According to the Medicinal Herb Info website, ginger has been used in food and medicinally for many centuries. The plant originates from tropical areas of Asia, but is now grown in tropical locations all over the world, especially in Jamaica. Before beginning to take ginger root medicinally, be sure to discuss it with your health care provider.
Function
The U.S. National Library of Medicine website describes ginger root as having antitussive properties. Antitussive means that it acts as a cough suppressant. Some of the compounds found in ginger root are often also added in various cough suppressant medications.
Research
So far, no research has been done to determine whether ginger root is an effective remedy for a cough. Before this treatment can be recommended, the herb needs to be studied for this use.
Side Effects
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center website describes the side effects of ginger as possible heartburn, contact dermatitis or an allergic skin reaction. The USNLM site also warns that side effects may include belching, boating, gas or a bad taste in the mouth.
Drug Interactions
The MSKCC site warns that taking medicinal amounts of ginger root may have a harmful interaction with medications for hypoglycemia or diabetes. It may also increase the effects of blood thinners and could cause an extra risk of bruising or bleeding when combined with them. You should stop taking ginger in medicinal quantities at least a week before surgery to prevent excessive bleeding. The USNLM site also cautions that ginger may work against the effects of medications that reduce the amount of stomach acid produced. Ginger may also interfere with medications for heart conditions. Discuss use of ginger medicinally with your health care provider if you are taking any of these medications.
Forms Used
The root of the ginger plant can be used fresh or dried, according to the website of the University of Maryland Medical Center. It's a common seasoning in foods and is taken medicinally as tea, capsules or essential oil. Ginger is commonly found in gingerbread, ginger snap cookies and ginger ale.
Cautions
The USNLM website states that culinary amounts of ginger in the diet are considered safe for pregnant and breast-feeding women, but increased amounts should be avoided since there is no study to support the herb's use during pregnancy. Any herb or supplement can cause an allergic reaction. If you notice swelling of the tongue, face or lips while taking ginger, stop taking it and contact your health care provider.
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