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Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is more than a spice, and very safe for general use in the diet. It has found usefulness in many conditions.
Revered around the world for its pungent taste, ginger is a natural spice that is also widely prized for its medicinal properties. Zesty flavor notwithstanding, ginger is often taken for its calming effects on a upset stomach. It is also taken to treat nausea and motion sickness. In some people it also can help reduce a fever or lessen the symptoms of a cold. Also, it is a very mild anticoagulant and contains twelve potent antioxidants. It also has a claim for antiaging.
History; Source
Since ancient times, traditional healers in a diverse array of cultures have used this plant primarily to help settle upset stomachs. Chinese herbalists have relied on ginger as a medicine and flavoring for more than 2,500 years. The early Greeks mixed it into breads (hence the first gingerbread), and North American colonists sipped nausea-quelling ginger beer, the precursor of modern ginger ale. Today, many cultures continue to rely on ginger for controlling nausea and also for reducing inflammation.
A botanical relative of marjoram and turmeric, the ginger plant is indigenous to southeast Asia and is now also extensively cultivated in Jamaica and other tropical areas. It's the plant's aromatic rhizome (or underground stem) that's used for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Ginger can be found in many forms, including: tincture, tablet, softgel, powder, oil, liquid, fresh herb, dried herb/tea, capsule, extract, syrup and candied herb.
You can also buy ginger essential oil, which can be diffused into the air for inhalation or diluted in a vegetable oil for inhalation, or diluted in a vegetable oil for topical application (or massage). The fresh root can be used, but it is quite sharp. Ginger from the spice shelf is very handy and useful. Three to four shakes in ginger ale or club soda also works.
Recommendation: Select ginger supplements standardized to contain the "pungent compounds," namely, gingerols and shogaols. These are the plant's critical active ingredients.
Function; Reasons For Use
Ginger's effectiveness as a digestive aid is due largely to its active ingredients: gingerols and shogaols. These substances help to neutralize stomach acids, enhance the secretion of digestive juices (stimulating the appetite), and tone the muscles of the digestive tract. Research confirms the presence of anti-inflammatory properties in ginger as well.
Some uses of Ginger include:- Nausea: Ginger is often used to ease nausea caused by motion sickness, pregnancy, cancer or other causes. Standard anti-nausea medications often work through the central nervous system, causing drowsiness. Ginger isn't likely to cause this reaction, however, because it acts directly on the digestive tract.
In studies of women undergoing major gynecological or exploratory (laparoscopic) surgery, those who took 1gm of ginger before the procedure experienced significantly less postoperative reaction to anesthesia and surgery - namely, nausea and vomiting - than did those who were given a placebo. Ginger also may be useful in easing the nausea that frequently follows chemotherapy treatments. Use 100-300mg every 4 hours as needed.
- Motion Sickness: In a widely cited study of Danish naval cadets, those given 1gm of powdered ginger daily had much fewer incidents of cold sweats and vomiting (classic symptoms of seasickness) than did those given a placebo. A number of other studies have demonstrated similar findings concerning ginger's calming effect on motion sickness. It is sold as a safe alternative to over-the-counter motion sickness remedies. Take 100 mg two hours before departing and then every four hours afterward as needed.
- Dizziness: Ginger's anti-nausea action also helps dispel dizziness, particularly when the dizziness is aggravated by motion sickness. Older people, who can be unsteady on their feet, may particularly benefit from ginger's steadying influence.
- Digestion: It has the ability to calm the stomach, promote the flow of bile, and improve the appetite. It is a digestive stimulant, useful when appetite may be low.
- Stomach and Intestinal cramps from gas; Flatulence: It can relieve these, often quicker than any other herbal medicine. Because Ginger soothes the digestive tract, it can be useful in relieving flatulence. Supplements or freshly grated Ginger root mixed with diluted lime juice work well for this purpose.
- Circulation: It helps to support a healthy cardiovascular system by making platelets less sticky, therefore reducing the likelihood of clots. For this reason, self-medication is advised against, especially if you are taking anticoagulant drugs or are using aspirin. Much recent work has focused on the use of ginger in circulatory disorders such as cold extremities and Raynaud's disease. Ginger may lower blood pressure for several hours. There may also be a pulse-lowering effect.
