The root of Zingiber officinale, known as ginger, is used as a spice in stir-fry dishes and baked goods, and for herbal remedies, as well. Technically, the underground stem, or rhizome, is used, but people commonly call this ginger root. The main purpose of ginger root in traditional herbal medicine is for relieving upset stomach and nausea. Consult a qualified health care provider before beginning any herbal therapy.
Evidence
Research indicates that ginger decreases the severity and duration of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and ginger appears to boost the effects of the antinausea drug prochlorperazine. Ginger may be safe and effective for nausea associated with pregnancy, but should only be used at recommended doses for short time frames. Results are mixed on ginger's effectiveness at treating nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness and surgery, as noted by the NIH.
Potential
People have traditionally used high doses of ginger to lower blood sugar, but clinical trials with humans are lacking, according to the NIH. During a study published in the September 2006 issue of "Phytotherapy Research," ginger significantly decreased blood sugar in normal and diabetic rats. Additionally, some research indicates that ginger may provide pain relief and decrease inflammation in disorders such as arthritis, according to InteliHealth. However, these effects may not be strong enough to be of much help.
Considerations
If you take ginger to relieve nausea or inflammation, especially in high doses, reduced blood sugar may be a side effect. This is primarily a concern if you take any medications that also lower blood sugar, such as insulin or metformin, explains InteliHealth. You may need to monitor your blood sugar more closely to prevent hypoglycemia, and your health care provider might need to adjust your medication dosage.
Other Side Effects and Interactions
Ginger side effects are uncommon, according to InteliHealth. You could experience heartburn, burping, bad taste in the mouth, bloating, or gas. Ginger supplements may increase the risk of abnormal bleeding if you also take drugs with blood-thinning effects such as anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Ginger may increase stomach acid production, so it could interfere with medications that reduce stomach acid. Ginger also may lessen the effects of some medications for high blood pressure or irregular heart rhythms.
Usage
Ginger is available as fresh or dried root, ginger oil, liquid extracts and tinctures, and dried extract in capsules. Ginger tea also is available commercially, or can be made from fresh ginger root. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that adults take no more than 4 g of ginger daily, and the recommended dose for pregnant women is 250 mg four times daily. Children under 2 years of age should not take ginger supplements, and dosage for older children is determined by weight.
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