Ginger

Ginger has been treasured for its rich taste, its hot, sweet, spicy scent and its medicinal properties for thousands of years.

It was also an important part of the spice trade from Asia to the west. The essential oil is steam distilled from the rhizome root, which is also used as a cooking spice and for tea.

The root of the ginger plant has been used in cooking and as a herbal remedy since ancient times. The ancient Greeks ate ginger wrapped in bread to prevent nausea from a huge feast.

For many centuries, Chinese sailors have taken ginger to avoid sea sickness. A proverb from ancient India maintains that everything good can be found in ginger. It has been used as a spice in cooking for centuries. Its traditional role in herbal medicine has been as a remedy for nausea, motion sickness, heartburn, vomiting, stomach cramps, and loss of appetite.

Active constituents

The dried rhizome of ginger contains approximately 1�4% volatile oils. These are the medically active constituents of ginger and are also responsible for ginger�s characteristic odor and taste. The aromatic constituents include zingiberene and bisabolene, while the pungent constituents are known as gingerols and shogaols.¹ The pungent constituents are credited with the anti-nausea and anti-vomiting effects of ginger.

In humans, ginger is thought to act directly on the gastrointestinal system to reduce nausea.² Ginger has been shown to reduce the symptoms of motion sickness associated with travel by boat and, to a lesser extent, car.³ ⁴ ⁵ Two double-blind clinical trials have found that ginger may reduce nausea due to anesthesia following surgery,⁶ ⁷ although one trial could not confirm this benefit.⁸ A preliminary trial has suggested ginger may be helpful for preventing chemotherapy -induced nausea. ⁹

Cisplatin is one of the chemotherapy drugs associated with nausea, vomiting, and delayed emptying of the stomach. Researchers from India found that extracts from ginger helped to speed up this process in dogs and rats that were given cisplatin chemotherapy. However, extracted chemicals or substances are different from the raw plant. Thus, study results of extracts will not necessarily be consistent with studies using the raw plant. In a clinical trial of patients receiving cisplatin, addition of ginger to standard medication for nausea did not reduce this symptom.

While ginger may be an effective herb in treating nausea and vomiting associated with some cancer treatments, it may also interfere with blood clotting which could be life threatening to some patients receiving chemotherapy.

Because ginger contains some compounds that cause chromosomal mutation in the test tube, some doctors are concerned about the safety of using ginger during pregnancy.

However, the available clinical research, combined with the fact that ginger is widely used in the diet of certain cultures, suggests that prudent use of ginger for morning sickness is safe in amounts up to 1 gram per day.

Ginger�s warming properties can also help people who often catch colds by clearing the lungs of white mucus and relieving headaches caused by sinus congestion.

If used at the start of winter, ginger�s stimulating properties are thought to strengthen the immune system and increase resistance to colds and flu.

Ginger is also useful in strengthening digestion, relieving flatulence and improving assimilation of food.

PROPERTIES: Strengthening, warming, digestive aid, immune stimulant.

BLENDS WELL WITH: Cedarwood, Frankincense, Juniper, Sandalwood, Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Rosemary.

PRECAUTIONS: Do not use Ginger in the bath because it can irritate mucous membranes. Dilute well in massage oils.

For a sensual massage: The potent combination of one drop Ginger, ten drops Jasmine (3% in Almond oil), and five drops Sandalwood diluted in 1 oz. Almond massage oil create a spicy aphrodisiac massage.

For strengthening ginger tea: The root of ginger when steeped in hot water makes an enjoyable tea that helps with digestion and strengthens the immune system.

For reducing sore muscles and rheumatism: A massage with ginger warms stiff muscles and joints and helps to reduce pain, common during cold damp weather. Combine six drops Ginger with one oz. massage oil.

For a stimulating atmosphere: Burn four drops Ginger and two drops Rosemary in the diffuser to strengthen memory and keep the mind alert!

