Hot flashes are most often experienced by women during menopause, due to hormonal imbalance, says MayoClinic.com. While this condition is usually not serious enough to require treatment, hot flashes can cause discomfort and the Vitamin and Health Supplements Guide says certain natural remedies such as ginger may provide relief.
About Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are characterized by a sudden feeling of intense heat that usually starts in your face and/or neck and can spread to your chest, says FamilyHealthGuide.co.uk. They can last for several minutes, can cause sweating and heart palpitations and may affect the quality of your sleep and day-to-day life.
Causes
The exact cause of hot flashes isn't known, but they are believed to be linked to the malfunctioning of your hypothalamus, which regulates your body temperature, says MayoClinic.com. This malfunctioning may be caused by a drop in estrogen levels during menopause.
Ginger
Ginger has long been used to treat nausea and motion sickness, but its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties mean it may also help provide relief from hot flashes, says Vitamin and Health Supplements Guide. The active ingredients in ginger include gingerols and shogaols, which are pungent oils that give ginger its distinctive aroma.
Dosage
Ginger can be taken as a supplement in tablet or powder form, eaten fresh or steeped in hot water and drunk as a tea, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Whatever way you take it, you should not exceed a maximum daily intake of 4 grams for an adult. This includes ginger in the foods and drinks you consume, as well as any supplements you take.
Precautions
As with any herbal supplement, ginger may react poorly with other medications and supplements you are taking, so it's best to check with your doctor before starting to use it, says University of Maryland Medical Center. In general, side effects are rare, but ginger may cause diarrhea, mild heartburn and mouth irritation if you exceed the recommended daily intake. You should use extreme caution, or avoid taking ginger altogether, if you are taking any blood-thinning medications, including aspirin.
