The medicinal components of ginger lie in its root, or rhizome, which resembles thick gnarled fingers with multiple nodes. An important herb in history, the use of ginger as a medicinal aid dates back to the ancient Greek physician, Dioscorides, who used it to treat the symptoms of poisoning. Because ginger may be beneficial to digestion, it may also be helpful for easing the symptoms of acid reflux, but see your doctor before using ginger for this purpose.
Acid Reflux
Called acid reflux because the acids in your stomach back up or "reflux" into your esophagus, which causes a burning sensation known as heartburn. At the entrance between the esophagus and the stomach is a sphincter that normally closes after swallowing to prevent refluxing, but sometimes the sphincter remains open, allowing stomach acids to flow backwards. The risk of acid reflux increases with pregnancy, being overweight, smoking and eating some foods.
With chronic acid reflux, the lining of the esophagus may become irritated. While ginger won't regulate the sphincter, it may promote healthy digestion, which in turn, may ease the frequency and/or duration of acid reflux episodes.
Ginger: Properties
Ginger contains essential oils and resins, including oleoresin, in addition to phenolic compounds like gingerol, shogaols and zingerone. In the stomach, these compounds may be responsible for increasing the flow of bile and gastric secretions. According to "Herbs & Natural Supplements: An Evidence-based Guide," ginger may prevent gas.
Preparation/Dosage
Suggested doses of ginger vary from 500 mg to 9 grams per day of the dried root, which is available in capsule and powder form, according to "Herbs & Natural Supplements." Dosage amounts for liquid extract are up to 2.0 mL per day. Alternately, brew a ginger infusion by pouring a cup of boiling water over four to six slices of fresh ginger root and steep 30 minutes before straining.
For chronic episodes of acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, the University of New Hampshire Health Services suggests sipping ginger tea, or eating crystallized ginger and ginger chews. You may also use ginger syrup, by following the dosage instructions on the package.
Considerations
Your doctor may recommend eating smaller meals and eating at least 2 hours before going to bed to reduce the risk of acid reflux. Ginger is only an aid to reduce the painful effects of acid reflux and to facilitate digestion but it doesn't treat the reason the esophageal sphincter opens abnormally.
Ginger is generally safe for most, but in high dosages, ginger may actually trigger heartburn in some. The herb may interfere with blood-thinning drugs, including warfarin, and antiplatelet medications. Do not use ginger therapeutically if you're pregnant and do not give ginger remedies to children unless directed to do so by a physician.
References
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition"; Joerg Gruenwald, PhD, 2000
- "Herbs & Natural Supplements: An Evidence-based Guide"; Leslie Braun, 2007
- "Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)"; University of New Hampshire Health Services, May 2007
