Ginger Tea Benefits: Nutrition, Uses, How to Make It & Side Effects

Ginger tea benefits are one reason this simple homemade drink has become popular among people looking for a warm, caffeine-free beverage. Ginger tea is made by steeping fresh ginger, ground ginger, or a ginger tea bag in hot water, creating a drink with a spicy flavor and distinctive aroma.

But there is an important distinction when looking at the evidence. Research on ginger itself does not automatically prove that an ordinary cup of ginger tea produces the same effects as a concentrated ginger supplement. The strength of homemade tea can vary considerably depending on how much ginger is used, how long it is steeped, and whether other ingredients are added.

In this guide, we look at what research actually says about ginger tea benefits, its nutritional characteristics, common uses, how to prepare it at home, and the safety considerations worth knowing before making it part of your routine.

Quick Takeaways

• Plain ginger tea made from ginger alone is naturally caffeine-free.
• Ginger contains naturally occurring compounds such as gingerols, shogaols, and zingerone.
• Ginger has been studied for several types of nausea and vomiting, with some of the more supportive evidence involving pregnancy-related nausea.
• Much of the clinical research has used supplements, powdered ginger, extracts, or other defined preparations rather than an ordinary homemade cup of tea.
• Ginger can cause side effects such as heartburn, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, or mouth and throat irritation in some people.
• There is no universally established number of cups of homemade ginger tea that is appropriate for everyone.
• People taking medicines or considering concentrated ginger supplements should discuss regular use with a healthcare professional or pharmacist.
• Ginger tea can be part of a balanced diet, but it should not replace medical evaluation when symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening.

When discussing ginger tea benefits, it is useful to separate what has been studied about ginger in general from what has been demonstrated specifically with brewed tea. Much of the research uses ginger supplements or standardized preparations, while homemade ginger tea can vary in strength and composition.

What Is Ginger Tea?

Ginger tea is an infusion made by adding ginger to hot water.

It can be prepared using:

• Fresh ginger root
• Dried or ground ginger
• Commercial ginger tea bags
• Ginger combined with ingredients such as lemon, mint, cinnamon, or turmeric

Fresh ginger comes from the rhizome, or underground stem, of Zingiber officinale. Ginger is widely used as a food and has also been used traditionally in various cultures for centuries.

A homemade ginger infusion is different from a concentrated ginger supplement.

The amount of ginger compounds that reaches the drink can vary depending on:

• How much ginger is used
• Whether the ginger is fresh or dried
• How finely it is sliced or grated
• How long it is steeped or simmered
• How much water is used
• Whether the ginger is strained before drinking

For this reason, it is difficult to assign a precise amount of an individual ginger compound to a typical homemade cup.

Fresh Ginger vs. Ground Ginger vs. Tea Bags

Type	Main advantage	What to expect
Fresh ginger	Fresh flavor and adjustable strength	Easy to customize at home
Ground ginger	Convenient and shelf-stable	Stronger, more concentrated flavor
Ginger tea bag	Fast and convenient	Strength and ingredients vary by product
Ginger supplement	Defined product format	Usually more concentrated than ordinary tea

Tea bags can be convenient, but check the ingredient list. Some products sold as ginger tea contain other herbs, spices, sweeteners, black tea, green tea, or other caffeinated ingredients.

What Does Ginger Tea Contain?

The nutritional profile of ginger tea depends greatly on how it is prepared.

If you steep a few slices of fresh ginger in water and then strain the drink, the resulting beverage is not nutritionally equivalent to eating the same amount of whole ginger root.

Whole ginger contains carbohydrate, fiber, small amounts of protein, minerals, and other compounds. When ginger is steeped and then removed, much of the solid material remains behind.

The compounds that make ginger particularly interesting to researchers include:

• Gingerols
• Shogaols
• Zingerone
• Other naturally occurring phenolic compounds

Processing can change the chemical composition of ginger. Heating and drying, for example, can alter gingerols and contribute to the formation of other compounds such as shogaols.

This is one reason fresh ginger, dried ginger, powdered ginger, and concentrated ginger products should not automatically be treated as identical.

Is Ginger Tea a Nutritional Drink?

