Many women experience negative side effects during menstruation, including cramps, headaches and other pain, heavy bleeding and gastrointestinal troubles. If you experience any of these symptoms, ginger is a natural remedy that may help. Consult your physician before using ginger or other alternative therapies for serious medical problems.
Identification
The ginger plant is a perennial that grows about five feet high, mostly in tropical regions. The root of the ginger plant, also called the rhizome, is the part used for its healing properties. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) website explains that ginger has been used for its healing benefits for over 2,000 years.
Benefits
Ginger soothes nausea, upset stomach and diarrhea during menstruation, says Nerys Purchon in her book "The Essential Natural Health Bible." Ginger's pain-killing properties may help if you have painful periods, also known as dysmenorrhea, according to the Mayo Clinic website. The website reports that ginger is comparable to ibuprofen and mefenamic acid for pain relief, although the website only gave ginger a "C" rating for this effect, acknowledging that more research is necessary. If you miss a period for reasons other than pregnancy, ginger may encourage it to begin, says Anne McIntyre in her book "The Complete Woman's Herbal."
Function
Ginger contains substances that provide health benefits. It has antioxidant, antiseptic, pain-relieving and decongestant properties, according to McIntyre. Ginger also stimulates circulation and the production of digestive enzymes, and aids the immune system. The UMMC adds that ginger contains oils and phenol compounds, which provide its healing benefits.
Process
In her book "20,000 Secrets of Tea," Victoria Zak suggests using the "concoction method" to make tea from fresh ginger root. Chop some of the root into small pieces, and boil 2 tbsp. of the ginger per cup of water in a saucepan. Simmer the ginger and water for an hour and strain the ginger out. For an easier method, Zak suggests using a ginger teabag or her "infusion method" of simply steeping the ginger pieces in boiling water for seven to 10 minutes. You can find fresh ginger root to make tea, or pre-packaged ginger teas, in most supermarkets.
Warning
The UMMC warns against consuming more than 4g of ginger per day. The website notes that ginger can cause side effects including diarrhea and heartburn. If you have gallstones, a bleeding condition or are on drugs to thin blood, avoid ginger. You should also avoid ginger if you have peptic ulcers, says Zak, or gastritis, notes McIntyre.
References
- "The Complete Woman's Herbal"; Anne McIntyre; 1994
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
- "The Essential Natural Health Bible"; Nerys Purchon; 2006
- Mayo Clinic: Ginger
- "20,000 Secrets of Tea"; Victoria Zak; 1999
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