Overview

Ginger is an herb. The rhizome (underground stem) is used as a spice and also as a medicine. It can be used fresh, dried and powdered, or as a juice or oil.

Ginger is commonly used to treat various types of stomachproblems, including motion sickness,morning sickness,colic, upset stomach, gas,diarrhea,nauseacaused bycancertreatment,nausea and vomitingafter surgery, as well as loss of appetite.

Other uses include pain relief fromarthritisor muscle soreness, menstrual pain, upper respiratory tract infections, cough, andbronchitis. Ginger is also sometimes used forchest pain, lowback pain, andstomach pain.

Some people pour the fresh juice on theirskinto treat burns. The oil made from ginger is sometimes applied to the skin to relieve pain.

In foods and beverages, ginger is used as a flavoring agent.

In manufacturing, ginger is used as for fragrance in soaps and cosmetics.

One of the chemicals in ginger is also used as an ingredient in laxative, anti-gas, and antacidmedications.

How does it work?

Ginger contains chemicals that may reduce nausea and inflammation. Researchers believe the chemicals work primarily in the stomach andintestines, but they may also work in thebrainandnervous systemto control nausea.

Possibly Effectivefor: Nausea and vomiting following surgery. Most clinical research shows that taking 1 gram of ginger one hour before surgery seems to reduce nausea and vomiting during the first 24 hours after surgery. One study found ginger reduced nausea and vomiting by 38%. Also, applying ginger oil to patients wrists before surgery seems to prevent nausea in about 80% of patients. However, ginger might not reduce nausea and vomiting in the period 3-6 hours after surgery.

Dizziness. Taking ginger seems to reduce the symptoms of dizziness, including nausea.

Menstrual pain. Some research shows that ginger can reduce symptoms of menstrual pain in some women when taken duringmenstruation. One study shows that taking a specific ginger extract (Zintoma, Goldaru) 250 mg four times daily for 3 days at the beginning of the menstrual period reducespain symptomsin as many as 62% of people. It seems to work about as well as the medications ibuprofen ormefenamic acid.

Arthritis. Some research shows that taking ginger can modestly reduce pain in some people with a form of arthritis called osteoarthritis. One study shows that taking a specific ginger extract (Zintona EC) 250 mg four times daily reduced arthritis pain in the knee after 3 months of treatment. Another study shows that using a different ginger extract (Eurovita Extract 77; EV ext-77), which combines a ginger with alpinia also reduces pain upon standing, pain after walking, and stiffness. Some research has compared ginger to medications such as ibuprofen. In one study, a specific ginger extract (Eurovita Extract 33; EV ext-33) did not work as well as taking ibuprofen 400 mg three times daily for reducing arthritis pain. But in another study, taking ginger extract 500 mg twice daily worked about as well as ibuprofen 400 mg three times daily for hip andknee painrelated to arthritis. In another study, a specific ginger extract combined withglucosamine(Zinaxin glucosamine, EV ext-35) worked as well as the anti-inflamatory medicationdiclofenacslow release 100 mg daily plus glucosamine sulfate 1 gram daily. Research also suggests thatmassage therapyusing an oil containing ginger and orange seems to reduce short-term stiffness and pain in people with knee pain.

Preventing morning sickness (discuss the possible risks with yourhealthcareprovider). Ginger seems to reduce nausea and vomiting in some pregnant women. But taking any herb or medication during pregnancy is a big decision. Before taking ginger, be sure to discuss the possible risks with your healthcare provider.

Possibly Ineffectivefor:

Preventing motion sickness and seasickness. Some people say they feel better after taking ginger before travel, but research findings have been inconsistent. Some research shows no benefit for reducing symptoms of motion sickness or seasickness. However, one study suggests that ginger is more effective than dimenhydrinate, an anti-nausea drug, at reducing stomach related to motion sickness. Another study suggests that taking 1-2 grams of ginger increases the time before nausea starts and reduces the severity of nausea.

Weight loss. Research suggests that taking a supplement containing ginger, rhubarb, astragalus, red sage, turmeric, and gallic acid (Number Ten) daily for 8 weeks does not increase weight loss or reduce body weight in people who are overweight.

Insufficient Evidencefor:

Sudden respiratory system failure (Acute respiratory distress syndrome). Research suggests that administering 120 mg of ginger extract daily for 21 days increases the number of days without ventilator support, the amount of nutrients consumed, and reduces the time spent in intensive care units in people with sudden respiratory system a failure. However, ginger extract does not seem to affect death rates in people with this condition.

Alcohol hangover. Early research suggests that taking a combination of ginger, pith of Citrus tangerine, and brown sugar before drinking decreases symptoms of alcohol hangovers, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy. There is contradictory evidence about the effectiveness of ginger for nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy for cancer. Some evidence suggests that taking ginger by mouth might help reduce nausea caused by chemotherapy. However, other evidence suggests that adding ginger is no more effective than standard anti-nausea treatments alone.

Upset stomach (dyspepsia). Evidence suggests that taking a single dose of 1.2 grams of ginger root powder 1 hour before eating speeds up how quickly food empties out of the some in people with dyspepsia.

High cholesterol. Evidence suggests that taking 1 gram ginger capsules three times daily for 45 days lowers triglyceride and cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol.

Speeding up labor. Early evidence suggests that bathing in water containing ginger oil does not shorten the length of labor.

Migraine headache. Evidence suggests that taking a combination of ginger and feverfew might reduce the length and intensity of migraine pain. However, it is not clear if the effects are from ginger, feverfew or the combination.

Muscle pain after exercise. There is contradictory evidence about whether ginger helps for muscle pain caused by exercise.

Recovery after surgery. Evidence suggests that inhaling and applying a combination of lavender and ginger oils to the skin before surgery does not reduce distress in children after surgery.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There is some early evidence that ginger might be helpful for decreasing joint pain in people with RA.

Trouble swallowing. Evidence suggests that spraying a product containing ginger and clematix root (Tongyan) to the back of the throat improves trouble swallowing in stroke victims. However, it is not beneficial in people with less severe problems swallowing.

Loss of appetite.

Colds.

Flu.

Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate ginger for these uses.

SIDE EFFECTS

Ginger isLIKELY SAFEfor most people. Some people can have mild side effects includingheartburn, diarrhea, and general stomach discomfort. Some women have reported extra menstrual bleeding while taking ginger.

When ginger is applied to the skin, it may cause irritation.

Special Precautions & Warnings:Pregnancy: Using ginger during pregnancy is controversial. There is some concern that ginger might affect fetal sex hormones. There is also a report ofmiscarriageduring week 12 of pregnancy in a woman who used ginger for morning sickness. However, studies in pregnant women suggest that ginger can be used safely for morning sickness without harm to the baby. The risk for major malformations in infants of women taking ginger does not appear to be higher than the usual rate of 1% to 3%. Also there doesnt appear to be an increased risk of early labor or low birthweight. There is some concern that ginger might increase the risk of bleeding, so some experts advise againsting using it close to your delivery date. As with any medication given during pregnancy, its important to weigh the benefit against the risk. Before using ginger during pregnancy, talk it over with your healthcare provider.

Breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the safety of using ginger during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and dont use it.

Bleeding disorders: Taking ginger might increase your risk of bleeding.

Diabetes: Ginger might lower your blood sugar. As a result, your diabetes medications might need to be adjusted by your healthcare provider.

Heart conditions: High doses of ginger might worsen some heart conditions.