Ginger: A Food Spice or Wonder Herb?

HEALTH TALK

Ginger root (Photo – Kjokkenutstyr)

Ginger root is a thick underground stem obtained from the perennial plant Zingiber Officinale native to India, Jamaica, and China.

By H. S. Nemr

Chemical components

Ginger contains non volatile compounds that are thought to be responsible for the claimed pharmacological activities. Ginger root is also rich in volatile oils, carbohydrates, fats, waxes and minerals.

Actions

While some studies have shown that Ginger inhibits platelet aggregation induced by ADP and epinephrine, other studies have not confirmed this action.

Animal studies have suggested that Ginger has a gastro protective effect and has similar stimulatory effects on GI motility as those seen with Metoclopramide or Domperidone. Several studies have been published to evaluate the effect of Ginger powder in the management of hyperemesis gravidarum. A statistically significant percentage of women appeared to prefer treatment with Ginger as demonstrated by the patient reported symptom scores. The results of these studies are not considered valuable due to the subjective measurements used to asses the results.

Ginger plant flower root (Photo – McCormick and company [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons).

Therapeutic and reported folk uses

Claims for Ginger include its use as an anti-emetic for morning, motion or sea sickness. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory, and an antioxidant agent.

Dosage

• For indigestion, 500-1000 mg of powdered Ginger daily.
• For nausea and vomiting, 1 g of powdered Ginger every 4 hours.
• For relief of Cold symptoms, 2 tbsp of freshly shredded ginger in boiled water.

Adverse reactions and precautions

Heart burn, CNS depression, Arrhythmias (with overdose)

The American Herbal Products Association currently classifies dried Ginger root as class 2b which indicates that it should not be used by pregnant females in amounts exceeding those that are normally present in foods (not more than 1 g per day).

Interactions

Avoid the co-administration of oral anticoagulants with Ginger.

H.S. Nemr is a graduate of BAU pharmacy school. He is currently a medication safety officer at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare system.

References

1. Professional’s Handbook of Complementary Alternative Medicines, Springhouse, 2nd edition.
2. University of Maryland Medical Center, Complimentary Medicine article.