Aspirin is a medication that is a salicylate, used to suppress fever and inflammation and as a general pain reliever. However, aspirin may produce some minor side effects and, occasionally, some severe reactions. Ginger is an herbal remedy that may also relieve pain, especially when caused by inflammatory conditions. It also helps calm the stomach and may be a useful alternative to aspirin without aspirin-related side effects. Discuss ginger with your doctor to determine if it is a good choice for you.
Aspirin
Aspirin inhibits inflammation and resulting pain by suppressing an enzyme called cycloxygenase, used by many of your cells to produce prostaglandin. When certain immune cells produce prostaglandin, they initiate inflammation in your tissues, causing swelling and pain. For example, inflammation of the soft tissues in your joints causes some of the pain of arthritis. Although aspirin is often an effective pain reliever, its use may lead to stomach pain and even gastric bleeding with prolonged use. Ginger may be a good alternative to aspirin when you have mild to moderate pain.
Ginger
The underground stem of the ginger plant, or Zingibar officinale, has been part of the herbal medicine of China, India and Arabia for thousands of years. Practitioners recommend ginger as a digestive aid and to relieve nausea, heart disorders and pain caused by inflammation. Ginger has properties that may allow it to be beneficial in treating pain while soothing your gastrointestinal tract and promoting good digestive function.
Ginger Properties
Ginger contains several compounds that have biological activity, including several oleo-resins and volatile oils. These natural chemicals have anti-inflammatory properties and, like aspirin, may relieve pain associated with inflammation. In a clinical study of ginger for pain caused by arthritis published in 2001 in "Arthritis and Rheumatism," subjects with knee arthritis who took ginger extract had significant pain reduction compared to a placebo group. However, unlike aspirin, ginger has a calming effect on the gastrointestinal tract, stimulating flow of gastric secretions, suppressing stomach contractions while increasing intestinal peristalsis and improving the flow of bile from the liver.
Recommendations
You may consume fresh or dried ginger or take ginger extract, which is available from most health food stores. Ginger is considered very safe and with few side effects, although large doses may cause mild heartburn or mouth irritation. Do not take ginger if you have gallstones or if you have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners. Discuss ginger as an alternative to aspirin with your doctor to decide the best course for your situation.
References
- MedlinePlus: Aspirin
- Drugs.com: Side Effects of Aspirin - For the Consumer
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Ginger
- "Arthritis and Rheumatism"; Effects of a Ginger Extract on Knee Pain in Patients with Osteoarthritis; R. Altman and K. Marcussen; November 2001
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