Although ginger has been gaining attention as a treatment for obesity and heart ailments, its most enduring reputation centers around its digestive properties. Ginger can reduce stomach acid, ease nausea, improve digestion and relieve diarrhea. However, it's possible to create digestive upset such as heartburn by consuming too much ginger.
About Ginger
Ginger has been used as an herbal remedy for digestive difficulties for more than 2,000 years. You may have powdered ginger in your kitchen cupboard, but raw ginger is a thick, knotted plant. The root of the plant is used in cooking and to make ginger tea. The root extends about a foot above ground and its blossoms are white or yellow-green. Ginger ale, gingerbread and ginger snap cookies contain small amounts of ginger. These products may soothe minor stomach discomfort but may not contain enough ginger to provide prompt reduction in stomach acids.
Ways to Take Ginger to Neutralize Stomach Acid
You can add ginger to your daily menu in a variety of ways. You get the most benefit from raw ginger root. You can add grated ginger root to curries, smoothies and stir-fry dishes. You can also drink it as a tea. Cut up ground ginger and boil it in water for about 20 minutes. Or grate 1 tsp. ginger into a cup, pour boiling water over it and let it steep for several minutes. You can also buy commercially made ginger tea bags or ginger capsules. If you are suffering stomach upset, it may be more palatable to take ginger in capsule form. Tea provides speedier relief if you feel well enough to drink it.
Dosage
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you should take 2g to 4g -- 1 tsp. to 2 tsp. -- of fresh ginger root to relieve acid indigestion or a quarter of that amount of powdered ginger. You could also take 60 drops to 90 drops of ginger extract. To prevent vomiting, take 1g powdered ginger or two ginger capsules every four hours until symptoms subside. Don't take more than 4g ginger daily, including ginger from food or beverage sources.
Additional Health Benefits
Ginger may provide you with some additional benefits. Some studies have shown it to be effective in reducing cholesterol levels and promoting weight loss. Two scientific studies -- one conducted in Japan and another in Kuwait -- found that rodents fed ginger lost weight. According to L.K. Han, who published his study in 2008 in the Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, mice lost weight without altering their diets. Rats also lost weight while eating fatty foods in the study conducted at Kuwait University and published in 2007 in the British Journal of Nutrition.
Considerations
Do not take more than 4g raw ginger daily unless directed to do so by a physician. If you plan to undergo surgery and have been including ginger in your diet, let your doctor know. Ginger may interfere with some medications, particularly aspirin and other blood-thinners. Ginger is safe for most people to take. Some people experience mouth irritations from raw ginger, which could be alleviated by switching to taking ginger in capsule form. Taking too much ginger could cause diarrhea and heartburn.
References
- "Biotech Business Week"; Researchers' Work From Kuwait University, Kuwait, Adds to Body of Knowledge; (NO BYLINE); Jan. 29 2007
- "Drug Week"; Study Results From L.K. Han and Colleagues Update Understanding of Life Sciences; (NO BYLINE) Aug. 29 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
- "Biotech Business Week"; Researchers' Data From Maastricht University, Netherlands, Highlight New Research; (NO BYLINE) March 5 2007
- "The Express"; Pregnancy Relief That Can Suit You to a Tea; Anne Diamond; Aug. 13 2001
Member Comments