High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a chronic health condition caused by the increased force of blood against the walls of the arteries. Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms, although dull headaches, dizziness and nose bleeds may sometimes occur. High blood pressure increases the risk of serious conditions such as heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and death. Healthy diet, medications and exercise may help reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of complications. Certain herbs and spices such as ginger may also help manage the condition.
Ginger
The underground stems and roots of the ginger plant, or Zingiber ofiicinale, is often used as a cooking spice. Its volatile oils and pungent compounds also give ginger its immense medicinal value. Ginger is available as fresh or dried root, powder, capsules, powders, liquid extracts and oils and is used to treat a variety of conditions including nausea, vomiting and morning sickness. Clinical trials regarding the dose and appropriate form of ginger are limited. Always talk to a doctor to determine what is right for you.
Link Between Ginger and High Blood Pressure
Water-based ginger extracts can help lower the blood pressure by inhibiting the nervous system receptors and calcium channels that lead to hypertension, states a study published in the October 2005 edition of "Vascular Pharmacology." Another study in a 2006 issue of "The American Journal of Chinese Medicine" has also revealed that ginger supplements can enhance the activity of high blood pressure medications such as nifedipine. The researchers of the study recommend 1 g of ginger with 10 mg of nifepidine per day to prevent diseases due to platelet aggregation. Nevertheless, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that more research is needed before prescribing ginger supplements to all hypertension patients.
Side Effects
Ginger and its supplements are generally safe to use. Some individuals may experience heartburn, gastric disturbances or irritation in their mouth. The supplements may interfere with certain blood-thinning medications. MedlinePlus also suggests that women who are expecting should not use ginger without consulting a doctor as it may increase the risk of miscarriage and affect fetal hormones.
Precautions
The production of ginger supplements in the United States isn't regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Therefore, do your best to ensure the quality and purity of the product. As with any herbs, use ginger supplements only under the guidance of a physician to avoid possible drug interactions and adverse reactions.
References
- "Vascular Pharmacology"; Cardiovascular Effects of Ginger Aqueous Extract and its Phenolic Constituents Are Mediated Through Multiple Pathways; M.N. Ghayur, et al.; October 2005
- "The American Journal of Chinese Medicine"; Synergistic Effect of Ginger and Nifedipine on Human Platelet Aggregation: A Study in Hypertensive Patients and Normal Volunteers; H.Y. Young, et al.; 2006
- MedlinePlus: Ginger
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
