In addition to its use as a spice, ginger has used medicinally for centuries as a digestive aid and to treat gastrointestinal problems. Today, in addition to these uses, ginger is taken for a wide variety of ailments ranging from the common cold to painful menstrual periods. However, as with any herb, consult with your doctor before using ginger for menstrual cramps.
About Dysmenorrhea
During your monthly menstrual cycle, you may experience pain and tenderness from cramps, which is called dysmenorrhea. Other symptoms that you may experience with dysmenorrhea include bloating, a dull ache that may spread out to your lower back or legs, headache, nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, diarrhea, or constipation. To help relieve symptoms of dysmenorrhea, taking supplements such as vitamin E, fish oil and ginger may be helpful.
Preparations and Dosing
Ginger root is available fresh or you can buy ginger supplements in extract, tincture, capsule, and oil form. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you can steep 2 tbsp. of freshly shredded ginger in hot water to drink 2 or 3 times a day for menstrual cramps. Add a drop of ginger oil or a few slices of fresh ginger root to steaming water and inhale the steam.
Effectiveness
In a study published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" in 2009, the effectiveness of ginger was compared to the anti-inflammatory medicines mefenamic acid and ibuprofen for treating dysmenorrhea. Participants took 250 mg capsules of ginger four times daily for three days from the start of menstruation. Results showed that ginger was as effective as mefenamic acid and ibuprofen for relieving pain from menstrual cramps.
Considerations
Ginger is considered as generally safe for most people, according to the National Institutes of Health. You may experience some side effects such as diarrhea and gas. Avoid ginger if you have a bleeding disorder or any heart problems because ginger may worsen these conditions. Ginger can also lower your blood sugar levels so, if you have diabetes, your doctor may need to modify your diabetes medicines.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
- PaloAltoMedicalFoundation.org: Dysmenorrhea
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Comparison of effects of ginger, mefenamic acid, and ibuprofen on pain in women with primary dysmenorrheal; G Ozgoli, et al.; Feb 2009
- National Institutes of Health: Ginger
