Ginger is the edible root of the plant Zingiber officinale and has been used in Eastern medicine for over two thousand years. It has been recommended to treat nausea and diarrhea, as well as arthritis symptoms and flu-like symptoms. Ginger is a popular medicinal root that has been shown to be safe and effective in curing pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.
Although ginger has been studied by scientists and medical professionals as a treatment for nausea and vomiting in pregnant women, it can, like any other herbal supplement or medicine, have negative side effects or adverse reactions and is recommended to be used only under the supervision of a health care professional.
Is it Effective?
The "Prospective Comparative Study of the Safety and Effectiveness of Ginger for the Treatment of Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy," published in 2003, verified that ginger is an effective suppressant of nausea and vomiting. One trial, performed with 30 women who suffered from continuos vomiting, showed that 1 g of ginger a day for four days was successful in decreasing the level of nausea and vomiting episodes. In a larger trial of 66 women, all reported a decrease in morning sickness symptoms with the ingestion of 1 g of ginger a day.
Is It Safe?
The prospective study showed no negative side effects on the fetuses with the consumption of 1 g of ginger per day for up to four consecutive days. Another study, "Effect of Ginger Tea on the Fetal Development of Sprague-Dawley Rats," published in 2000, showed an increase in growth and skeletal development correlated with the ingestion of ginger.
How Much and How Often?
According to Steven Ehrlich, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, the consumption of ginger to ease nausea and vomiting due to pregnancy is recommended in doses of 250 mg, four times daily. The amount consumed should never exceed 4 g in one day nor should 1 g a day be taken for more than four days in a row.
Various Types of Ginger
Ginger can be purchased in a variety of different forms, such as fresh or dried ginger root, and as an oil extract. A variety of different ginger products are available, from tinctures to capsules to tea bags. You can dice up some fresh ginger root to to add to your favorite meal, or you can buy pre-made ginger tea bags, or you can explore the other various options to find a taste that suits you.
Warnings and Precautions
The consumption of ginger for pregnancy-related stomach problems has been studied and proven to be effective and safe within the parameters of the studies, but, as other herbal remedies or medications, it can react negatively with other herbal supplements and medications or result in negative side effects. It is advised that you consult a medical professional before taking ginger to ease the nausea and vomiting related to pregnancy.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
- BMC Medicine: Managing Hyperemesis Gravidarum: a Multimodal Challenge
- Science Direct: Effect of Ginger Tea on the Fetal Development of Sprague-Dawley Rats
- PubMed: Prospective Comparative Study of the Safety and Effectiveness of Ginger for the Treatment of Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy
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