Ginger is a rhizome or root that many cultures have used medicinally since ancient times. It affects the human body by acting as a digestive aid, anti-inflammatory agent and treatment for nausea. While it is typically safe to use, ginger can have some side effects, and it may also interact with certain medications or bodily conditions. Talk to your doctor about ginger before you begin using it, and discuss the proper dosage.
Aids Digestion
Ginger encourages proper digestion by helping your intestinal muscles to work properly, and it also helps keep them toned. It allows your food to move more easily through your digestive tract, which in turn lessens the irritation that may lead to various types of stomach upset. However, the side effects most often reported by those who take ginger have to do with digestion and include gas, bloating, acid indigestion and nausea. This most often occurs when you take the powdered form of ginger. Try eating fresh ginger or drinking the juice instead if you experience these symptoms.
Reduces Inflammation
Ginger helps inhibit your body's production of cytokines, which are substances that may increase your body's proclivity to inflammation over time. The herb also encourages blood to circulate throughout your body. For these reasons, ginger is often used to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis or ulcerative colitis. You can drink the ginger juice, tea or extract to reduce inflammation, or you can even rub the oil directly onto painful areas of your body.
Relieves Nausea
Taking ginger for a short amount of time when you are pregnant may help relieve the nausea you experience, also known as morning sickness. This is because the herb aids digestion and calms your intestines, lessening stomach upset. Ginger may also decrease the feelings of nausea that occur following surgery or those caused by motion sickness, but further research is needed in this area. Many forms of ginger may help with nausea, including eating the fresh root or consuming it in a capsule.
Considerations
As with all herbs, check with your doctor before you begin taking ginger, especially if you are pregnant. Ask what types, dosages and frequency of use are best for you. Consult with a physician who has qualifications in the area of botanical medicine to ensure that ginger will not negatively interact with your medications or other herbs you may be taking.
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