Ginger is a stem that grows underground. This herb is used as a spice in various food dishes. Because of its health benefits, ginger is also used as a medicine. It is available as fresh ginger, dried and powdered, also as paste or oil.
Ginger health benefits
Ginger is used for the treatment of many intestinal ailments. It prevents nausea associated with motion sickness. It is very effective in morning sickness which occurs during the early months of pregnancy. It relieves stomach upset, abdominal bloating due to gas, and diarrhea. It improves appetite. It is also used for the treatment of nausea caused by cancer treatment with chemotherapy. In patients who develop postoperative nausea and vomiting, ginger is very effective.
Ginger is very effective in the relief of chronic pain associated with arthritis, low back pain, and muscle cramps. People with menstrual cramps find it very useful. It has a soothing effect in upper respiratory infections, cough, chest pain, and bronchitis.
Ginger lowers blood cholesterol. It prevents deep vein thrombosis due to its blood-thinning properties.
In patients with diabetes, ginger prevents the glycation of proteins and prevents the occurrence of cataracts.
Ginger extract may be applied to the skin in case of minor burns. Ginger oil in such cases provides relief from pain. Ginger is also known to reduce the growth of cancer.
Ginger is used as a flavoring agent in many health drinks and beverages like shakes and tea. Its fragrance also finds a place in soaps and cosmetics.
How ginger works
Ginger contains many chemicals which have anti-inflammatory properties. These include zingerone, shogaols, and gingerols. It also contains volatile oils responsible for its typical fragrance. Gingerols increase intestinal motility, improve digestion, and prevent bloating or gas formation. It also provides pain relief, reduces fever, kills bacteria responsible for the infection, and has sedative action. Experimental studies have shown that gingerols inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the ovary. Ginger stimulates the secretion of salivary glands in the mouth which makes swallowing easier.
The fragrance of ginger extract is due to volatile oils which include sesquiterpenoids like zingiberene, β-sesquiphellandrene, bisabolene, and farnesene. Other volatile components include β-phellandrene, cineol, and citral. The bitter taste is due to non-volatile compounds like gingerols and shogaols.
Precautions
Ginger is safe and useful. In some conditions, precautions should be taken and its consumption may have to be cut down.
1. In some cases it may cause heartburn.
2. Pregnancy: Though it is safe for morning sickness, the use of ginger during pregnancy has many controversies. There are reports of early abortion. It also influences fetal sex hormones though it does not cause any fetal malformations. Ginger may increase bleeding during childbirth due to its blood-thinning properties. It is therefore recommended that nearing the delivery date, the use of ginger should be stopped.
3. Breastfeeding: The effect of ginger on breast milk and infant is not known. One may consult a physician or avoid this during lactation.
4. Bleeding disorders: Avoid ginger consumption in any form as it has blood-thinning properties. Its use in such conditions should be avoided.
5. Diabetes mellitus: Ginger tends to lower blood sugar. This may require adjustment of anti-diabetic medications. Consult your endocrinologist for a suitable dosage of oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin.
6. Heart diseases: Ginger in a higher dose may cause palpitations and aggravate already existing heart disease. Ginger lowers blood pressure and may cause irregular heartbeat. Use it in moderation or avoid it if not tolerated.
Ginger is a powerful herb with many medicinal benefits. Since it is very commonly used in many countries, one should be aware of its properties as it may interact with many drugs and may enhance their actions which may require dose adjustment. Always consult your physician in such situations. Ginger is useful and should be consumed in moderation.
