Although often called root, Ginger is not a root but the underground stem or rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale. It has a firm, striated texture and its flesh can be yellow, white, or red, depending upon the variety. It is covered with a brownish skin which is thin when the plant was harvested young, and thick when the plant was harvested mature. In Asian countries, Ginger has been used as a medicine and culinary spice since ancient times. As a medicine it was used to treat conditions like stomach upsets, diarrhea, nausea, arthritis, and heart conditions. Today, Ginger is most widely used to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and motion sickness, but also as a digestive aid, to relieve colds, headaches and painful menstrual periods.

Ginger Medicinal Uses

In scientific studies, Ginger has proved to be effective in reducing symptoms associated with motion sickness, such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and cold sweating. Ginger has also shown to be useful in pregnancy related nausea and vomiting. It should be noted, however, that while fresh Ginger is considered to be safe, dried Ginger should not be used during pregnancy. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. These substances have shown to be effective in decreasing inflammation and be beneficial for arthritis, bronchitis, and colitis. Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who received a Ginger extract twice daily had less pain and required fewer pain-killing medications compared to a placebo group. Ginger also has a long tradition of being effective in relieving symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. Studies even suggest that gingerols, the main active components in Ginger and also the ones responsible for its distinctive flavor, may inhibit the growth of colorectal cancer cells. In lab experiments, gingerols also killed ovarian cancer cells, although further research is needed on this. Finally, Ginger has long been used to relieve the symptoms of cold and flu.

Ginger Products and Dosage

Ginger products are either made from fresh or dried Ginger, or from steam distillation of the oil. Products are available in capsule, extract, tincture, crystallized, candied, pickled, and oil form. Fresh Ginger can be prepared as a tea or used as a spice in a wide variety of foods and drinks. Children under 2 years of age should not use Ginger. Ginger intake should not exceed 2 to 4 g per day. For cold and flu symptoms, headache, sore throat, or menstrual cramps, 2 tablespoons of freshly shredded Ginger are stepped in boiled water and drunk or inhaled. For nausea and vomiting, 1 gram of powdered Ginger or ¼ oz piece of fresh Ginger is taken three times daily. To relieve arthritis pain, fresh Ginger juice, tea, or extract is taken, or Ginger oil is rubbed into painful joints. Fresh Ginger placed in a warm poultice or compress can also be applied to painful areas.

Ginger Risks and Precautions

Side effects associated with Ginger are rare, although excessive doses may cause mild heartburn. The American Herbal Products Association gave fresh Ginger a class 1 safety rating which indicates that Ginger is safe and has a wide dosage range. Dried Ginger was given a class 2b rating which indicates that it should not be used during pregnancy. Patients suffering from gallstones or those who have to take anticoagulants should consult a doctor before taking Ginger.

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