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ginger graphic

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is an herb that comes from the plant Zingiber officinale. The plant has a single purple and green flower with a thick root from which ginger is derived. Ginger was originally found in the coastal regions of India, but it is now grown in Jamaica, China, Africa, and the West Indies. Throughout history, ginger has been used for gastrointestinal discomfort and swollen joints. Studies have shown that unlike certain medications used to prevent nausea, ginger acts by slowing the feedback mechanism from the stomach to the brain to prevent the feeling of nausea. The root of the Zingiber officinale plant produces the familiar ginger aroma, and it also produces the popular ginger spice used in cooking.

Claimed Health Benefits

  • Helps prevent nausea associated with motion sickness

  • Alleviates indigestion, gas, and diarrhea

  • Decreases pain associated with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis

 

Food Sources

None

 

Dose

Most of the studies have used 1 gram of powdered dried root per day.
Directions usually suggest that ginger should be taken on an “as needed” basis.

 

Evidence for Health Benefits

  • Thirty-six subjects were involved in a study that looked at the effectiveness of ginger on decreasing symptoms of motion sickness. The subjects received either placebo, Dramamine (a medication used for motion sickness), or powdered ginger. The subjects were then blindfolded and placed in a spinning mechanical chair until they said stop or vomited. Those who received the ginger remained in the chair 2 minutes longer than those who took the Dramamine and 4 minutes longer than those who took the placebo.

  • When compared to other medications, studies have rated ginger as being just as helpful or more helpful in preventing motion sickness.

  • Studies have shown ginger is effective at reducing motion sickness associated with boat travel more than car travel (1, 2, 3).

  • In an uncontrolled study, 18 patients with osteoarthritis took powdered ginger for 3 months to 2.5 years, and 75% experienced a decrease in pain and inflammation when taking ginger.

  • Animal studies have shown that ginger can inhibit blood clot formation, decreasing risk for heart attack and stroke. However, this information cannot be applied to humans until a human study is completed.

 

Cautions

  • Ginger is often used during pregnancy to ward off morning sickness. Although no adverse symptoms have been recorded, it is important to consult a physician before taking ginger when pregnant.

  • High doses of ginger could interfere with cardiac, blood clotting, and diabetic medications.

  • Those who have problems with gall stone formation should avoid taking ginger.

 

References

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. SupplementWatch, Inc. (2002) Supplement Decisions Made Easy. http://www.supplementwatch.com/supatoz/supplement.asp?supplementId=141 Accessed June 9, 2003.