Ginger Root's Side Effects

Ginger root gives ginger ale its characteristic bite and adds that hint of spice to gingerbread. Grandma served ginger root tea to soothe a queasy tummy and grated it into batter for gingerbread cookies. Obstetricians and midwives still prescribe a small glass of ginger ale or ginger tea to take the edge off severe morning sickness, and ginger may help ease nausea after surgery or chemotherapy. Ginger has few reported side effects, and most of them are mild. If you're planning to take ginger medicinally, however, you should know the possible side effects.

Gastrointestinal Distress

Some people experience heartburn, belching, stomach pain, diarrhea or mouth irritation if they take large doses of ginger. You can reduce those gastrointestinal effects by taking ginger in capsules, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Thins Blood

Ginger may inhibit blood coagulation, though a fact sheet at the Tufts Medical Center website notes that European studies have failed to find any significant effect on blood coagulation when patients took it at normal oral doses. It is possible, however, that ginger might amplify the effects of blood-thinning drugs. For that reason, talk with your health-care provider before taking ginger if you regularly take warfarin, heparin, aspirin or another blood thinner. In addition, because of the possible effect on the blood, the University of Texas at El Paso's Herbal Safety website recommends that you stop taking ginger at least a week before any scheduled surgery.

Ginger and Pregnancy

Ginger in high doses--greater than 4g daily--may cause uterine contractions, according to a fact sheet on ginger at the Herbal Safety website. In addition, there is little research on the effects of ginger on the developing fetus. If you are considering using ginger therapeutically, discuss the potential side effects with your gynecologist or midwife.