Plain ginger tea can be part of a healthy eating pattern, but it should not be described as a major source of vitamins or minerals.

It is more accurate to think of plain ginger tea as a flavored, caffeine-free beverage containing compounds from ginger.

If you add honey, sugar, milk, or another ingredient, the nutritional profile changes.

Ginger Tea Benefits: What Does Research Actually Show?

Ginger has been studied for several health-related purposes, but the evidence is not equally strong for all of them.

The most important distinction is between:

Evidence involving ginger

and

Evidence involving a typical cup of ginger tea.

Much of the research has tested dietary supplements or other defined ginger preparations. Therefore, evidence about ginger should be interpreted carefully when discussing ordinary tea.

1. Ginger May Help with Some Types of Nausea

Nausea is one of the better-studied uses of ginger.

Research has examined ginger for several forms of nausea and vomiting, including nausea associated with pregnancy. NCCIH reports that ginger may be helpful for nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy, while noting that most studies have tested dietary supplements rather than foods.

The evidence is not equally convincing for every type of nausea.

For example, research on motion sickness has produced inconsistent results, and NCCIH says most studies have not shown ginger to be helpful for motion sickness.

So it is more accurate to say:

Ginger may help with some types of nausea.

It is not accurate to say:

Ginger tea prevents or treats all nausea.

Ginger and Pregnancy-Related Nausea

Pregnancy is one area where ginger has received substantial research attention.

The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements reports that studies have used different ginger preparations and doses. A 2023 meta-analysis included studies using 500 mg to 2.5 grams of ginger per day for several days to a few weeks. It found that ginger was more helpful for nausea than vomiting, although the quality of evidence was low for most studies.

A 2024 umbrella review also found that most included meta-analyses reported improvement in pregnancy-related nausea, but the quality of those reviews ranged from low to critically low.

A 2026 umbrella review similarly reported benefits, particularly for nausea, but it also found that many of the underlying systematic reviews had methodological limitations.

ACOG’s patient guidance includes ginger among options that may help settle the stomach during pregnancy and specifically mentions ginger tea made from fresh-grated ginger.

These research doses should not be interpreted as a recommended amount of homemade ginger tea. A cup of tea can vary considerably in strength.

If you are pregnant and considering regular ginger use, particularly concentrated ginger products or supplements, discuss it with your healthcare professional.

2. Ginger May Support Digestive Comfort

Ginger has traditionally been used for digestive discomfort, and researchers have investigated its effects on gastrointestinal movement.

Some research suggests that ginger can influence gastric emptying and gastrointestinal motility, although results vary according to the preparation, dose, and health condition being studied.

For someone who simply enjoys ginger tea, the drink may be a pleasant choice after a meal.

But there is an important difference between:

“I find ginger tea comfortable after a meal.”

and:

“Ginger tea treats a digestive disorder.”

The second statement is much stronger and cannot be assumed from the available evidence.

If abdominal pain, persistent bloating, reflux, vomiting, diarrhea, or another digestive symptom continues, ginger tea should not be used as a substitute for appropriate medical evaluation.

3. Ginger Contains Bioactive Plant Compounds

Ginger contains naturally occurring compounds that have attracted scientific interest, including gingerols and related phenolic compounds.

Some of these compounds demonstrate biological activity in laboratory and experimental research.

However, laboratory findings do not automatically demonstrate that drinking a normal cup of ginger tea will produce a particular health outcome in humans.

For that reason, it is better to view ginger tea as a source of naturally occurring plant compounds rather than as a standalone treatment or “detox” drink.

4. Ginger Has Been Studied for Some Pain and Inflammation-Related Uses

Researchers have investigated ginger supplements for conditions including menstrual cramps and knee osteoarthritis.

NCCIH reports that ginger dietary supplements might help reduce the severity of menstrual cramps and may help with symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, although some of the evidence has important limitations.

These findings should not be turned into a broad claim that ordinary ginger tea “reduces inflammation throughout the body.”

The preparation, amount, and population studied all matter.

A more responsible conclusion is:

Ginger contains compounds that have been studied for biological effects related to inflammation and pain, but evidence from concentrated ginger preparations cannot automatically be applied to an ordinary cup of tea.

