Ginger

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The Eclectic PhysicianMedicinal Herb Monographs

Ginger

Botanical Name Zingiber officinale

The information on this page compiled by Beth Burch N.D. Index (click on the keywords)

IntroductionGinger has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine to treat stomach upset, nausea and diarrhea. Ayurvedic medicine utilizes it for the treatment of arthritis. Other traditional uses of ginger include colic, colds, fever, menstrual cramps and appetite stimulant. Research studies have shown its value for morning sickness of pregnancy, motion sickness, as an anti-inflammatory and to prevent blood clots and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Ginger supplements are widely available and include liquid extract, syrup, tea and capsules.

Description

Constituents

Action/Effects

Anti-inflammatory (2, 3)

Anti-coagulant

Cholesterol and triglyceride lowering (5)

Anti-nausea (6)

Cholegogue (increases bile flow) (4)

Conditions used for

Arthritis (1, 2)

Elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels (5)

Prevention of blood clots (7)

Menstrual cramps (8)

Morning sickness of pregnancy(6, 9)

Motion sickness (6)

Dosage

Dry- 250 mg up to four times a day.

Liquid extract- 1/2 teaspoon four times a day

Tea- 2 teaspoons to 1 cup boiling water, steep and strain. Drink up to four times a day

Side Effects

Heartburn

Gastrointestinal upset

Contraindications

Gallstones

Ginger supplements should be discontinued at least 2 weeks prior to surgery or dental extractions to prevent excessive bleeding

Interactions with medications

Use caution when combining with other anticoagulant herbs and medications including ginkgo, garlic, aspirin, ibuprofen and other NSAIDS

Do not combine ginger with prescription anticoagulants like warfarin (10)

Use in pregnancy & lactation

Safe for short term use in pregnancy, don’t exceed 1 gram of dry root per day.

Safe for use in lactation.

References

1. Sharma JN et al, Suppressive effects of eugenol and ginger oil on arthritic rats, Pharmacology 1994;49(5):314-8 2. Srivastava KC et al, Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in rheumatism and musculoskeletal disorders, Med Hypotheses 1992;39(4):342-8 3. Kiuchi F et al, Inhibition of prostaglandin and leukotriene biosynthesis by gingerols and diarylheptanoids, Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1992;40(2):387-91 4. Yamahara J et al, Cholagogic effect of ginger and its active constituents, J Ethnopharmacol 1985;13(2):217-25 5. Bhandari U, The protective action of ethanolic ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract in cholesterol fed rabbits, J Ethnopharmacol 1998;61(2):167-71 6. Langner E, Ginger: history and use, Adv Ther 1998;15(1):25-44 7. Bordia A et al, Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.) on blood lipids, blood sugar and platelet aggregation in patients with coronary artery disease, Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1997;56(5):379-84 8. Backon J, Mechanism of analgesic effect of clonidine in the treatment of dysmenorrhea, Med Hypotheses 1991;36(3):223-4 9. Fischer-Rasmussen W et al, Ginger treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum, Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1991;38(1):19-24 10. LG, Herbal medicinals: selected clinical considerations focusing on known or potential drug-herb interactions, Arch Intern Med 1998;158(20):2200-11

* The information presented in this web site is intended to inform and educate. It is not intended replace a qualified medical practitioner to diagnose or treat medical conditions.