Ginger, a pungent spice that adds a distinctive sweetness to many dishes, also provides medicinal qualities that may benefit a variety of digestive complaints. Ginger tea has been proven to alleviate nausea due to motion sickness, pregnancy and chemotherapy, and also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Heartburn and similar digestive issues may also respond well to treatment with ginger tea.
Preparation
Ginger tea can provide simple and fast relief for some forms of heartburn, according to Sherry A. Rogers, M.D., author of the book "No More Heartburn: Stop the Pain in 30 Days -- Naturally!" Prepare ginger tea by grating 1 tsp. fresh ginger and steeping it in a tea ball or strainer in a teapot full of hot water. Drink throughout the day for a simple heartburn remedy. As an alternative or in addition to ginger, Rogers also notes that chamomile provides soothing properties that may alleviate heartburn symptoms.
Dyspepsia
The warming effects of ginger make it an ideal winter drink, and its medicinal components strengthen digestion, according to Acharya D. Hargreaves, author of the book "Digest Alive: The Natural Cure to Heartburn." Researchers of a study published in the January 2011 issue of the "World Journal of Gastroenterology" agree. In their experiment, patients with dyspepsia -- a form of chronic indigestion -- had improved gastric emptying after taking 1.2 g of ginger. However, in this short-term study, gastrointestinal symptoms were not improved with ginger. Further studies on the long-term use of ginger to improve digestive function and improve heartburn symptoms is warranted.
Digestive Disorders
A variety of stomach troubles, including colic, flatulence, nausea and acid indigestion, respond well to ginger tea therapy, according to Steve Meyerowitz, author of the book "Food Combining and Digestion: 101 Ways to Improve Digestion." Ginger can be consumed as a hot tea or it can be added to carrot or other fresh juices for a similar effect. Also, you can pair ginger with other medicinal herbs, such as slippery elm bark, goldenseal or licorice, which soothe inflammation and help heal damaged stomach and intestinal linings.
Side Effects
Side effects of ginger are rare, but may include increased heartburn, diarrhea or irritation to your mouth. To decrease your chances of experiencing side effects keep your ginger intake at no more than 4 g per day, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center. For nausea or indigestion take 2 to 4 g of fresh ginger root in divided doses. As an alternative to ginger tea, you may be able to tolerate ginger in capsule form. If you have gallstones or are on blood thinning medications, consult your doctor before taking ginger
References
- "No More Heartburn: Stop the Pain in 30 Days -- Naturally!"; Sherry A. Rogers; 2000
- "Digest Alive: The Natural Cure to Heartburn"; Acharya D. Hargreaves; 2007
- "World Journal of Gastroenterology"; Effect of Ginger on Gastric Motility and Symptoms of Functional Dyspepsia; M.Hu, et al.; January 2011
- "Food Combining and Digestion:101 Ways to Improve Digestion"; Steve Meyerowitz; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
Member Comments