Researchers have linked ginger’s efficacy in treating NVP to its ability to either prevent or to help expel gas. Ginger uses gastric effects to increase rhythmical passage of food down the digestive tract, called peristalsis. Unlike medications, ginger does not act on the central nervous system. Instead, it only acts on the digestive tract and thus avoids the complications associated with stimulating the nervous system. Chemical compounds called [6]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol are thought to give ginger its anti-nausea properties.