Surprising Mental Health Benefits of Ginger

Last updated July 5, 2023.
Edited and medically reviewed by Patrick Alban, DC. Written by Deane Alban.

Ginger benefits brain aging and inflammation, memory, attention, anxiety, depression, and more. Learn how to best use ginger as a food or supplement.

How Ginger Works: An Overview

Science is now beginning to understand how ginger works as a natural remedy.

So far, more than 400 bioactive compounds have been identified in ginger. 

At least 50 of these are antioxidants. 

Ginger’s anti-inflammatory effects on the brain are attributed mainly to two unique compounds, 10-gingerol and 6-shogaol. 

Ginger increases blood flow to the brain. 

Adequate blood flow is vital because blood delivers nutrients to the brain and removes metabolic waste, toxins, and other debris.

Ginger can increase levels of neurotransmitters, chemicals that brain cells use to communicate with one another.

And finally, ginger, like the Indian spice turmeric, contains the compound curcumin.

Curcumin is naturally anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal. 

1. Ginger Protects the Brain From Damage

Ginger is rich in antioxidants that protect the brain from free radical damage.

Free radicals are unattached oxygen molecules that are a natural byproduct of metabolism.

" So far, more than 400 bioactive compounds have been identified in ginger. At least 50 of these are antioxidants. 

But overproduction of free radicals leads to inflammation and premature cell aging, and can even damage cell DNA.

The brain is particularly susceptible to free radical (oxidative) damage because it uses a lot of oxygen.

The antioxidants in ginger also defend the brain against further damage and improve memory loss after a stroke. 

In addition, ginger shields glial cells in the brain from damage. 

These specialized brain cells help preserve neurons and remove the metabolic debris and toxins in the brain that contribute to Alzheimer’s.

It’s also in charge of your pleasure-reward system.

Additionally, ginger can help depression due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Inflammation is now gaining scientific acceptance as a root cause of depression.

3. Ginger Helps Improve Memory and Attention

Ginger has traditionally been used to treat memory loss and dementia. 

Now, research shows that it enhances a wide variety of other cognitive functions besides memory.

When healthy adults were given dried ginger supplements, they showed improvements in working memory, reaction time, and attention. 

Ginger may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. 

Bioactive compounds found in ginger increase the activity of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in learning and memory. 

The most commonly prescribed Alzheimer’s drugs are based on a similar mechanism.

These cholinesterase inhibitors work by blocking an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine.

4. Ginger Can Protect Against “Diabetes of the Brain”

Ginger should be a welcome addition to the diet and supplement regimen of anyone with diabetes.

It can help with blood sugar control for those with type 2 diabetes. 

Antioxidants found in ginger, known as gingerols, enhance insulin sensitivity and can help prevent diabetic complications, many of which are neurological. 

Controlling blood sugar levels is very important for long-term brain health in everyone, especially those with diabetes.

It’s now suspected that Alzheimer’s disease is a type of diabetes that occurs when brain cells become insulin-resistant and are unable to take up blood glucose, the brain’s main energy source. 

5. Ginger Combats Adrenal Fatigue

The HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) is a complex network of interactions between the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands that control the stress response.

These adaptogenic herbs increase energy and resilience to stress by strengthening the adrenal glands and modulating the levels of stress hormones.

6. Ginger Provides an Antidote to Neurotoxic Glutamate

Glutamate is an important neurotransmitter but, in excess, becomes neurotoxic and can even cause brain cells to die.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a ubiquitous food additive that can spike glutamate to unhealthy levels. 

MSG is responsible for a cluster of symptoms known as MSG symptom complex. 

MSG is common in processed, salty foods including salty snacks, soy vegetable protein, canned soups, and ramen noodles, but it is most associated with Asian restaurant food. 

Ginger is generously used in Asian cuisine.

This is fortuitous since ginger shields the brain from the neurotoxic effects of MSG. 

If you are sensitive to MSG, take supplemental ginger when you start to feel the side effects of MSG.

7. Ginger Reduces the Pain of Migraine Headaches

Ginger effectively reduces the pain of migraine headaches.

Its therapeutic effects compare favorably to the commonly prescribed migraine drug sumatriptan (Imitrex) which works by narrowing blood vessels to the brain. 

But sumatriptan is not appropriate for everyone, has numerous side effects, and should not be mixed with SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants.

Or you can buy one of the many ginger products available.

Ginger People, a top brand of ginger products, offers a full line of ginger products — jars of minced or grated ginger, ginger juice, pickled ginger, dried ginger, and ginger candies.

You can buy ginger supplements in the form of capsules, loose powder, crystals, essential oils, extracts, and tinctures.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to use ginger therapeutically.

Traditional Anti-Anxiety Ginger Root Elixir

A traditional Indian elixir made with ginger is thought to balance an overactive mind.

By increasing energy to the digestive system, it draws excess energy away from the brain.

You can make this traditional anti-anxiety ginger tonic by combining 1 teaspoon minced ginger root with 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon honey.

Take this tonic by the spoonful 3 times per day.

Antidepressant Duo: Ginger and Magnolia Bark

Magnolia bark extract (Magnolia officinalis) is a traditional Chinese herb used to treat depression and anxiety.

When taken together, ginger enhances magnolia bark’s antidepressant properties. 

Ginger Tea: For Caffeine-Free Energy

It’s reported that ginger tea can elevate mood and banish negative feelings and that even a whiff of ginger can lift your spirits.

By increasing blood flow to the brain and modulating blood sugar levels, ginger tea can help keep energy levels up during the day.

World-famous biohacker Tim Ferriss, author of The 4-Hour Workweek, claims that he has personally tried just about everything to boost his mental performance, including most nootropics, smart drugs, and even psychedelics.

He now starts the morning with a brew of ginger and turmeric added to yerba mate or to pu-erh, a prized aged tea — a combination he calls “rocket fuel for the brain.”

He prefers this to coffee since he experiences no caffeine crashes. 

When consumed as a food, ginger is considered very safe with very few side effects.

Sometimes dried ginger can cause gas, bloating, heartburn, or nausea, but these side effects are rare.

Note: Supplemental ginger is not always safe.

While ginger has been shown to reduce morning sickness, it’s advised that you talk to your doctor before taking ginger supplements if you are pregnant. 

According to Drugs.com, supplemental ginger should not be mixed with over 60 drugs. 

Some of these are blood thinners since ginger has some blood-thinning properties. 

If you take medications for diabetes or high blood pressure, discuss taking supplemental ginger with your doctor since it may require adjustments to your medication.

In the meantime, you can check for interactions between ginger and any medications you are taking by using one of these online interaction checkers.