Ginger has a long tradition as both a culinary spice and a medicinal herb. Having originated in tropical Asia, its use caught on so widely that now it is cultivated in many tropical countries, according to MedicinalHerbInfo.org. Before starting to use ginger medicinally, be sure to discuss it with your health care provider to avoid dangerous interactions.
Ginger and Acid Reflux
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center and the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, ginger has long been used for treating nausea, motion sickness and upset stomach following surgery but not for treatment of acid reflux. Since studies seem to show that the use of ginger actually increases stomach acid production, it is most likely not an effective treatment for acid reflux and may even make the condition worse.
Forms Used
The rootstock of the ginger plant is the portion used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It can be used fresh or dried and is often taken as capsules, tea or combined with other herbs in supplements. Some of the most common foods containing ginger are ginger snaps, gingerbread and ginger ale. People with acid reflux may need to avoid foods containing ginger as well as the supplements or tea in order to avoid making their condition worse.
Side Effects
Adding ginger to foods is considered safe, but when taken in larger amounts there may be side effects. Some of the side effects of taking ginger medicinally include heartburn and belching. It may also have harmful interaction with such medications as blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs according to UMMC. The U.S. National Library of Medicine warns that people who take medication for diabetes should not take ginger. It may also interfere with the action of drugs taken to prevent acid reflux.
Research
According to the Library of Medicine, a fair amount of research has been done to discover the medical benefits of ginger, but none of them have supported its use to relieve or prevent acid reflux.
Caution
Ginger may cause contractions of the uterus, so pregnant women should avoid it. Not enough research exists to determine if there are safe amounts to take during pregnancy.
