Does ginger ale help with nausea? Know all about it here

Ginger ale may not help with nausea. (Image via Unsplash/Dollar Gill)

'Does ginger ale help with nausea?' - if you want an answer to this question, you have come to the right place. Here, we will discuss why this remedy became popular and whether or not it's actually effective.

There are a variety of causes for nausea, none of which are ever convenient or pleasurable to experience. Using ginger ale for nausea has long been recommended as one of the best home remedies. You might be wondering if ginger ale helps with nausea, despite the fact that it has been marketed for a long time as a home treatment for nausea or an upset stomach.

In this article, we will address the question of whether or not drinking ginger ale can soothe an upset stomach, as well as the potential drawbacks associated with doing so.


Does ginger ale help with nausea?

Ginger ale is considered a go-to home remedy for nausea, but does ginger ale help with nausea? (Image via Unsplash/Bluebird Provisions)
Ginger ale is considered a go-to home remedy for nausea, but does ginger ale help with nausea? (Image via Unsplash/Bluebird Provisions)

Natural remedies to relieve nausea have been used since ages. Ginger ale has become a common home remedy that's said to relieve nausea and upset stomach. However, is ginger ale good for upset stomach? Does ginger ale help with nausea? Read on to find out more.

Carbonated water, sugar and ginger flavor are the standard ingredients in commercially marketed ginger ale. It's just soda, despite the fancy label.

You can get it in standard, dry (which has a spicier flavor) or diet form. Ginger ale made in a traditional, artisanal manner will be naturally carbonated using a "mother culture" of bacteria and yeast. More ginger root and cane sugar may also be present in this variety.

However, regular ginger ale contains only a trace amount of ginger root. As ginger root is the only ingredient in it that has a chance of calming the stomach, this is crucial information.

Nevertheless, ginger root has a well-documented history of alleviating nausea and vomiting due to many causes. Many chemicals, including shogaols and gingerols, contribute to its anti-nausea effect. Hence, the myth around 'does ginger ale help with nausea' may have taken root.


What to drink instead of ginger ale to relieve nausea?

Does ginger ale help with nausea? (Image via Pexels/Pixabay)
Does ginger ale help with nausea? (Image via Pexels/Pixabay)

Ginger ale isn't the only anti-nausea remedy available. Herbal teas and ginger candies/chews may also be helpful.

The subsequent herb infusions and teas have been linked to relieving nausea, as found in studies. It's important to note that most of these studies use alternative forms of these herbs, like capsules or oils, so drinking them as teas may not have the same effect.

  • ginger-lemon tea
  • peppermint tea
  • chamomile tea

They may work better hot or cold, so experiment and discover which you prefer. If you want to add some sweetness, try using honey or agave. If you find that having something cold helps, you can even try freezing brewed tea and eating it like ice pops.

Ginger contains compounds like gingerols and shogaols that aid in relieving nausea (Image via Unsplash/Donghun Shin)
Ginger contains compounds like gingerols and shogaols that aid in relieving nausea (Image via Unsplash/Donghun Shin)

Acupressure bracelets, which apply pressure to the Pericardium 6 (P6) point on the inner side of the wrist and are said to alleviate nausea and vomiting, are another option. Some research suggests this approach may be helpful.

If you're feeling extremely queasy or like you might throw up, try taking a deep breath and holding it for three seconds. The process should be repeated several times. Meditation is another option to consider.

If your nausea is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, it's extremely important to drink plenty of water. Electrolytes lost in sweat must be replaced with fluids like coconut water or broth.

Talk to your doctor about anti-emetic (vomit-suppressing) medications if your nausea is persistent, has a recognized cause (such as chemotherapy or pregnancy), and is causing you to lose weight despite your best efforts to eat.


Downsides of drinking ginger ale

Does ginger ale help with nausea (Image via Pexels/Cottonbro Studio)
Does ginger ale help with nausea (Image via Pexels/Cottonbro Studio)

If you're still wondering 'does ginger ale help with nausea', read about the following potential downsides of drinking ginger ale that will help you make up your mind.

Ginger ale is just ginger-flavored sugar water; while it may taste good, it won't help your nausea much. In fact, carbonation in the drink can exacerbate your nausea, rather than make it better. Carbonated drinks cause abdominal distention and discomfort by adding gas to the digestive tract.

Hence, it's best to avoid carbonated drinks like ginger ale as a remedy for nausea. If you feel like ginger helps relieve your nausea, you should instead go for ginger tea or ginger lemonade. You can also try these effective home remedies for nausea instead.


In conclusion, the definitive answer to 'does ginger ale help with nausea' is a resounding no. However, you can drink other homemade concoctions that contain unadulterated ginger, and these drinks may be helpful in relieving nausea.