Ginger is the most widely cultivated herb in the world, according to the website HerbalLegacy.com. Highly valued for its culinary and medicinal properties, the ginger trade was historically associated with wealth and power in China and medieval Europe. Modern science has verified some of the traditional medicinal uses of ginger, including helping to alleviate symptoms of acid reflux in some people.
Stomach Acid
Ginger can reduce acid reflux by absorbing excess stomach acid, according to Kate Gilbert Udall, author of the book "Managing Acid Reflux: Complementary Treatments for Indigestion and Other Digestive Disorders." A study published in the December 2007 issue of the journal "Current Gastroenterology Reports" recommends ginger as a safe remedy for use in children with dyspepsia, a condition associated with abnormal nervous system processing sensory input from the stomach. There are no conventional therapies to treat childhood dyspepsia; however, ginger, along with dietary alterations and certain nutritional supplements, may be helpful.
Intestinal Motility
Researchers at the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences of The Aga Khan University Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan reported that ginger has a prokinetic effect, meaning that it enhances the normal intestinal activity that moves food through the digestive tract. This quality of ginger may reduce acid reflux by speeding the movement of food out of the stomach and into the small intestine. Ginger also calms the digestive tract, reducing muscle spasms associated with colic and diarrhea. The study was published in the October 2005 issue of the journal "Digestive Diseases and Sciences."
Inflammation
Ginger may reduce inflammation associated with acid reflux, according to Dr. Satyesh Chandra Pakrashi, author of the book "Ginger: A Versatile Healing Herb." Its relaxing properties can alleviate distention following a full meal. Ginger also promotes digestion by increasing saliva and gastric secretions and contains high quantities of digestive enzymes that assist with digestion and reduce the occurrence of acid reflux.
Authoritative Approval
Several authoritative bodies that oversee herbal remedy uses and safety include ginger among natural treatments for acid reflux and other related digestive ailments, according to Hoh Hwee Ling, author of the book "A Guide to Medicinal Plants: an Illustrated, Scientific and Medicinal Approach." Ginger was approved by the German Commission E for treating acid reflux and preventing motion sickness. The British Herbal Compendium specifies ginger for use in cases of dyspepsia, colic, morning sickness during pregnancy and for treating anorexia. And the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy recommends ginger for nausea, motion sickness and as a digestive aid during recuperation from surgery.
References
- "Current Gastroenterological Reports"; Dyspepsia in Childhood and Adolescence: Insights and Treatment Considerations; M. Perez, et al.; December 2007
- "Digestive Disease Science"; Pharmacological Basis for the Medicinal Use of Ginger in Gastrointestinal Disorders; M. Ghayur, et al.; October 2005
- "A Guide to Medicinal Plants: an Illustrated, Scientific and Medicinal Approach"; Hwee Ling Koh; 2009
- "Ginger: A Versatile Healing Herb"; Satyesh Chandra Pakrashi; 2003