5. Plain Ginger Tea Is Naturally Caffeine-Free

Plain ginger tea contains no caffeine from tea leaves because ginger itself is not a caffeinated tea plant.

This makes it a convenient alternative for people who want a warm drink without the caffeine found in beverages such as coffee, black tea, or green tea.

However, commercial blends can be different.

A product labeled “ginger tea” may contain black tea, green tea, mate, or another caffeinated ingredient. Check the ingredient list if avoiding caffeine is important to you.

6. Ginger Tea Can Contribute to Fluid Intake

Plain ginger tea contributes fluid to your daily intake.

For someone who enjoys the flavor, it can be an alternative to sugary beverages.

Ginger tea is not uniquely hydrating compared with other nonalcoholic drinks. Its practical advantage is simply that it can make drinking fluids more enjoyable.

If you add substantial amounts of sugar, syrup, or another calorie-containing ingredient, the nutritional profile changes.

What Ginger Tea Does Not Reliably Do

Ginger tea is sometimes promoted online as a solution for a wide range of health problems.

The available evidence does not justify treating it as a cure-all.

Ginger tea should not be presented as a proven way to:

• Cure the common cold
• Prevent every infection
• “Detox” the body
• Burn belly fat
• Cause significant weight loss on its own
• Cure digestive diseases
• Replace prescribed medicines
• Treat every inflammatory condition
• Prevent cancer
• Replace evaluation for persistent or severe symptoms

NCCIH emphasizes that evidence for ginger varies by health condition and that many studies use supplements rather than ordinary food forms.

Traditional use, laboratory findings, supplement research, and evidence from a normal cup of tea are therefore not interchangeable.

Ginger Tea vs. Ginger Supplements

This distinction is important when evaluating claims about ginger.

Ginger tea	Ginger supplement
Usually diluted in water	Often considerably more concentrated
Amount of ginger compounds varies	Usually provides a defined amount
Commonly consumed as a beverage	Used specifically as a supplement
May contain lemon, honey, herbs, or spices	May contain powdered ginger or extracts
Primarily a food or beverage choice	Intended for concentrated intake

If a study reports a particular amount of ginger powder or extract, you should not assume that one cup of homemade tea contains the same amount.

This is why a research dose should not automatically become a recommendation such as “everyone should drink two cups of ginger tea every day.”

How to Make Ginger Tea at Home

Making ginger tea is simple and does not require a complicated recipe.

Simple Fresh Ginger Tea

Ingredients

• 1 small thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger
• 1½–2 cups of water
• Lemon, optional
• Honey, optional

Instructions

1. Wash the ginger.

Rinse the ginger thoroughly under running water.

2. Slice it thinly.

Thin slices expose more surface area to the water and allow the ginger flavor to infuse more easily.

3. Add the ginger to water.

Place the sliced ginger in a small saucepan with the water.

4. Simmer gently.

Bring the water to a gentle simmer and allow it to infuse for about 5–10 minutes.

5. Strain.

Remove the ginger pieces before drinking.

6. Adjust the flavor.

Add lemon or a small amount of honey if desired.

Want a Stronger Flavor?

You can use more ginger or allow it to simmer longer.

However, stronger flavor does not automatically mean greater health benefits. A more concentrated drink may also be more likely to cause heartburn, stomach discomfort, or mouth irritation in people who are sensitive to ginger.

Ginger Tea From Ground Ginger

Ground ginger can be used when fresh ginger is unavailable.

Start with a small amount in hot water and adjust the flavor according to preference.

Because ground ginger can remain suspended in the drink, it may taste stronger and feel more intense than a strained fresh-ginger infusion.

Commercial products also vary considerably in their ingredients and serving sizes.

Ginger Tea Bags

Tea bags are the most convenient option.

Before buying one, check:

• The ingredient list
• Whether it contains actual ginger
• Whether it includes black or green tea
• Added sugar or sweeteners
• Other herbs or botanicals
• Recommended serving size

If your goal is specifically ginger tea, a simple product with ginger as the main ingredient may be easier to evaluate than a complex blend.

Ginger Tea Flavor Combinations

Ginger works well with a variety of ingredients.

