Although its spicy-sweet taste is a flavorful addition to a variety of foods, ginger is also prized for its anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, daily treatment with ginger can be of particular benefit to people with arthritis, a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by painful, swollen joints. Despite its anti-inflammatory effects, more research is needed to examine the medicinal applications of ginger.
Warning
Talk with your doctor about how much ginger you should take before using this supplement. The dosage you require to alleviate joint pain might depend on a variety of factors, including your age, weight and health.
Oral Dosage Recommendation
Daily treatment with 2 g of orally-administered ginger might help reduce joint pain and inflammation, according to website Arthritis Today. Ginger is available in capsule, powder, extract and tincture preparations. Alternatively, adults can drink up to four cups of ginger tea each day to alleviate joint discomfort.
Topical Dosage Recommendation
If you experience chronic joint pain, you might find relief from discomfort after applying ginger oil directly to the skin surrounding the affected joint. In addition, you can prepare a warm compress from fresh ringer root, which can be applied to the area of discomfort, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains.
Safety Issues
Mild stomach discomfort, including gas or heartburn, might occur after you take a dose of ginger. Applying ginger oil directly to your skin might also cause mild skin redness or irritation. Although these side effects are usually temporary, seek care from your physician if they persist or become severe. In addition, avoid using ginger supplements if you have gallstones or a bleeding disorder, or if you're taking a blood-thinning medication.
