Ginger's Uses For Indigestion

Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is a feeling of fullness, discomfort, burning and pain in the upper part of the abdomen that may be triggered by stress, alcohol, spicy food, overeating, eating fast or the intake of high-fiber foods. Eating slowly, avoiding stress or exercise immediately after meals and over-the-counter antacids can help treat indigestion. Certain herbs and spices such as ginger may also help. However, it is important talk to a doctor before using ginger supplements.

What Is Ginger?

Ginger is a common cooking spice found in a variety of foods and drinks including ginger bread and ginger ale. The roots and underground stems of the ginger plant, or Zingiber officinale, contain volatile oils and pungent phenolic compounds that possess medicinal value and are used to treat a variety of conditions including nausea, vomiting, motion sickness and inflammation. The extracts are available as tinctures, capsules, oils and teas. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends 2 to 4 grams of fresh ginger root, or 1.5 to 3 ml of liquid extract or 0.25 to 1 g of powdered root to treat indigestion. The dose may vary in children and in adults with other health conditions.

Link between Ginger and Indigestion

Ginger capsules can stimulate the process of gastric emptying, or removing food from the stomach, report the researchers of a study published in the January 2011 edition of "World Journal of Gastroenterology." The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine also states that ginger extracts are part of a variety of supplements used to prevent and treat indigestion and nausea. Dr. Deepak Chopra, author of the book "Perfect Digestion" also recommends eating a mixture of thin, peeled ginger slices, lemon juice and pinch of salt 30 minutes before meals, or immediately after lunch or dinner to promote digestion.

Side Effects

Ginger supplements are generally safe to use, although mild side effects such as gas, bloating and heartburn may occur. The supplements may also interfere with certain blood-thinning medications such as aspirin and warfarin. Other side effects and drug interactions of the herb have not been documented scientifically.

Precautions

It is important to consult a doctor before using ginger supplements to determine a dose that is right for you. If the symptoms persist for more than a week, talk to a doctor, as the discomfort may be due to other underlying conditions. Also, remember that the production and distribution of herbal supplements in the U.S. is not regulated by Food and Drug Interactions, so do whatever you can do to ensure their quality.