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Ginger
(Zingiber officinale)
DESCRIPTION
Ginger is native to southern Asia and is now cultivated throughout
the tropics. The "root" or knotted rhizome is commonly
used around the world for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Ginger is used in the treatment of numerous conditions ranging
from heart problems to travel sickness.
HERBAL USES
Ginger is stated to possess
carminative (relieves flatulence or gas), diaphoretic (produces
perspiration) and antispasmodic properties.
SUPPLEMENTAL USES
Ginger has been used for
colic, flatulence and flatulent dyspepsia (indigestion). This
herb is also used for Motion Sickness.
Heart Health:
High intakes of ginger (up to 10g daily) have given significant
reduction in platelet aggregation (clotting) by inhibiting
thromboxane (1) formation by 37%. Ginger reduces cholesterol
levels (and inhibits new cholesterol biosynthesis) when taken
long-term (2,3). The capsaicin and shogaol compounds in ginger
have been found to lower blood pressure.
Anti-inflammatory:
Certain of the active compounds found in ginger inhibit the
production of certain prostaglandins and thromboxane synthesis
making ginger an effective treatment for inflammatory and
rheumatic conditions such as Arthritis (1,4).
Motion Sickness
and Nausea:
Ginger may substantially reduce nausea. Intakes of ginger
root (equivalent to 1000mg herb powder) have reduced the tendency
to vomit and prevent symptoms such as vertigo, cold sweating
and other gastrointestinal symptoms of Motion Sickness (5).
The gingerols and shogaols are responsible for the anti-emetic
effects (prevent Vomiting) (6). However, the mechanism for
this action remains to be determined, but is thought to be
derived from the influence of ginger on the digestive tract.
Ginger may be a better alternative to other motion-sickness
drugs for older people who may be extra sensitive to drowsiness
or loss of balance.
Digestive Health:
Ginger stimulates the production of gastric secretions and
high intakes have a profound effect of increasing saliva production
(6). Ginger decreases intestinal wall irritation by keeping
the intestinal muscles toned (7). Extracts of ginger significantly
inhibit seratonin-induced Diarrhoea through its anticarthartic
activity (prevents evacuation of the bowels). A number of
anti-ulcer compounds have been isolated from ginger. As a
result, extracts of ginger have been effectively used in the
treatment of peptic Ulcers (8). Ginger may also protect the
stomach from alcohol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
which have damaging effects (9).
Antioxidant Activity:
Extracts of ginger have pronounced antioxidant activity. Certain
of the compounds in ginger scavenge superoxide and hydroxyl
radicals and inhibit lipid peroxidation (8).
Infection:
Ginger extract significantly inhibits the growth of bacteria
and is antifungal in its activity. The essential oils of ginger
have antirhinoviral activity and ginger is frequently used
as a treatment for the Common Cold.
Other Therapeutic
Uses:
Ginger stimulates circulation and heat production (from metabolic
reactions) and is described as a warming herb.
SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS
Side effects from ginger
consumption are rare. Some may experience Heartburn. For people
with a history of Gallstones, professional advice should be
consulted before using ginger (10).
Foods containing ginger
may be consumed during Pregnancy for relieving nausea and
Vomiting. However, pregnant and lactating women should consult
with a qualified health professional before taking ginger
supplements.
Ginger is not recommended
for use by children.
INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
Excessive intakes of ginger
may interfere with existing cardiac, anti-diabetic or anti-coagulant
therapy.
Ginger may also reduce the
absorption of anti-psychotic drugs.
REFERENCES
1. Srivastava KC.
Effect of onion and ginger consumption on platelet thromboxane
production in humans. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids,
35:183-185, 1989.
2. Gujral S et al. Effect of ginger oleorosin on serum and
hepatic cholesterol levels in cholesterol fed rats. Nutr Rep
Int 1974; 17: 183-9.
3. Giri J et al. Effect of ginger on serum cholesterol levels.
Indian J Nutr Dietet 1984; 21: 433-6.
4. Srivastava K et al. Ginger and rheumatic disorders. Med
Hypoth, ,29:25-28, 1989.
5. Grontved A et al. Ginger root against seasickness. A controlled
trial on the open sea. Acta Otolaryngol, 105:45-49, 1988.
6. "Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals", N Grainger
Bissett ,Medpharm, 1994 .
7. Yamahara J, Huang Q, et al. Gastrointestinal motility enhancing
effect of ginger and its active constituents. Chem Pharm Bull
1990;38:430-31.
8. British J Phytotherapy, 1997,4;3:110-120.
9. Al-Yahya MA, Rafatullah S, et al. Gastroprotective activity
of ginger in albino rats. Am J Chinese Med 1989;17:51-56.
10. Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E
Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American
Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
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