Ginger

DEFINITION

Ginger has the botanical name Zingiber officinale and is part of the Zingiberaceae family of plants. Originally found growing naturally in South East Asia it is now grown commercially in India, China, West Indies, Australia and Nigeria. Ginger is a root which propagates all the year round and in the spring grows a green reed some 750cm high. The rhizome is gathered when the leaves have dried and after washing and removing the stem and root fibres it is left out in the sun to dry.

Commercial ginger is called black or white and has a characteristic odour and taste.

The roots of Ginger are dried before being processed into herbal preparations. The parts of Ginger which have an action in the body include volatile oils (including cineole, borneol, linalool, zingiberol, camphene, citral, phellandrene) phenols (gingeol, zingerone), shogaol and possibly an alkaloid.

INTERACTIONS

Herbal supplements can alter the effects of certain drugs, including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs or other dietary supplements you are taking.
-Ginger supplements may reduce the clotting capacity of the blood and should be used with caution by people taking anticoagulant medications such as warfarin.

MEDICAL USE

Always consult your Health Care Professional to advise you on dosages and any possible medical interactions. Ginger has been used traditionally as a circulatory stimulant and vasodilator (dilates blood vessels). The herb is indicated for use with bad circulation, chilblains and cramps. Other traditional uses for Ginger include; fever - adults, coughs, asthma, gout and chronic rheumatism.

Due to Ginger's wide range of actions, it is used in many prescriptions given in Oriental medicine. Ginger is thought to increase the action of other herbal medicines and is used in some herbal formulas to increase the activity of that formula. This may be due to the strong stimulating and heating properties attributed to Ginger. The herb is also often used as a flavouring agent for herbal formulations.

INFECTIONS

Ginger is valued as a remedy for conditions of cold and chill as the herb helps to stimulate blood flow and warm the body. Ginger has a very hot and spicy taste which may heat the body and cause sweating, even with small dosages. Sweating is considered by some herbal practitioners to have a beneficial effect in the management of fever. Hot Ginger tea, made with fresh Ginger root, garlic, lemon and honey, may be useful for reducing the symptoms of coughs and colds and soothing a sore throat.

DIGESTION

The other main use for Ginger is to help stimulate the digestive process and reduce the symptoms of colic and flatulence or wind. Ginger may also be used to help relieve nausea, travel sickness and morning sickness.

ULCERS

Spices are often considered to be ulcer-promoting substances and people with ulcers are often advised to avoid spices at all costs. Despite the fact that Ginger stimulates gastric secretions, several anti-ulcer compounds have been found in Ginger and it has a traditional use in the treatment of peptic ulcers. Ginger has been found to help reduce the swelling and bleeding of gastric ulcers, and does not appear to block the acid level of the stomach which is required for the normal digestion of proteins.

BLOOD CLOTTING

Recent studies have also indicated a possible role for Ginger in the prevention of blood clotting. Blood that forms clots too easily may increase the risk of a person suffering from a stroke, heart attack and thrombosis. Ginger is said to help prevent blood from sticking together and forming dangerous clots.

INFLAMMATION

A common use for Ginger is for the treatment of conditions which involve inflammation e.g., rheumatism. Certain natural chemicals contained within Ginger may help to prevent swelling and assist with blocking substances produced by the body which can cause inflammation. This anti-inflammatory action is responsible for Ginger being used to help in the treatment of migraine headaches.
Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age unless specified by a Doctor.

PROPERTIES

Stimulant, anti-inflammatory, carminative, anti-emetic (anti-nausea), aids digestion, sudorific (promotes sweating) and rubefacient (stimulates blood flow to a local area causing redness and warmth).

NOTES

-Ginger should be used cautiously during pregnancy, as the heat of the herb is thought to induce menstruation in some women.
-Ginger should also be used with caution by haemophiliacs.
-Pregnant women should avoid large doses of ginger, as its effects on foetal development have yet to be established.

DISCLAIMER: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, nurse or naturopath before following any medical regimen to see whether it is safe and effective for you.