Ginger and Lemon

Lemon adds acidity and a fresh flavor. It can make a strong ginger infusion easier to drink without requiring much sweetener.

Ginger and Mint

Fresh mint provides a cooler, lighter flavor and can balance ginger’s sharpness.

Ginger and Cinnamon

Cinnamon creates a warm, sweet-smelling flavor without requiring sugar.

Ginger and Honey

Honey can soften ginger’s sharp flavor.

Remember that honey still contributes sugar, so use it according to your dietary needs.

Ginger and Turmeric

Ginger and turmeric are commonly combined in homemade drinks.

However, combining two ingredients with biological activity does not automatically create a stronger health treatment. Enjoy the combination primarily for its flavor unless you have a specific reason to discuss concentrated use with a healthcare professional.

When Is the Best Time to Drink Ginger Tea?

There is no universally established “best time” to drink ginger tea.

The most suitable time depends largely on why you enjoy it and how your body responds.

Morning

Ginger tea can be a caffeine-free alternative to coffee or caffeinated tea.

After a Meal

Some people enjoy ginger tea after meals because of its warm flavor and traditional association with digestive comfort.

During the Day

Unsweetened ginger tea can be a simple alternative to higher-calorie beverages.

Evening

Plain ginger tea is caffeine-free and can fit into an evening routine.

However, ginger tea should not be described as a sleep treatment. If it causes heartburn or stomach discomfort at night, have it earlier or choose another drink.

What If You Drink It on an Empty Stomach?

Some people tolerate ginger tea before eating, while others may experience heartburn or stomach discomfort.

There is no requirement to drink ginger tea on an empty stomach.

If you notice irritation before breakfast, try drinking it with or after food.

Your own tolerance is more useful than following a supposed “best time” rule from social media.

Possible Side Effects of Ginger Tea

Ginger is generally well tolerated by many people when consumed in ordinary food amounts, but it can cause side effects.

NCCIH lists possible oral side effects including:

• Abdominal discomfort
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea
• Mouth irritation
• Throat irritation

A strong ginger tea may therefore be uncomfortable for some people.

Consider reducing the amount or stopping the drink if you repeatedly experience:

• Heartburn
• Significant stomach discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Burning or irritation in the mouth or throat
• Symptoms that consistently appear after drinking ginger tea

If symptoms are severe or continue after stopping ginger, seek appropriate medical advice.

Ginger Tea and Medications

Herbs and medicines can interact, and information about specific combinations is not always complete.

NCCIH advises people who take medicines to discuss ginger and other herbal products with a healthcare professional because some herb-drug interactions can be harmful.

This is particularly relevant when using concentrated ginger products or supplements.

If you take prescription medication, ask a doctor or pharmacist whether regular or concentrated ginger use is appropriate for you.

Do not stop a prescribed medicine simply because you are concerned about a possible herbal interaction.

What About Blood-Thinning Medicines?

There has been concern about a possible interaction between ginger and medicines that affect blood clotting.

The available evidence is not strong enough to tell everyone to avoid ordinary culinary amounts of ginger. However, if you take an anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicine, it is sensible to discuss regular high-dose ginger or ginger supplements with your healthcare professional before using them.

This is especially important when considering concentrated preparations.

Ginger Tea During Pregnancy

Ginger has been studied for nausea during pregnancy, and several evidence reviews suggest that it may help reduce nausea. However, the quality of the underlying evidence varies.

ACOG includes ginger among options that may help with pregnancy-related nausea and specifically mentions ginger tea made from fresh-grated ginger.

At the same time, pregnancy is not a reason to assume that every ginger product is interchangeable.

Research has used different forms of ginger, including powdered ginger, extracts, capsules, and brewed preparations. The amounts used in studies should not be treated as a universal recommendation for homemade tea.

If you are pregnant and considering regular ginger use, particularly concentrated products or supplements, discuss it with your healthcare professional.

Ginger Tea and Gallstone Disease

Ginger may require additional caution in people with gallstone disease.

NCCIH’s information for travelers advises people with gallstone disease to avoid ginger, while its general ginger guidance emphasizes discussing herbal products with healthcare professionals.

If you have been diagnosed with gallstones, ask your healthcare professional before deliberately using large or concentrated amounts of ginger.

