If you are experiencing flatulence, bloating and indigestion, ginger may be just the thing to relieve your discomfort. According to "The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants," traditional use of ginger for digestive disorders goes back to ancient times. Ginger may thin the blood, and taking large doses during pregnancy may be linked to increased chance of miscarriage. So do not take ginger if you are pregnant, or on blood-thinning medication or at risk for heavy bleeding. Always consult your doctor if your digestive issues become serious.
Oleoresins
According to "The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants," ginger is a carminative herb, which means it relieves symptoms of gas in the digestive system. The oleoresin constituents of ginger, including gingerol and shogoals, are responsible for its carminative properties. Oleoresins are used as ingredients in flatulence treatments, according to the Mayo Clinic. Keep in mind that there is no conclusive clinical evidence to support medicinal use of ginger.
Carminatives
Carminative herbs may relieve gas and bloating in the stomach and intestines, when volatile herb oils stimulate the gastrointestinal nerves, according to "The Yoga of Herbs." This stimulation promotes digestion and assimilation of food, and helps the body to expel excess gas, mucus and other toxins that may contribute to the discomfort of flatulence. There is no clinical evidence to support the carminative effects of ginger, however.
Dosage
According to the Mayo Clinic, the properties of herbs may vary from plant to plant, and there is no conclusive clinical evidence to support a specific dosage of ginger. However, the clinic recommends that you don't take more than four grams a day. Take ginger in the form of capsules, fresh root, tea, tincture, powder or extract. Talk to your health care practitioner about the appropriate amount of ginger for you.
Ginger Tea
To make ginger tea, peel a section of fresh ginger root; grate it on a box grater or chop very finely until you have 2 tbsp of macerated ginger root. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add the macerated root. Lower the heat and simmer for five minutes. Remove from heat and steep for 20 minutes. Drink ginger tea warm and sweeten with honey if desired.
Ginger in Food
Adding ginger directly to your food may help prevent flatulence. Finely chopped fresh ginger makes a spicy topping for soups, stir fries, beans and meat dishes. Add ginger to salad dressing for pungency and a lemon-like flavor. Add dried ginger powder or candied ginger to baked goods for unique flavor.
References
- "The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants"; Andrew Chevallier; 1996
- "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies"; Norman Shealy; 2001
- "The Yoga of Herbs"; David Frawley and Vasant Lad; 2001
- Mayo Clinic: Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)
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