Ginger is an herb that has been used medicinally for centuries. Ginger is most frequently consumed to improve digestion and to help dissipate the symptoms of nausea, diarrhea and upset stomach. Ginger can be found in many forms, including fresh, dried or crystallized root, tinctures, capsules, extracts and tea. Ginger has few side effects, but there are health conditions for which taking ginger may be hazardous and precautions should be taken.
Heart Conditions
Ingesting large amounts of ginger may possibly worsen some heart conditions. Medline Plus states that ginger has the ability to lower blood pressure and cause irregular heart rhythms. An individual who is on blood pressure medication or any other heart medication should speak to a doctor before taking any ginger products.
Bleeding Disorders
There may be a link between ginger and blood thinners. Any individual on blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin or even aspirin, should consult a physician before ingesting ginger for medicinal reasons. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ginger could slow the body's ability to properly clot blood and could increase the odds of bleeding and excessive bruising.
Pregnancy
Even though ginger is effective for treating nausea, doctors do not recommend that it be used for morning sickness during pregnancy. The People's Pharmacy website suggests that ginger may increase bleeding in pregnant women and may interfere with prostaglandin synthesis, which could be dangerous during labor. Medline Plus also says that consuming ginger while pregnant might affect fetal hormones and increase the likelihood of miscarriage. Therefore, speaking to an obstetrician before using ginger is important.
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