Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly referred to as IBS, is a gastrointestinal disorder. Common symptoms include pain, cramping, diarrhea, constipation and bloating. Typically diagnosed in the early adult years, IBS is more common among women than men. Nausea often accompanies symptoms of pain, cramping and bloating. A natural herbal remedy for nausea and inflammation of the bowels is ginger. Ginger is a root that you can consume as a capsule, oil, extract, made into a tea, or eaten as candied slices. Before treating symptoms with ginger, consult your health care provider.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is a disorder of the gastrointestinal system that results in pain and cramping in the abdomen. It is often responsible for changes in bowel movements as well. The causes of IBS are mostly unknown. The intestines themselves are structurally intact; however, the muscles are often sensitive to movement through the bowels. Stress appears to play a role in the disorder, whether as a trigger or a means of exacerbating symptoms. Stress interferes with the brain-gut connection, which may lead the intestines to overreact and contract more rapidly, leading to the pain and cramping associated with the disorder.
Symptoms of IBS
Individuals with IBS experience considerable variability in symptoms. Common symptoms are gas, abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, bloating and fluctuation in bowel movements. Some individuals experience predominantly diarrhea, which is difficult to control. Others experience constipation, which can be especially painful. A third subset of individuals experience some fluctuation between the two. Individuals with IBS may also experience a loss of appetite and nausea. The symptoms of this disorder can be constant and chronic, or variable in intensity.
Ginger
Tthe University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that ginger can provide relief from difficulties in the gastrointestinal system such as indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea. It is a root plant that grows underground, and it has a knobby look and is beige in color. Ginger is available in various forms, including capsules, oils, and extract. The root itself can be used when fresh or dried to make ginger products as well. Ginger can be taken by itself, brewed into a tea, or used as a spice in cooking and baking.
Use of Ginger
When making a tea from ginger, a fresh or dried root can be grated or chopped, brewed with water and then strained to remove the root. Ginger is also available in crystallized slices, which resemble candy. These are also considered helpful in relieving symptoms of nausea when eaten in between meals or after meals. As reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center, the suggested dosage for ginger for adults for nausea, gas, and indigestion is 2 to 4 grams of fresh ginger root or 0.25 to 1.0 grams of dried ginger root. As reported by MedlinePlus, a part of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, ginger is possibly effective in treating symptoms such as morning sickness, nausea, and inflammation. Always check with your doctor before taking ginger to treat a medical problem.
Risks and Benefits of Ginger
According to MedlinePlus, ginger is considered a safe herb for most individuals. It carries a risk of minor side effects such as diarrhea, heartburn, and stomach pain. However, ginger may be unsafe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, persons with diabetes or bleeding disorders, or persons with heart conditions. Additionally, ginger may interact with certain prescription medications including anticoagulents such as aspirin, naproxen, or coumadin. It can also have a minor interaction with diabetes medications and medication for high blood pressure. Ginger should be used under the supervision of a doctor.
Member Comments