Evidence supporting the use of: Ginger
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been used in traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, for centuries to treat symptoms of colds and respiratory infections. Modern scientific research provides some support for its use as an antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent, though the evidence is still limited and mostly preclinical. Several in vitro studies have shown that fresh ginger can inhibit the attachment and internalization of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) to human respiratory tract cells. Additionally, ginger contains bioactive compounds such as gingerols and shogaols, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help alleviate symptoms associated with respiratory infections. However, direct clinical trials evaluating ginger's effectiveness in treating or preventing common colds in humans are scarce.
While ginger is generally considered safe and is widely consumed for its pleasant taste and perceived health benefits, its role in specifically combating cold viruses is not strongly established by large-scale human studies. Most of the supportive evidence is derived from laboratory experiments or animal models, which means that its efficacy in humans remains uncertain. Therefore, while the traditional use of ginger for colds is well documented, the scientific validation is still emerging and currently limited, justifying a moderate evidence rating.
Other ingredients used for Colds (antiviral)
allspicealoe vera
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
waterhyssop
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
bilberry
bisabolol
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
blueberry
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
catechins
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
honeysuckle
knotweed
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lemon
licorice root
luteolin
mastic gum
monolaurin
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
wasabia japonica
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
hyssop
papaya
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
commiphora
buckthorn
pau d'arco
morus
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
morinda
oriental arborvitae
zanthoxylum
fulvic acid
goji berry
indigo leaves
soursop
Ash
Agastache
Autumn elaeagnus
Alpha-terpineol
Apigenin
Allicin
Anamu
AHCC
Andrographolide
Amentoflavone
Asam gelugor
Acacetin
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Atractylone
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bee hive
Basidiomycota
berry
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriolus mushroom
Carrageenan
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Chondrus
Deoxyandrographolides
David's Milkberry
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Goldthread
Garlic
Galangal
Sandalwood
Other health conditions supported by ginger
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Adenitis
Afterbirth Pain
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Amenorrhea
Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Athlete's Foot
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Belching
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Bunions
Bursitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cellulite
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chest Pain
Chicken Pox
Chills
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Hands and Feet
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Corns
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (leg)
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Crohn's Disease
Cystic Breast Disease
Cysts
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
Denture Sores
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Diphtheria
Dizziness
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Emphysema
Endometriosis
Enteritis
Epstein Barr Virus
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Foot Odor
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Gout
Halitosis
Headache (cluster)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Hiatal Hernia
Hiccups
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Influenza
Injuries
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Laryngitis
Leprosy
Leukemia
Liver Detoxification
Lupus
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Ménière’s Disease
Malaria
Mastitis
Measles
Melanoma
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Mononucleosis
Morning Sickness
Motion Sickness
Mumps
Nausea and Vomiting
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Nursing
Ovarian Pain
Overacidity
Pain (general remedies for)
Parasites (general)
Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Perspiration (excessive)
Perspiration (deficient)
Pertussis
Pleurisy
PMS Type P
Pneumonia
Poisoning (food)
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Protein Digestion (poor)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sweat Baths (herbs for)
Products containing ginger
Nature's Sunshine CleanStart Mild
Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas Formula (With Lobelia)
Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas TCM
Nature's Sunshine Artemisia Combination
Nature's Sunshine Bronchial Formula (Ayurvedic)
Nature's Sunshine Bowel Detox
Nature's Sunshine Breathe Activator TCM (formerly Breathe E-Z)
Nature's Sunshine Chinese TCM Positive Pack
Nature's Sunshine Chinese TCM Negative Pack
Nature's Sunshine CLT-X
Nature's Sunshine Dieter's Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine Enviro-Detox
Nature's Sunshine FCS II (With Lobelia)
Nature's Sunshine Female Comfort
Nature's Sunshine Gall Bladder Formula
Nature's Sunshine GC-X
Nature's Sunshine Gentle Move
Nature's Sunshine Ginger
Nature's Sunshine Hepatic System
Nature's Sunshine Hi Lipase
Nature's Sunshine JP-X
Nature's Sunshine Kidney Activator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Kidney Activator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Lactase Plus
Nature's Sunshine LB Extract
Nature's Sunshine Lower Bowel Stimulator (Formerly LBS II)
Nature's Sunshine LBS II
Nature's Sunshine Liquid Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine Liver Balance TCM
Nature's Sunshine MetaboMax Free
Nature's Sunshine MetaboMax Plus
Nature's Sunshine Mineral-Chi Tonic (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Mood Elevator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Mood Elevator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Nerve Eight
Nature's Sunshine Nervous System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine P-X
Nature's Sunshine Para-Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine Power Meal
Nature's Sunshine Power Meal
Nature's Sunshine Proactazyme®
Nature's Sunshine PS II
Nature's Sunshine Respiratory System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Senna Combination
Nature's Sunshine Spleen Activator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Spleen Activator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Stomach Comfort (Chewable)
Nature's Sunshine Stress Relief
Nature's Sunshine Stress Relief TCM
Nature's Sunshine Tiao He Cleanse
