Ginger

Zingiber officinale

Ginger is a perennial plant that grows in India, China, Mexico, and several other countries. The rhizome (underground stem) is used as both a spice and in herbal medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine has recommended ginger for over 2,500 years and has been used for abdominal bloating, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and rheumatism. Ginger is commonly used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for the treatment of inflammatory joint diseases, such as arthritis and rheumatism.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY - Ginger exerts potent antioxidant effects and has been shown to offer relief from pain and swelling in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and muscular problems. The therapeutic benefits are likely due to a reduction in free radical damage as well as inhibition of inflammatory compounds such as thromboxanes, leukotrienes, and other prostaglandins.
ANTI-NAUSEA - Ginger is thought to act directly on the gastrointestinal system to reduce nausea. Ginger has been shown to reduce the symptoms of motion sickness associated with travel by boat and car. Two double-blind clinical trials have found that ginger may reduce nausea due to anesthesia following surgery. This suggests that ginger may be helpful for preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea. Up to 1g of ginger per day would appear prudent for morning sickness during pregnancy.
DIGESTIVE TONIC - Ginger is considered a tonic for the digestive tract, stimulating digestion and toning the intestinal muscles. This action eases the transport of substances through the digestive tract, lessening irritation to the intestinal walls. Ginger may protect the stomach from the damaging effect of alcohol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) and may help prevent ulcers.
CARDIO TONIC - Ginger has also shown potent cardio-tonic activity through its anti-platelet, cholesterol lowering, and blood pressure lowering effects.
ANTI-BIOTIC - Ginger is known to be anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic.

Dosage

400mg one to three times daily. Higher doses may be required for inflammatory conditions. No restriction on long term use.

Potential applications

Treatment of peptic ulceration; inflammatory conditions; treatment and prophylaxis of nausea; migraine; anti-platelet; as an adjunct in the treatment of arthritis; to aid digestion; improve circulation; and counter infection.

Known contraindications

Avoid in cases of peptic ulceration or other gastric disease. Ginger is contraindicated in patients with gallstones, unless under supervision.

Interactions

Not recommended for use by those taking anti-platelet or anti-coagulant medications such as warfarin or aspirin.

Use in conjunction with

Nausea - probiotics, Oregon-grape root, garlic

Note

Zingerone (like capsaicin from chilies and piperine from pepper) increases circulation and has a warming effect - known as 'thermogenesis'.

References

Simon Mills & Kerry Bone. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Modern Herbal Medicine. 2000.
PDR for Herbal Medicines. Second Edition. 2000Melvyn R. Werbach & Michael T. Murray. Botanical Influences on Illness. A source book of clinical research. 1994

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