Ginger

The root of this herbaceous plant is used. It contains oleoresin with essential oil (containing sesquiterpene hydrocarbons) and pungent substances (gingerols and shogaols). Attributed properties: digestive, carminative, antiemetic, and anti-inflammatory. German Ministry of Health Commission E indications: motion sickness, vomiting (pregnancy, post-surgery), anorexia, dyspepsia.

As of the last update, we found no published data on its excretion in breast milk.

No clinical or growth problems were observed in several infants whose mothers took ginger for one to three months while breastfeeding. ^{(Bumrungpert 2018, Deshpande 2017)}

Ginger is widely used in many countries as a spice and as a medicinal herb ^{(O’Hara 1998)}. In some cultures, its consumption increases during pregnancy ^{(Ozgoli 2009, Boone 2005, Westfall 2004)} or breastfeeding, with no reported complications. ^{(Nordeng 2004, Chen 2013, Kennedy 2013)}

It is considered a galactagogue in many cultures ^{(Raven 2007, Lamxay 2011, Sim 2103}). A study with few participants observed an increase in milk production during the first 6 days postpartum but not thereafter; there were no changes in prolactin concentration ^{(Paritakul 2016)}. Other studies show an increase in milk production when mothers consume ginger. ^{(Jirasinlapasat 2025, Tahiru 2025, Krungkraipetch 2023, Dilokthornsakul 2021, Bumrungpert 2018)}

Many of these results cannot be considered conclusive due to methodological issues in the studies (Foong 2020); there is a mixture of various herbs used ^{(Tahiru 2025, Krungkraipetch 2023, Dilokthornsakul 2021, Bumrungpert 2018)}, or there are no differences in infants’ weight gain. ^{(Krungkraipetch 2023)}

Ginger taken as a galactagogue may cause adverse reactions such as weight gain, headache, dry mouth, and nausea. ^{(McBride 2021)}

In some cultures, it is believed to decrease milk production. ^{(Eid 2020)}. One mother reported to us in 2022 that 4 days after adding ginger (amount unspecified) to her diet, she stopped producing milk.  

The best galactagogue is frequent on-demand breastfeeding using proper technique. ^{(ABM Protocol #9 2018 & 2011)}

Topical application of ginger—alone or in combination with camphor, turmeric, or other plants—in the form of breast compresses has been used to relieve pain from postpartum breast engorgement ^{(Monazzami 2021, Ketsuwan 2018)}. The results cannot be considered conclusive due to methodological issues in the studies. ^{(Zakarija 2020)}

Given its widespread use and the lack of reported significant adverse effects ^{(Borrelli 2005, Boone 2005)}, moderate consumption can be considered compatible with breastfeeding ^{(The Royal 2013, Dennehy 2011}). Excessive consumption may cause coagulation problems (bleeding) and heartburn.