Sweating, or perspiring, occurs when body temperature rises, which stimulates the secretions of fluids onto the skin's surface. When the fluids make contact with the air, they begin to evaporate, which causes a natural cooling effect. Ginger, a culinary seasoning, may have an effect on sweating, but studies determining the body's reaction to this spice are scant. See your doctor for advice before using ginger to treat any medical condition.
Ginger Properties
The root of the ginger plant, or Zingiber officinale, contains gingerols, which may be responsible for the herb's medicinal effects, according to a report on ginger from the University of Colorado, Denver. In Chinese medicine, the herb is valuable as a diaphoretic, meaning it may increase sweating, although clinical research confirming this effect is lacking.
Potential Benefits
Ginger is an ingredient in over-the-counter cold and flu remedies because it may reduce nausea and soothe inflamed mucus membranes, according to the "PDR for Herbal Medicines." When taken as a tea for viral infections, ginger may induce sweating, a folk remedy for treating a fever associated with a cold or flu. Call your doctor before treating a fever with ginger tea.
Preparation
For general therapeutic use, the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine" recommends preparing ginger tea by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tsp. of freshly grated ginger root and steeping for 10 minutes. Ginger root is available in Asian grocery stores and in many supermarkets. An adult dose is one cup of tea, taken every two hours for adults. There is no recommended dosage for children. Consult your doctor for specific dosage advice.
Considerations
As a food ingredient, ginger is generally recognized as safe, or GRAS, for most people, but the "PDR" advises that using more of the herb than recommended may increase the risk of ulcer, especially if taken on an empty stomach. High doses of ginger may cause dermatitis or irregular heartbeat. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should use ginger tea for therapeutic purposes only under a doctor's supervision.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Sweating and Body Odor Causes
- University of Colorado Denver; Ginger; Valerie Ku; May 2003
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition"; Joerg Gruenwald, PhD; 2000
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
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