Nausea is a universally unpleasant experience. Whether it is triggered by a turbulent flight, the early stages of pregnancy, or a reaction to medication, the sensation of unease in the stomach can be debilitating. While there are numerous pharmaceutical interventions available, many people seek natural alternatives to avoid drowsiness or other side effects. This is where ginger chews come into play.
Ginger chews are soft, pliable sweets made from ginger root, sugar, and starch. They have gained significant popularity as portable stomach remedies due to their convenience and efficacy. Unlike teas which require hot water, or raw roots which require peeling, ginger chews are ready to consume immediately. In this article, we will explore the science behind ginger’s anti-nausea properties, why the chewy format is particularly effective, and how to incorporate them into your wellness routine safely.
The Science: How Ginger Fights Nausea
To understand why ginger chews work, we must first look at the rhizome itself. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) contains bioactive compounds known as gingerols and shogaols. These compounds are responsible for the root’s pungent aroma and spicy taste, but they also possess significant therapeutic potential.
Research suggests that these compounds accelerate gastric emptying—essentially helping food move from the stomach to the small intestine more quickly. This is crucial because a stagnant stomach is often a primary cause of nausea. Furthermore, gingerol medicinal properties include blocking serotonin receptors in the gut lining that signal the brain to trigger the vomiting reflex.
For a deeper dive into the raw ingredient, you can read our guide on Fresh Ginger: Selection, Storage, and Health Uses. Understanding the source helps in appreciating why the concentrated form in chews is so potent.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), ginger has been safely used for centuries in traditional medicine, and modern studies support its use for various forms of stomach upset.
Ginger Chews vs. Other Forms of Ginger
While ginger chews digestion aid capabilities are well-documented, how do they compare to other forms?
Convenience and Portability
The primary advantage of ginger chews is portability. If you are prone to motion sickness, carrying a bottle of ginger syrup or a jar of pickled ginger isn’t practical. Chews are individually wrapped, making them ginger sweets for travel sickness that fit easily into a pocket or handbag.
The Mechanism of Chewing
The physical act of chewing triggers the production of saliva. Saliva contains digestive enzymes and alkaline bicarbonates that can help neutralise stomach acid. When combined with the spicy kick of ginger, this provides a dual-action relief mechanism.
However, they are high in sugar compared to other methods. If you are watching your sugar intake, you might prefer Soothing Your Stomach with Ginger Root Tea or using extracts. For those interested in concentrates, see Understanding the Uses of Potent Ginger Extract.
Primary Uses for Ginger Chews
1. Motion Sickness and Travel
For many, travel is synonymous with nausea. Whether by car, boat, or plane, the sensory mismatch between what your eyes see and what your inner ear feels causes motion sickness. Ginger chews serve as an effective motion sickness natural cure. They can be taken preventatively before a trip or at the first sign of queasiness. For more on the clinical view of motion sickness, visit the NHS website.
2. Pregnancy and Morning Sickness
Pregnancy morning sickness relief is one of the most common reasons women turn to ginger. It is estimated that up to 80% of pregnant women experience nausea. Ginger chews offer a way to get a controlled dose of ginger without the strong smell of cooking, which can sometimes trigger a gag reflex in sensitive individuals.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, ginger is considered a safe non-drug option for managing morning sickness, though it is always advisable to consult a midwife or GP.
3. Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea
Chemotherapy-induced nausea management is a major challenge for cancer patients. While powerful anti-emetic drugs are standard, many patients find complementary relief in ginger chews to manage breakthrough nausea. The strong flavour can also help cut through the metallic taste often associated with treatment. Cancer Research UK notes that some patients find ginger helpful in reducing the severity of sickness phases.
4. Digestive Aid After Meals
Feeling overly full or bloated after a heavy meal is uncomfortable. Using ginger chews digestion aid properties can stimulate digestion and reduce bloating. This is similar to the tradition of drinking ginger shots, which we discuss in Are Ginger Shots Actually Good for Your Immunity?.
Variations and Dietary Considerations
Not all ginger chews are created equal. The market has expanded to include various flavours and formulations.
- Spicy Ginger Candy Benefits: Some brands embrace the heat, offering extra-strength chews. The capsaicin-like heat can trigger endorphins, which act as a natural pain reliever.
- Gluten-Free Ginger Snacks: Most pure ginger chews are naturally gluten-free, making them safe for coeliacs, but always check the label for cross-contamination.
- Exotic Blends: You may find chews blended with mango, peanut, or even blue ginger. For more on rare varieties, check out Blue Ginger: Identification and Health Benefits.
If you prefer making things from scratch to control ingredients, you might explore crystallized ginger alternatives or try making your own confections. See our guide on Candied Ginger: Sweet Treat or Health Remedy? for a comparison of textures.
Dosage: How Much is Too Much?
While natural, ginger is potent. Determining the right ginger dosage for nausea is important. Most clinical studies suggest a limit of 1,000 mg to 1,500 mg of ginger per day for pregnant women, and up to 4,000 mg for general adults. A single ginger chew usually contains a fraction of this, but they are high in sugar.
Potential side effects of consuming too much ginger include heartburn, diarrhoea, and mouth irritation. If you have a sensitive stomach, moderation is key. Information on safety can be verified through PubMed studies regarding herbal toxicity.
Nutritional Profile
When evaluating ginger chews nutritional content, remember they are primarily a treat. They largely consist of cane sugar, tapioca starch, and ginger. They are not a significant source of vitamins or minerals, unlike The Nutritional Benefits of Pickled Ginger, which is often fermented and served with savoury dishes.
However, for post-operative nausea reduction, the caloric content can actually be beneficial for patients struggling to keep food down, providing a small burst of energy (glucose) alongside the anti-nausea effect. See Mayo Clinic’s guidance for comprehensive nausea management strategies.
Practical Tips for Using Ginger Chews
- Hydrate: Ginger can be warming and slightly dehydrating. Drink water alongside your chews. If you struggle with plain water, try Ginger Syrup Recipes for Drinks and Desserts to make a hydration-friendly cordial.
- Combine Methods: For severe nausea, combine a chew with acupressure wristbands.
- Cooking Substitution: In a pinch, you can melt a ginger chew into hot water to create a makeshift tea, or use it as a sweetener in sauces, similar to How to Use Ginger Paste in Your Daily Cooking.
- Dental Health: Being sticky and sugary, they can adhere to teeth. Rinse your mouth with water after consuming.
Natural Alternatives to Commercial Chews
If you find commercial chews too sweet or too spicy, you can make natural anti-nausea lozenges at home using honey and ginger juice. Learning How to Make Ginger Juice for Better Digestion is a great skill for creating a base for these remedies.
Additionally, for those who find the texture of chews difficult (such as those with dental work), liquid forms are superior. However, for the busy traveller, nothing beats the packet in your pocket.
For general wellness information regarding herbal supplements, WebMD provides an excellent overview of interactions and contraindications.
The Bottom Line
Ginger chews are more than just a sweet treat; they are a scientifically supported, portable stomach remedy that harnesses the ancient power of the ginger root. Whether you are looking for pregnancy morning sickness relief, a motion sickness natural cure, or simply a ginger chews digestion aid after a heavy Sunday roast, they are a versatile addition to your medicine cabinet.
Always ensure you are buying high-quality chews with real ginger listed as a primary ingredient. While not a replacement for medical treatment in severe conditions, they bridge the gap between food and medicine effectively. For further reading on digestive health, Medical News Today offers extensive resources on the benefits of ginger in the diet.
By keeping a handful of these spicy sweets nearby, you can navigate the ups and downs of daily life—and travel—with a much calmer stomach.
