Prostatitis is a grouping of conditions that affect the prostate. The most common form is chronic prostatitis, or chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Not much is known about this condition, but it's often the result of inflammation to the prostate. Even minor swelling can cause painful urination, difficulty urinating and an inability to fully empty the bladder. Unlike other forms of prostatitis, chronic prostatitis can be difficult to treat, largely due to the unidentifiable cause. For this reason, some men turn to alternative remedies to bring relief, including ginger. Talk to doctor before using this or another supplement to treat any form of prostatitis.
About Ginger
The extract of ginger has long been used to reduce inflammation. A study published in the September 2006 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" found that the ethanol extract from ginger inhibited acute inflammation. Since inflammation often accompanies prostatitis, this finding suggests that a ginger extract could be of benefit. No studies, however, have tested the effects of ginger on men with this condition, so it's still unknown whether or not it can reduce inflammation of the prostate.
Inflammation and Prostatitis
While prostatitis is usually linked to inflammation of the prostate, some men show no signs of inflammation, yet are still diagnosed with chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome after other conditions with similar symptoms are ruled out. This brings into question whether or not ginger would be of any benefit in these cases. There is some indication that the ethanol of ginger has analgesic --- or pain-relieving --- effects, but further research is needed to determine if it can relieve the pain associated with prostatitis.
Dosage
No therapeutic dosage is set for treating prostatitis. For pain associated with arthritis, the dosage is 2 to 4 g a day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. But talk to your doctor before taking ginger extract to relieve symptoms of prostatitis. Ginger may adversely interact with another supplement or herb as well as medications you may be taking.
Warning
Although side effects from taking ginger are rare, they're possible, especially with high doses of the extract. People have been known to experience heartburn, nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea and mouth irritation. Avoid taking ginger while on a blood thinner. Along with the potential anti-inflammatory effects, ginger is also known to have antithrombotic properties, meaning it can reduce clotting of the blood.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Prostatitis; March 2011
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Prostatitis: Disorders of the Prostate; September 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Ginger; November 2008
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Ginger; March 2011
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Analgesic, antiinflammatory and hypoglycaemic effects of ethanol extract of Zingiber officinale (Roscoe) rhizomes (Zingiberaceae) in mice and rats; J.A. Ojewole; September 2006