- Muscle Aches: Ginger oil massaged into sore or aching muscles offers a measure of relief from muscle strain, in part because of the herb's anti-inflammatory properties. When taken in standardized extract form, ginger may additionally lower the level of the body's natural pain-causing compounds called prostaglandins. Add a few drops of ginger oil to 1 tablespoon of a neutral oil (such as almond oil), blend well, then rub the mixture into the painful area.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: It has traditionally been used to help inflammatory joint diseases such as arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may respond to treatment with ginger, either in massage oil or standardized extract form. In a study of seven women with rheumatoid arthritis, reduced joint swelling and pain were reported following a daily regimen of up to 1gm of powdered ginger or 5-50gm of fresh ginger. Ginger is also valued for its analgesic action, which may help arthritic conditions. Take 100mg three times a day or drink up to four cups of ginger tea daily.
- Chronic Pain: Ginger helps indirectly to relieve chronic pain by reducing inflammation and, particularly when taken in standardized extract form, by lowering the body's level of natural pain-causing compounds called prostaglandins. Localized chronic pain may also respond well to ginger oil massages.
Take 100-300mg standardized extract or 300mg freeze-dried herb or 500mg of whole-root herb 3 times a day. Can also use ginger oil as part of a massage blend with essential oils of lavender and birch combined with 1 tbsp. neutral oil, such as almond oil; gently rub oil mixture into the affected area.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Take 100-300mg 3 times a day (depending on standardization).
- For women: It may be of use in ovarian and menstrual pain.
- Cholesterol: Studies have suggested that ginger may be useful in keeping cholesterol levels under control, although the mechanism for this is not yet understood.
- Respiratory infections: It is well known for its warming expectorant action on the upper respiratory tract, and this is why Chinese herbalists have traditionally used ginger to treat colds and influenza. Ginger can minimize symptoms of the common cold, allergies, and other respiratory conditions. Ginger is a natural antihistamine and decongestant. It seems to provide a measure of relief from cold and allergy symptoms by dilating constricted bronchial tubes. It is often included in herbal decongestant blends that are designed for sinusitis and other respiratory complaints. Drink up to four cups of ginger tea daily as needed. Folk practitioners also recommend chewing fresh ginger, drinking real ginger ale, or squeezing juice from a fresh ginger root and mixing it with a spoonful of honey.
Directions
Ginger can be used in the following forms and dosages for the majority of conditions mentioned:- Standardized extract in pill form: Take 100-200mg every four hours or up to three times a day.
- Fresh powdered ginger: Take 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon every four hours or up to three times a day.
- Fresh ginger root: Take a 1/4- to 1/2-inch (peeled) slice every four hours or up to three times a day.
- Ginger tea: Drink several cups a day. Tea is available in prepackaged bags or can be prepared by steeping 1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger root in 8 ounces of very hot water for five to ten minutes. A cup of tea, when steeped for this amount of time, can contain about 250mg of ginger.
- Ginger ale: Drink several cups a day; an 8-ounce glass contains approximately 1gm of ginger. Be sure to select products made with real ginger.
- Crystallized ginger: Enjoy two pieces of crystallized ginger a day; about 500mg of ginger is present in a 1-inch-square, 1/4-inch-thick piece of ginger prepared this way.
Take ginger capsules with a glass of water or other fluid. To prevent postoperative nausea, start taking ginger the day after surgery. Only do so under a doctor's guidance, however. If you are undergoing chemotherapy, take ginger with food to reduce the chance of stomach irritation.
Side-Effects; Counter-Indicators and Warnings
Ginger, in all available forms, is very safe to take for a wide variety of ailments. Some people report heartburn after taking ginger. There are no known drug or nutrient interactions associated with ginger.
Ginger has a long history of being taken in relatively large doses (up to several grams) without causing any toxicity or side-effects. Many pregnant women use it to help control morning sickness, but there have been no studies in which women have taken large doses of ginger during pregnancy. Don't treat pregnancy-related nausea with ginger for longer than the first two months of pregnancy. Similarly, don't take more than 250mg four times a day during pregnancy without consulting your obstetrician.
Do not ingest the essential oil and be sure to dilute it before applying to your skin. The fresh root is very spicy.
Because ginger can make blood platelets less sticky - and thus increase the risk for bleeding - it's probably a good precautionary measure to stop taking ginger three to four days before any scheduled surgery. Start up again right after surgery.
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Ginger Root can help with the following:
KEY | | May do some good |  | | Likely to help |  | | May have adverse consequences |
GLOSSARY
Allergy (Allergies)
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.