Ginger Tea Before Surgery

If you regularly use ginger supplements or concentrated herbal products and have an upcoming procedure, tell your healthcare team.

Do not rely on a universal internet rule such as “stop ginger exactly two weeks before surgery.” Preparation requirements can vary according to the procedure, medicines, and individual circumstances.

Your surgeon, anesthesiologist, doctor, or pharmacist can advise you about the specific product you use.

Ginger Tea for Children

A mild food or beverage containing ginger is different from giving a child a concentrated herbal supplement.

Children have different nutritional and medical needs, and appropriate use can depend on age and circumstances.

If you are considering regular ginger preparations for a young child, particularly for nausea, vomiting, or another symptom, ask a pediatric healthcare professional for guidance.

How Much Ginger Tea Can You Drink?

There is no universally established number of cups of homemade ginger tea that is appropriate for everyone.

The strength of homemade tea can vary considerably. One person’s cup might contain a few thin slices of ginger, while another person’s cup may contain a much larger amount or concentrated ginger powder.

This makes a simple rule such as “everyone should drink 1–2 cups every day” difficult to justify as a medical recommendation.

A sensible approach is to:

• Start with a mild preparation.
• See how your body responds.
• Avoid making the drink unnecessarily concentrated.
• Consider other sources of ginger you consume.
• Be more cautious with powders, extracts, and supplements.
• Ask a healthcare professional about regular high-dose use if you take medicines or have a medical condition.

The number of cups is less important than the strength of the preparation, your individual tolerance, and whether you are also using concentrated ginger products.

Fresh Ginger, Powder, or Tea Bag: Which Should You Choose?

There is no single best option.

If your priority is…	Consider
Fresh flavor	Fresh ginger
Convenience	Tea bag
Long shelf life	Ground ginger
Controlling strength	Fresh ginger
Quick preparation	Tea bag
Avoiding extra ingredients	Plain fresh ginger or a simple tea bag
A concentrated product	Discuss whether a supplement is appropriate

For everyday drinking, the best choice is generally the option that fits your preferences and is easy to prepare without excessive added sugar.

How to Store Fresh Ginger

Fresh ginger can be stored in the refrigerator to extend its usable life.

For longer storage, it can also be frozen.

You can:

1. Wash and dry the ginger.
2. Slice or grate it.
3. Place it in a suitable freezer container or bag.
4. Remove pieces as needed for cooking or tea.

Discard ginger if it develops visible mold, an unusual smell, or significant deterioration.

When Ginger Tea Should Not Be Your Only Approach

Ginger tea can be a beverage that you enjoy, but it should not become a substitute for evaluating significant symptoms.

Seek appropriate medical advice if you experience:

• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Inability to keep fluids down
• Severe abdominal pain
• Signs of dehydration
• Symptoms that are getting worse
• Repeated digestive symptoms without an obvious explanation
• Symptoms during pregnancy that interfere with eating, drinking, or normal activities

Pregnancy-related nausea can sometimes become severe enough to require medical treatment. ACOG notes that inability to keep liquids down, very little or dark urine, dizziness or fainting, and other signs of dehydration warrant medical attention.

Likewise, do not replace prescribed treatment with ginger tea without discussing the decision with an appropriate healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ginger Tea

Is ginger tea safe to drink every day?

Many people can enjoy ordinary ginger tea without problems, but there is no universal daily cup recommendation that applies to everyone.

The strength of homemade tea varies, and individual tolerance differs. People who take medicines, have medical conditions, are pregnant, or are considering concentrated ginger products should ask a healthcare professional about regular use.

Does ginger tea contain caffeine?

Plain ginger tea made from ginger root is naturally caffeine-free.

However, commercial blends may contain black tea, green tea, mate, or other caffeinated ingredients. Check the ingredient list if avoiding caffeine is important to you.

Can ginger tea help with nausea?

Ginger has been studied for several types of nausea, and evidence is particularly supportive of a possible benefit for pregnancy-related nausea. However, many studies use supplements or other defined preparations rather than ordinary tea.

Can I drink ginger tea before bed?

Yes, if you tolerate it well. Plain ginger tea is caffeine-free.

