Is it safe to take ginger supplements while on naproxen, or does ginger increase the risk of bleeding or stomach irritation?

Ginger supplements can potentially increase bleeding risk when taken with naproxen (an NSAID), and caution is generally advised. Ginger has antiplatelet effects that may slow blood clotting, and naproxen already carries a known risk of stomach bleeding and irritation; using them together may raise that risk, especially in people with additional risk factors. ^[1] Naproxen products include warnings about severe stomach bleeding risk, which is higher in older adults, those with prior ulcers or bleeding problems, those taking blood thinners or steroids, those using multiple NSAIDs, heavy alcohol users, or those using higher doses for longer than directed. ^[2]

Why bleeding risk may increase

• Ginger can inhibit platelet aggregation (platelets help blood to clot), and case reports describe bleeding events when ginger was combined with blood‑thinning medicines. ^[3]
• Guidance for ginger use advises avoiding ginger supplements with NSAIDs (like naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac) because the combination may increase bleeding risk. ^{[1] [4]}
• NSAIDs on their own increase gastrointestinal bleeding risk; adding a substance with blood-thinning properties may have an additive effect. ^[2]

What official and clinical sources say

• Consumer‑facing clinical guidance lists NSAIDs among drugs where ginger supplements should not be taken due to increased bleeding risk. ^[1]
• Summaries of interactions note ginger may increase bleeding risk when used with NSAIDs such as diclofenac or ibuprofen, by inhibiting thromboxane and platelet function. ^{[3] [4]}
• Over‑the‑counter naproxen labels warn of severe stomach bleeding risk and identify key risk factors (age ≥60, prior ulcers/bleeding, anticoagulants or steroids, multiple NSAIDs, ≥3 alcoholic drinks/day, higher or longer dosing). ^{[2] [5]}

Stomach irritation considerations

• Naproxen can irritate the stomach lining and lower protective prostaglandins, which increases the chance of gastritis and ulcers. ^[2]
• Ginger is generally associated with mild gastrointestinal side effects (e.g., heartburn), and some small clinical studies suggest ginger may be gentler on the stomach compared with certain NSAIDs; however, these findings do not override the established bleeding cautions, especially when combined with NSAIDs. ^{[6] [7]}

Practical guidance

• It would be prudent to avoid ginger supplements while taking naproxen, particularly if you have a history of ulcers or GI bleeding, are over 60, use alcohol regularly, or take anticoagulants, antiplatelets, or steroids. ^{[1] [2]}
• If you still consider ginger, discuss it with your clinician and use the lowest effective naproxen dose for the shortest time, and avoid multiple NSAIDs. ^[2]
• Watch for warning signs of bleeding such as black/tarry stools, blood in vomit, unusual bruising, nosebleeds, or prolonged bleeding from minor cuts; stop the supplement and seek medical care if these occur. ^[2]
• Consider alternatives for nausea or anti‑inflammatory support that do not affect platelets, or use dietary ginger in small amounts (e.g., culinary use) rather than concentrated supplements, as supplements deliver higher doses that are more likely to affect clotting. ^[1]

Who should be especially careful

• Older adults (≥60 years). ^[2]
• Anyone with prior peptic ulcer or GI bleeding. ^[2]
• People on blood thinners (warfarin, DOACs) or antiplatelets. ^[1]
• Those taking steroids or multiple NSAIDs. ^[2]
• Heavy alcohol users (≥3 drinks/day). ^[2]

Bottom line

Based on available guidance, ginger supplements may increase bleeding risk when combined with naproxen, and many experts recommend avoiding this combination, particularly in individuals with any bleeding or gastrointestinal risk factors. ^{[1] [4]} Using naproxen alone already carries a stomach bleeding warning, so adding ginger especially in supplement form could further heighten that risk. ^[2]