Analgesic
Agent which relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness.
Anesthesia
Loss of sensation caused by neurological dysfunction or a pharmacological depression of nerve function.
Anticoagulant
A substance that prevents or delays blood clots (coagulation). Examples: Heparin (endogenous), Dicumarol and
Warfarin (drugs), Melilotus (coumarin-containing).
Antifungal (Antifungals)
An agent that kills or inhibits fungi, or a compound that inhibits either a dermatomycosis like ringworm or athlete's foot, or
one that inhibits Candida albicans either externally as a douche or internally as a systemic antifungal. Examples: Nystatin, griseofulvin, Tabebuia.
Antihistamine
Drugs, used to treat allergy symptoms, which block the action of histamine on body tissues.
Anti-inflammatory (Antiinflammatory)
Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms, without directly acting on the cause of inflammation, e.g., glucocorticoids, aspirin.
Antioxidant (Antioxidants)
A chemical compound that slows or prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds. Some antioxidants have been shown to have cancer-protecting potential because they neutralize free radicals. Examples include vitamins C and E, beta carotene, the minerals selenium and germanium, superoxide dismutase (SOD), coenzyme Q10, catalase, and some amino acids.
Arthritis (Arthritic)
Inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness, and resulting from infection, trauma, degenerative changes, metabolic disturbances, or other causes. It occurs in various forms, such as bacterial arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, is characterized by a gradual loss of cartilage and often an overgrowth of bone at the joints.
BID
Twice per day.
Bile
A bitter, yellow-green secretion of the liver. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and is released when fat enters the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) in order to aid digestion.
Boil (Abscess, Abscesses, Boils, Carbuncle, Carbuncles, Cystic Acne, Furuncle, Furuncles, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Pilonidal Cyst, Pilonidal Cysts)
A localized infection deep in the skin. A boil generally starts as a reddened, tender area. Over time, the area becomes firm and hard. Eventually, the center of the abscess softens and becomes filled with white cells that the body sends to fight the infection (pus). Finally, the pus forms a "head" and drains out through the skin. A furuncle or carbuncle is an abscess in the skin caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. It can have one or more openings onto the skin and may be associated with a fever or chills. Cystic acne is a type of abscess formed when oil ducts become clogged and infected. Cystic acne is most common in the teenage years. Hidradenitis suppurativa is an illness in which there are multiple abscesses that form under the arm pits and in the groin area. These areas are a result of local inflammation of the sweat glands. A pilonidal cyst is a special kind of abscess that occurs in the crease of the buttocks. These frequently form after long trips that involve sitting.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Cardiovascular
Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A common, painful defect of the wrist and hand. It is caused by pressure on the middle nerve in the carpal tunnel. The syndrome is seen more often in women, especially in pregnant and in menopausal women. Symptoms may result from a blow, swelling, a tumor, rheumatoid arthritis, or a small carpal tunnel that squeezes the nerve. Pain may be infrequent or constant and is often most intense at night.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
A collective term for the brain, spinal cord, their nerves, and the sensory end organs. More broadly, this can even include the
neurotransmitting hormones instigated by the CNS that control the chemical nervous system, the endocrine glands.
Chemotherapy
A treatment of disease by any chemicals. Used most often to refer to the chemical treatments used to combat cancer cells. Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles: a treatment period followed by a recovery period, then another treatment period, and so on. Most anticancer drugs are given by injection into a blood vessel (IV); some are given by mouth. Chemotherapy is a systemic therapy, meaning that the drugs enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. Usually, a patient has chemotherapy as an outpatient (at the hospital, at the doctor's office, or at home). However, depending on which drugs are given and the patient's general health, a short hospital stay may be needed.
Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance manufactured in the liver and found in all tissues, it facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids. In foods, only animal products contain cholesterol. An excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Cramp (Cramping, Cramps)
A sudden, involuntary, painful muscular contraction.
Cup (Cups)
A unit of volume measurement equal to 8 fluid oz, or roughly 250ml. It also equals 1/2 pint, 1/4 quart and 1/16 gallon.
Essential Oil (Essential Oils)
Volatile terpene derivative responsible for the odor or taste of a plant.
Expectorant (Expectorants)
A substance that promotes the removal of mucous from the respiratory tract.
Flatulence
Abnormal amount of gas in the stomach and intestines.
