Arthritis is not gender or age specific -- it strikes men and women of all ages. Approximately one of every seven people in the United States has some degree of arthritis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Among the many medications and products to help cope with the condition is ginger -- a plant-based remedy and culinary component. Talk to your doctor before using ginger to treat your arthritis.
Ginger Uses
Ginger is a twisted rhizome and an age-old medicine for digestion and stomach discomfort. Its uses range from treating post-surgery nausea and pregnancy-related nausea, headaches, cold and flu symptoms as well as arthritis pain and inflammation. Some arthritis sufferers use it in conjunction with other medications, while others find it useful alone.
Ginger for Arthritis
Herbalists are not the only medical experts who approve of ginger. Conventional medical practitioners recognize ginger as a potential remedy for arthritis and other inflammatory diseases as well. When compared to a placebo, ginger works to reduce swelling and pain, as evidenced in a study following 261 osteoarthritis sufferers who found relief with ginger extracts and were able to reduce their pain-killing medications, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Ginger Products
Ginger products are made with the underground stems of the plant. You'll find ginger products on your pharmacy shelves in various forms including teas, tablets and capsules. Health food stores also offer ginger tinctures, or liquid extracts. Common dosages include up to 2 g of powder, capsules or extracts in three divided dosages daily. Common dosages of tea are up to 4 cups daily, according to "Arthritis Today." Talk to an herbalist or trusted health care professional about the best ginger products and dosages for your condition.
Side Effects and Cautions
Like conventional medicines, ginger may cause side effects and drug interactions. Although few side effects are likely with small doses, mild effects such as gas, stomach upset and nausea may occur, most often with the use of powdered ginger. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that you might eliminate these symptoms by using ginger capsules. Additionally, ginger might interfere with medications like aspirin and other blood thinners. Talk to your doctor to determine the safety of ginger.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Arthritis Overview; Ariel D. Teitel, MD, MBA; January 2009
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Ginger ; May 2006
- "Arthritis Today;" Supplement Guide: Ginger
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Ginger; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; November 2008
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