A migraine is a headache characterized by pulsating or throbbing pain that can affect one or both sides of the head, of moderate or severe intensity, and may be associated with sensitivity to light, nausea or vomiting. According to the Merck Manuals, about 18 percent of American women and six percent of American men have an episode of migraine every year. Conventional treatment involves drugs such as triptans, dihydroergotamine and prochlorperazine. Ginger supplements may help reduce symptoms of migraines, although more research is needed to establish ginger benefits for this condition.
Benefits
Ginger is a perennial plant native to Asia, being currently cultivated in other tropical regions such as Brazil, Australia and Africa. It has a long history of use as a medicinal plant in ayurvedic medicine, especially for digestive conditions such as nausea and bloating. Ginger may also improve symptoms of arthritis, have a tonic effect for heart, increase testosterone production and benefit individuals with cancer. Ginger extracts have anti-inflammatory, pain relief and possibly anti-tumor activity.
Forms
Ginger supplement is available in different forms such as tinctures, extracts mostly in capsules or tablet form. The extracts are derived mostly from fresh ginger root. According to Drugs.com, ginger has been used in research studies in doses ranging from 250 mg to 1 g three to four times daily. Some sources indicate that only unbleached ginger with 1.5 percent or more volatile oil is considered a medicinal-grade drug.
Research
Most studies evaluated the benefits of ginger for nausea related to pregnancy after surgical procedures or chemotherapy as well as for cancer and osteoarthritis. A few small studies showed that ginger may be beneficial for migraine headaches as well.
In the July 1990 issue "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," a study conducted by T. Mustafa and K.C. Srivastava evaluated and proposed ginger extract to be used in the prevention and treatment of migraine headaches.
Another study by R.K. Cady in the September 2005 issue of the "Medical Science Monitor" found that a combination of two herbs, ginger and feverfew, was effective as a first-line therapy for migraines when the supplement was administered early during the mild headache phase.
Safety and Drug Interactions
Ginger is usually well tolerated at recommended doses; however, in doses of 6,000 mg or more, it may cause stomach upset and increase the risk of ulcer. There are no known food, nutrient or drug interactions with ginger, but ginger may reduce nausea, a common side effect of chemotherapeutic and anesthetic drugs.
Considerations
Consult an alternative health care practitioner before taking ginger supplements to find out optimal doses of this extract for your condition. Ginger supplements do not replace conventional treatment of migraine headaches.
