Ginger is a spice popularly used in ethnic cuisine. It is considered safe for consumption in normal amounts, but is usually eaten in small amounts because its flavor is very strong. Certain components of ginger not only provide its unique scent and flavor, but may also be an effective way to treat nausea.
Features
Ginger is a shoot-like-shaped plant native to Africa, China and Jamaica. The biologically active parts are called gingerols and shogaols. These components give ginger its unique scent and are believed to be the cause of ginger's healing properties, which including improved digestion, decreasing nausea and other gastrointestinal benefits.
Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has labeled ginger "Generally Recognized as Safe" or GRAS, which means a panel of qualified experts has agreed that ginger has been shown to be safe for dietary consumption for the majority of people. Clinical uses of ginger are safe in most conditions, but check with your doctor to ensure it is safe for your personal situation.
Recommendations
Ginger can be purchased in many different forms, such as fresh, dried, pickled and powdered. Other popular forms include ginger extracts, ginger tea, ginger ale and crystallized ginger. Ginger is also available in tablets and capsules made with dried ginger extract. Normal intake is based on desired taste as it is added to food. No known side effects of excess intake exist. To receive anti-nausea benefits, it is recommended to consume 250 milligrams of ground ginger root four times per day, but it is currently unknown which forms of ginger are the most beneficial.
Nausea Treatment
The impact ginger has on nausea and vomiting prevention has been heavily speculated in published research journals. A study released in 2005 in the "Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology" concluded that ginger taken orally may ease nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. A systematic literature review published in the "British Journal of Anesthesia" found that in cases of conditions that cause nausea, such as chemotherapy, seasickness and morning sickness, there was relief from nausea symptoms from taking a ginger supplement. Several small controlled trials have used ginger as a postoperative treatment for nausea with conflicting results.
Warning
Ginger may interfere with anticoagulation and antiplatelet drugs such as warfarin. Because the precise influence on the interaction is yet unknown, it is best to avoid ginger if you're taking these medications. Ginger may reduce blood glucose levels in people taking glucose-lowering medications. It is recommended to monitor blood glucose levels more often when taking ginger if you're taking these medications.
References
- "Health Professional's Guide to Popular Dietary Supplements"; Allison Sarubin Fragakis and Cynthia Thompson; 2007
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- "Obstetrics and Gynecology"; "Effectiveness and Safety of Ginger in the Treatment of Pregnancy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting"; F. Borrelli et al; 2005
- "British Journal of Anesthesia"; "Efficacy of Ginger for Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials"; E Ernst et al; 2000
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