If you have ever suffered from a bout of seasickness, you know how quickly it can ruin your ability to have fun or perform a task. Seasickness is a type of motion sickness, typically characterized by nausea and vomiting. Herbalists have used Zingiber officinale, or ginger, to treat myriad conditions for more than 2,000 years, including motion sickness. Consult with your physician before using ginger for seasickness.
Ginger Root
The use of ginger as a spice dates back more than 4,400 years. Ginger is a thick, beige, knotted root that extends about a foot off the ground. The plant has narrow green leaves and yellow or white flowers. Traditional practitioners in India and Asia have used ginger since ancient times to treat upset stomach, diarrhea, flu, headaches, painful menstruation, arthritis, colic and heart conditions.
Seasickness
Seasickness is a response to real perceived or anticipated movement while on a boat or in the water, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Symptoms of motion sickness often include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, increased salivation, cold sweats and pale skin. Motion sickness occurs when the inner ear, eyes and body send conflicting signals to the brain. In the case of seasickness, the inner ear might sense the motions the eyes do not see.
Ginger and Motion Sickness
The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that ginger proved more effective at treating motion sickness than placebo in clinical trials. A study of 80 novice sailors with a propensity for motion sickness showed that those who used ginger experienced a significant decrease in nausea, vomiting and cold sweating. However, in a study comparing the scopolamine patch with ginger, the patients who received scopolamine had the greatest reduction in symptoms. Some people still prefer to use ginger as opposed to prescription medication, which might have more potential side effects. Always consult with your physician before using ginger or any herbal supplement.
Warnings
People rarely exhibit side effects when using ginger, but in large doses it might cause irritation of the mouth and diarrhea. Some people also experience belching or mild stomach upset with ginger. Taking the supplement in capsules can often relieve the minor stomach upset. Ginger might interfere with blood clotting, and if you take ginger and anticoagulant medications, it might increase the risk of bleeding and bruising, according to Drugs.com.
Considerations
The FDA does not regulate ginger as a supplement for effectiveness, safety or purity. Drugs.com explains that some herbal supplements have contained other drugs or toxic metals. Always use a certified herbalist or reputable practitioner.
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