It is suggested that before you combine herbs when taking prescribed medications that you talk to your doctor first and research the drug interreactions/ herb in question as well.

Short-term use of ginger for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy appears to pose no safety problems. However, long-term use during pregnancy is not recommended. A doctor should be informed if ginger is used before surgery as the herb may increase bleeding.

People with cancer should talk to their doctor before taking ginger because it has the potential to interfere with blood clotting and prolong bleeding time. Published studies are in disagreement about the likelihood of this side effect.

The risk of serious bleeding may be increased if the person is also taking medication that can lower platelet (blood cells that help the blood to clot) counts or interfere with platelet function, or an anticoagulant (a drug that interferes with blood clotting such as warfarin). In rare cases, some people have experienced an allergic reaction to ginger and occasional mild upset stomach.

References

1. Tyler VE. Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. Binghamton, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1994, 39�42.

2. Holtmann S, Clarke AH, Scherer H, Hohn M. The anti-motion sickness mechanism of ginger. A comparative study with placebo and dimenhydrinate. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 1989;108:168�74.

3. Grontved A, Brask T, Kambskard J, Hentzer E. Ginger root against seasickness. Acta Otolaryngol 1988;105:45�9.

4. Ribenfeld D, Borzone L. Randomized double-blind study comparing ginger (Zintona�) with dimenhydrinate in motion sickness. Healthnotes Rev Complementary Integrative Med 1999;6:98�101.

5. Careddu P. Motion sickness in children: Results of a double-blind study with ginger (Zintona�) and dimenhydrinate. Healthnotes Rev Complementary Integrative Med 1999;6:102�7.

6. Bone ME, Wilkinson DJ, Young JR, et al. Ginger root�a new antiemetic: The effect of ginger root on postoperative nausea and vomiting after major gynaecological surgery. Anaesthesia 1990;45:669�71.

7. Phillips S, Ruggier R, Hutchingson SE. Zingiber officinale (ginger)�an antiemetic for day case surgery. Anaesthesia 1993;48:715�7.

8. Arfeen Z, Owen H, Plummer JL, et al. A double-blind randomized controlled trial of ginger for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Anaesthesia 1995;23:449�52

9. Meyer K, Schwartz J, Craer D, Keyes B. Zingiber officinale (ginger) used to prevent 8-Mop associated nausea. Dermatol Nursing 1995;7:242�4.

10. Langner E, Greifenberg S, Gruenwald J. Ginger: History and use. Adv Ther 1998;15:25�44 [review].

11. Bradley PR (ed). British Herbal Compendium, vol 1. Bournemouth, Dorset, UK: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992, 112�4.

12. Yamahara J, Huang QR, Li YH, et al. Gastrointestinal motility enhancing effect of ginger and its active constituents. Chem Pharm Bull 1990;38:430�1.

13. al-Yahya MA, Rafatullah S, Mossa JS, et al. Gastroprotective activity of ginger in albino rats. Am J Chinese Med 1989;17:51�6.

14. Bordia A, Verma SK, Srivastava KC. 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. Prostagland Leukotrienes Essential Fatty Acids 1997;56:379�84.

15. Verma SK, Singh J, Khamesra R, Bordia A. Effect of ginger on platelet aggregation in man. Indian J Med Res 1994;98:240�2.

16. Lumb AB. Effect of dried ginger on human platelet function. Thromb Haemost 1994;7:110�1.

17. Janssen PL, Meyboom S, van Staveren WA, et al. Consumption of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) does not affect ex vivo platelet thromboxane production in humans. Eur J Clin Nutr 1996;50:772�4.

18. Brown DJ. Herbal Prescriptions for Better Health. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996, 111�8.

19. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 135�6.

Disclaimer:

The information presented in the article above is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available.

Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.

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These statements have NOT been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

It is advised to always seek
the advice from your family holistic physician before starting any new herbal or nutritional program.

Parts used and where grown

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)

Active constituents

Are there any side effects or interactions?

References

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