary bioactive compounds—gingerols and shogaols.

When you consume ginger, these compounds interact with the digestive system by:

• Stimulating certain muscle contractions that help move food out of the stomach and into the small intestine more efficiently. This prevents the "heavy" or stuck feeling that often precedes nausea.
• Acting on specific serotonin receptors in the gut that trigger the vomiting reflex and nausea response.
• Calming the digestive lining due to anti-inflammatory properties.¹

Why Form Matters: The Case for Ginger Chews

If you’re juggling a career and a social life, you don't always have time to brew a tea or grate fresh ginger root. In addition, many ginger-flavored snacks or sodas contain very little actual ginger, relying instead on artificial flavorings that do nothing for your discomfort.

Advanced Herbals® Non-Drowsy from the makers of Dramamine® capsules are an excellent choice for proactive planners. These are ideal to take before you head out for the day, providing a concentrated dose of ginger root that works discreetly in the background of a busy commute or long flight.

You could try ginger capsules or supplements containing ginger root extract, but they can take time to absorb and get to work. Plus, swallowing pills with water can feel difficult when you’re already nauseated.

Ginger chews made from real ginger root are convenient and reliable. Advanced Herbals® Ginger Chews from the makers of Dramamine® are specifically formulated to deliver a consistent, clinical dose of ginger. As you chew them, the release of gingerols begins, providing relief. 

Ginger chews offer non-drowsy, non-medicated nausea relief allowing you to stay sharp and present, whether you’re in the boardroom, on the train, or driving your kids to their after-school activities.

When to Reach for a Ginger Chew

Ginger chews aren't the right tool for every situation, but they're the right tool for more situations than many people realize. Following are just some of the situations where ginger chews tend to work particularly well.

Motion sickness

This is ginger's most well-researched use case. Multiple clinical trials have found ginger to be effective at reducing mild-to-moderate nausea associated with motion, including car travel, boat trips, and air travel.² The key is timing—taking a ginger chew before you're in motion or at the very first sign of queasiness. This gives the active compounds time to work before symptoms intensify. 

Morning nausea / pregnancy-related nausea

Ginger is also one of the most studied natural options for pregnancy-related nausea, with a strong safety profile that makes it a preferred first choice for many OBs and midwives.³ Always consult your healthcare provider before using any supplement during pregnancy.

Nausea from stress or anxiety

For many people, stress and anxiety manifest physically as nausea. Ginger's effect on the gut's serotonin receptors may help interrupt this cycle. For the busy professional who notices their stomach clenching before a high-stakes meeting or a difficult conversation, a ginger chew can be a calming, low-intervention tool.

As a proactive, preventive measure

One of ginger's most underappreciated qualities is that it's gentle enough to use before nausea begins or fully sets in. For people who know their triggers—long drives, certain foods, early mornings—taking two ginger chews proactively can help prevent symptoms from arising or getting worse.

When to Consider Something Stronger

Ginger chews for nausea are an excellent first-line, non-medicated option, but they're not a replacement for medication in every scenario. For mild to moderate nausea with a known trigger—travel, morning sickness, stress, or an unsettled stomach—ginger chews are a smart, well-supported starting point that's worth trying.

If you experience severe or persistent nausea, nausea accompanied by vomiting, or symptoms that don't respond to ginger, it may be time to reach for a medicated option or consult your doctor.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or remedy, especially during pregnancy or when treating children.

¹ Nikkhah Bodagh, M., Maleki, I., & Hekmatdoost, A. (2018). Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials. Food Science & Nutrition, 7(1), 96–108. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.807

² Grøntved, A., & Hentzer, E. (1986). Vertigo-reducing effect of ginger root. A controlled clinical study. ORL: Journal for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Its Related Specialties, 48(5), 282–286. https://doi.org/10.1159/000275895 — See also: Lien, H.C., et al. (2003). Effects of ginger on motion sickness and gastric slow-wave dysrhythmias induced by circular vection. American Journal of Physiology—Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, 284(3), G481–G489. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpgi.00164.2002

³ Viljoen, E., et al. (2014). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect and safety of ginger in the treatment of pregnancy-associated nausea and vomiting. Nutrition Journal, 13, 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-13-20