Ginger is a spice that grows primarily in Asia, where people have used the plant since ancient times to treat a variety of health conditions, including fevers, colds and digestive problems. The pungent aroma is one of the unique characteristics of ginger that comes from gingerol, its active medicinal compound that confers health benefits. Ginger's active compounds are found in the rhizome, or root, portion of ginger.
Motion Sickness
Ginger may be superior for motion sickness than dimenhydrinate, a common over-the-counter medication, according to the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. Powdered ginger supplements may also decrease vomiting and sweating associated with seasickness. Ginger has side effects of medications that treat motion and seasickness, including dry mouth and drowsiness. Given the safety of ginger, many people find it a welcome alternative to these medications to relieve motion sickness.
Nausea and Vomiting
Ginger has been known to reduce nausea and vomiting related to pregnancy. In a 2005 review led by Francesca Borrelli and published in the journal "Obstetrics and Gynecology," the analysis of 33 trials evaluating ginger's effectiveness in the treatment of pregnancy-related vomiting and nausea found that ginger is more effective than a placebo. The studies also determined there were no adverse effects of ginger on the participants' pregnancies.
Diarrhea
The bacteria E. coli causes more infant deaths in developing countries than any other disorder. Chien-Yun Hsiang from the Graduate Institute of Chinese Pharmaceutical Science led a study in 2007 published in "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" that found that ginger prevents E. coli from causing diarrhea. The bacteria causes 210 million cases of diarrhea worldwide annually and causes 380,000 deaths. Zingerone, a compound found in ginger, is likely the compound causing the mechanism of action.
Digestive Stimulant
Ginger stimulates digestion by accelerating the transport of food from the stomach to the small intestine, according to a 2008 study led by Keng-Liang Wu from Chang Gung University College of Medicine published in the "European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology." The participants in the study consumed 1,200 mg of ginger and ate a meal. Their digestive responses were traced with an ultrasound. Ginger stimulated stomach muscle contractions, which transported the food into the small intestine. The participants also reported no digestive discomfort, while the placebo group complained of upset stomach.
References
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California: Ginger: An Overview
- PubMed.gov: Ginger and Its Bioactive Component Inhibit Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli Heat-Labile Enterotoxin-Induced Diarrhea in Mice
- European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology:: Effects of Ginger on Gastric Emptying and Motility in Healthy Humans
- Obstetrics and Gynecology: Effectiveness and Safety of Ginger in the Treatment of Pregnancy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
