If you are a fan of ginger ale, ginger snaps or ginger bread, you may be surprised to learn that the popular spice can do more than add its signature sweet, tangy taste to baked goods or soft drinks. Ginger root herbal remedies treat a variety of ailments. However, like all herbs, ginger root may cause side effects or interact with prescription medications, so speak to your doctor about using ginger root herbal remedies to treat yourself or your family before you use the herb for medicinal purposes.
Identification
Ginger root is the underground rhizome, or stem, of the plant Zingiber officinale, indigenous to southeast Asia. Arabic, Asian and East Indian cultures have used ginger root herbal remedies for more than 2,000 years, and the herb is still used around the world as a cooking spice and alternative health treatment.
Uses
Ginger root is used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, motion sickness and pregnancy, and as an inflammatory to reduce bodily swelling. In fact, Germany's herb regulatory agency, Commission E, approved ginger for the prevention of motion sickness and for indigestion, according to the American Cancer Society. Ginger root is also used to treat colds, intestinal gas, stomach upset, arthritis and painful menstrual periods.
Clinical Trials
Sixty women who had major gynecological surgery were given either ginger root or a placebo, a pill that had no medicinal value, according to the National Institutes of Health. The women who received the ginger root experienced less nausea than the women who took the placebo. In another study, 80 naval cadets were either given powdered ginger root or a placebo, according to the NIH, while sailing in heavy seas. The cadets who consumed the ginger root experienced less cold sweating and vomiting than the cadets who took the placebo.
Considerations
Although side effects from taking fresh or powdered ginger root are rare, you may experience diarrhea, mouth irritation or mild heartburn if you consume more than 4g of fresh or powdered ginger root at one time. However, you can avoid possible gastrointestinal disturbances by taking ginger root in capsule form instead of consuming fresh or powdered ginger root, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Warning
Do not take ginger root if you are on a blood-thinning medication such as Coumadin, because ginger may interfere with blood clotting as well as prolong bleeding time, according to the American Cancer Society. For the same reason, tell your doctor if you are taking ginger before you are placed under anesthesia for any reason or are scheduled to undergo surgery.
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