Gallstone (Biliary Calculus, Gall Stone, Gall Stones, Gallbladder Attack, Gallbladder Attacks, Gallstones)
Stone-like objects in either the gallbladder or bile ducts, composed mainly of cholesterol and occasionally mixed with calcium. Most gallstones do not cause problems until they become larger or they begin obstructing bile ducts, at which point gallbladder "attacks" begin to occur. Symptoms usually occur after a fatty meal and at night. The following are the most common ones: steady, severe pain in the middle-upper abdomen or below the ribs on the right; pain in the back between the shoulder blades; pain under the right shoulder; nausea; vomiting; fever; chills; jaundice; abdominal bloating; intolerance of fatty foods; belching or gas; indigestion.
Gram (gm, gms, Gramme, Grammes, Grams)
A metric unit of weight, there being approximately 28 grams in one ounce.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Homeopathy (Homeopathic)
A system of medicine based on the belief that the cure of disease can be effected by minute doses of substances that, if given to a healthy person in large doses, would produce the same symptoms as are present in the disease being treated. Homeopathy employs natural substances in small doses to stimulate the body's reactive process to remove toxic waste and bring the body back into balance.
Hypothyroidism (Hypothyroid)
Diminished production of thyroid hormone, leading to low metabolic rate, tendency to gain weight, and sleepiness.
Menstruation (Menses, Menstrual, Menstrual Cycle, Menstrual Cycles, Menstrual Flow, Menstrual Phase, Monthly Cycle)
The periodic discharge of blood, tissue fluid and mucus from the endometrium (lining of the uterus) that usually lasts from 3 - 5 days. It is caused by a sudden reduction in estrogens and progesterone.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Nausea
Symptoms resulting from an inclination to vomit.
Osteoarthritis (Osteoarthritic)
A condition involving degeneration of cartilage and supporting joint tissue, which results in pain, swelling and reduced mobility, as the cartilage wears away and allows bone to rub against bone.
Ounce (Ounces, oz)
Approximately 28 grams.
Over-The-Counter (OTC, Over The Counter)
A drug or medication that can legally be bought without a doctor's prescription being required.
Placebo (Placebos)
A pharmacologically inactive substance. Often used to compare clinical responses against the effects of pharmacologically active substances in experiments.
Platelets (Platelet)
Cells that help the blood to clot.
Precursor (Precursors)
A biochemical substance, such as an intermediate compound in a chain of enzymatic reactions, from which a more stable or definitive product is formed.
Prostaglandin (Prostaglandins)
Any of a class of physiologically active substances present in many tissues, with effects such as vasodilation, vasoconstriction, stimulation of the smooth muscles of the bronchus or intestine, uterine stimulation; also involved in pain, inflammation, fever, allergic diarrhea, and dysmenorrhea. A potent hormone -- similar in structure to an unsaturated fatty acid -- that acts in extremely low concentrations on local target organs; first isolated from the prostate.
Raynaud's Phenomenon (Raynaud's, Raynauds Disease, Raynaud's Disease, Raynauds Phenomenon, Raynauds Syndrome, Raynaud's Syndrome)
Raynaud's disease or syndrome is a disorder of blood circulation, mainly in the fingers and toes. It is of unknown cause and characterized by changes of the skin that are aggravated by exposure to cold: first, becoming white with numbness and pain as a result of inadequate oxygenation of the blood, then red/purple with a burning sensation. The sudden constriction of blood vessels causes decreased blood flow to the extremities and can, in extreme cases, lead to gangrene. Also called "white finger", "wax finger" or "dead finger".
Rheumatoid Arthritis
A long-term, destructive connective tissue disease that results from the body rejecting its own tissue cells (autoimmune reaction).
Sinusitis
Inflammation of the sinuses, with causes ranging from dust to hay fever. Obstinate cases can be caused by chronic sinus infections or the continued exposure to allergens from food, pets or environmental irritants.
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Tablespoon (Tablespoons, tbsp)
Equivalent to 15cc (15ml).
Teaspoon (Teaspoons, tsp)
Equivalent to 5cc (5ml).
Tincture
An alcohol or water-alcohol solution, usually referring to a preparation from herbal materials.
Topical
Most commonly 'topical application': Administration to the skin.
Tropics (Tropical)
The region of the earth's surface lying between 23°27 North of the equator and 23°27 South of the equator.
Last updated: Apr 13, 2008
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