Ginger Root Remedies

Ginger isn't just a tasty spice--for thousands of years, people have used it as a remedy for everything from common colds to upset stomachs. Adults shouldn't take more than 4 g of ginger root a day or give it to children under two. Though the herb is widely used and relatively safe, consult a health care professional before using it for medicinal purposes.

Heart Health

"Nature's Medicines," by Gale Maleskey, suggests cooking with ginger root at least two times a week as a boost to heart health. Ginger root may lower cholesterol and prevent blood from clotting, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition by Fuhrman, Rosenblat, Hayek, Coleman and Aviram concluded that consuming ginger extract affects the formation of plaque, leading to a reduction of cholesterol levels. This may prevent blockages from occurring in blood vessels, reducing the risk for heart attacks and strokes.
People who take ginger root supplements should be aware that it has anticoagulant properties. If you take medications that thin the blood, such as warfarin or even aspirin, be cautious when taking or eating ginger. Be sure to speak with a health care professional about the potential consequences.

Inflammation

The UMMC website suggests drinking 2 to 4 g of fresh ginger tea, extract or juice every day as a remedy for inflammation and arthritis. Making a poultice from fresh ginger root for inflamed areas or rubbing ginger oil into aching joints may also help. "Natures Medicines" suggests using ginger extract standardized to five percent gingerols (ginger's active ingredient).
Ginger root is a gentle anti-inflammatory that doesn't carry the health risks, such as bleeding ulcers, associated with other medications for inflammation and chronic pain. A study published in Arthritis and Rheumatism by R.D. Altman and K.C. Marcussen found that ginger extract had a significant impact on osteoarthritis symptoms. The purified, standardized extract lessened the pain patients felt when standing and walking.

Digestion

Two to 4 g of fresh ginger root every day, either powdered or as a liquid extract, aids in digestive issues such as gas, indigestion and nausea. Chewing fresh ginger root, taking 1 g of powdered ginger or two ginger capsules should help prevent vomiting, according to the UMMC website.
Ginger root also relieves gas and bloating. The University of Maryland Medical center attributes ginger root's health benefits to its volatile oils and phenol compounds, specifically the shogaols and gingerols. Ginger root has been successful in treating motion sickness, post-surgery nausea and vomiting, morning sickness and chemotherapy-related nausea. The University of Michigan Health System website calls ginger a digestive tract tonic because the rhizome eases food through the digestive tract, stimulating digestion, toning intestinal muscles and reducing irritation to walls of the intestines.
Pregnant women should consult their doctors about the safety of ginger root for morning sickness. While studies, such as one published in the April 2005 issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology called "Effectiveness and Safety of Ginger in the Treatment of Pregnancy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting," have indicated ginger root's effectiveness in relieving morning sickness, there are potentially serious side effects. The U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health warn that ginger root has the potential to cause fetal mutations, abortion and increased bleeding.

References

• University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
• "Nature's Medicines"; Gale Malesky, 1999
• PubMed.gov: Ginger Extract Consumption Reduces Plasma Cholesterol
• PubMed.gov: Effects of a Ginger Extract on Knee Pain in Patients with Osteoarthritis
• University of Michigan Health System: Ginger