However, ginger can cause heartburn or stomach discomfort in some people. If it makes you uncomfortable at night, drink it earlier or choose another beverage.

Can ginger tea help with weight loss?

Ginger tea should not be considered a weight-loss treatment.

Unsweetened ginger tea is generally a low-calorie beverage, so replacing a higher-calorie drink with it may fit into a calorie-conscious eating pattern. That is different from claiming that ginger tea directly burns significant body fat.

Is ginger tea good for digestion?

Ginger has traditionally been used for digestive discomfort, and research has examined its effects on gastrointestinal movement.

Some people may find ginger tea comfortable after a meal. However, persistent digestive symptoms should not automatically be attributed to poor digestion or treated indefinitely with ginger tea.

Can I drink ginger tea on an empty stomach?

Some people can, while others may experience heartburn or stomach discomfort.

There is no requirement to drink ginger tea on an empty stomach. If you notice irritation, try drinking it with or after food.

Is fresh ginger better than a ginger tea bag?

Not necessarily.

Fresh ginger gives you more control over strength and flavor, while tea bags are more convenient. The better option depends on the ingredients, preparation, and your personal preference.

Can I drink ginger tea during pregnancy?

Ginger has been studied for pregnancy-related nausea and may help reduce nausea for some people. However, pregnancy requires additional consideration, particularly when using concentrated products or supplements.

Discuss regular or concentrated ginger use with your healthcare professional.

Who should be cautious with ginger tea?

Extra caution is appropriate for people who:

• Take prescription medicines
• Use anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines
• Have gallstone disease
• Are pregnant and considering concentrated ginger products
• Have an upcoming medical procedure
• Experience significant heartburn or digestive irritation from ginger

A doctor or pharmacist can help assess your particular circumstances.

When should I seek medical advice instead of relying on ginger tea?

Seek appropriate medical advice if symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or digestive problems are persistent, severe, or worsening.

You should also seek professional guidance if you are considering ginger as an alternative to prescribed treatment.

Final Thoughts

Ginger tea is a simple beverage with a long history of traditional use and a growing body of scientific research.

Its practical advantages may also be the simplest: you enjoy the flavor, tolerate it well, and it provides a caffeine-free alternative to other drinks.

Ginger contains naturally occurring compounds such as gingerols and shogaols, and research has explored its potential role in areas including nausea and gastrointestinal function. The evidence is more encouraging for some uses than others, and much of the clinical research involves supplements or other defined ginger preparations rather than a typical homemade cup of tea.

That distinction is important.

Ginger tea can be flavorful and useful as part of a balanced diet, but it should not be treated as a cure-all or a replacement for appropriate medical care.

If you enjoy it, start with a simple preparation, avoid excessive added sugar, pay attention to how your body responds, and be more cautious with concentrated ginger products or regular use alongside medicines.

In other words, enjoy ginger tea as a beverage first—and evaluate health claims about it with the same healthy skepticism you would apply to any other popular wellness trend.

References

1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Ginger: Usefulness and Safety. NCCIH — Ginger: Usefulness and Safety
2. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements (NIH ODS). Dietary Supplements and Life Stages: Pregnancy — Health Professional Fact Sheet. NIH ODS — Pregnancy Health Professional Fact Sheet
3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy. ACOG — Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy
4. Tiani KA, et al. The Use of Ginger Bioactive Compounds in Pregnancy: An Evidence Scan and Umbrella Review of Existing Meta-Analyses. Advances in Nutrition. 2024. PubMed — Tiani et al., 2024 Ginger Evidence Review
5. Tahergorabi Z, Eslami M, Arab-Zozani M. Treatment of Nausea and Vomiting With Zingiber officinale in Pregnancy: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews With Meta-Synthesis. Phytotherapy Research. 2026. PubMed — Tahergorabi et al., 2026 Ginger Review
6. Viljoen E, Visser J, Koen N, Musekiwa A. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect and safety of ginger in the treatment of pregnancy-associated nausea and vomiting. Nutrition Journal. 2014;13:20. PubMed — Viljoen et al., 2014 Ginger Review

Written By: Zaheer Abbas

This article is intended for general health information and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.