Scientific name
Zingiber officinale
Family
Zingiberaceae
Origin
India
Used Parts
Drug consisting of decorticated rhizomes (fresh or dried)
Chemical constituents
- Essential oil (sesquiterpenes such as bisabolene and zingiberene, fixed oils, alcohols, gingerol, camphene, cineol)
Ginger in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Ginger
Ginger is frequently used in gastronomy, but it is also used as eupeptic, stomachic and carminative in the treatment of flatulence and colic, and in the treatment of drug withdrawal symptoms. Furthermore, it is able to stimulate the normal peristaltic movements of the stomach and intestines, thus acting as a prokinetic and also exerting an antinausea and antivomito effect.
Biological activity
The gingerols and the products that are generated as a result of their dehydration - that is shogaols - are the characteristic active ingredients found inside the ginger rhizomes.
The use of ginger in phytotherapy has been approved for the treatment of nausea and vomiting (especially if associated with motion sickness) and to counteract poor digestion.
The anti-emetic activities and digestive favoring typical of ginger are attributable to the gingerols and shogaols contained in it. In fact, these active ingredients are able to increase the production of saliva, bile and gastric juices, to increase intestinal peristalsis (prokinetic effect) and to suppress gastric contractions.
However, unlike traditional anti-emetic drugs, gingerols and shogaols do not act at the level of the central nervous system, but directly at the gastrointestinal level.
Although the officially approved applications only concern the treatment of the aforementioned disorders, numerous studies have highlighted additional properties of ginger.
Among these, we recall:
- The potential anti-inflammatory activity that this plant appears to exert through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase enzymes, with consequent reduction in the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes (the chemical mediators that are at the base of inflammatory processes);
- The potential antithrombotic activity of ginger to be attributed to its ability to reduce the production of thromboxane A2, therefore, to inhibit platelet aggregation.
Ginger against nausea and vomiting
As mentioned, thanks to the antinausea and anti-emetic activities carried out by gingerols and shogaols contained in ginger, this plant can be used for the treatment of nausea and vomiting, in particular, those induced by motion sickness.
Generally, to counteract the nausea and vomiting, it is recommended to take 0.5-2 g of ginger powder (usually contained in capsules).
To prevent the symptoms of motion sickness, instead, it is recommended to take 1 gram of ginger powder at least 30 minutes before starting the journey. If symptoms persist during the journey, then it is recommended to take 0.5-1 g of ginger powder every four hours.
Ginger against dyspepsia
Ginger can also be used to combat dyspepsia, or poor digestion, thanks to the activities carried out by the gingeroli contained in it. In fact, as mentioned, these active ingredients favor the production of gastric juices and intestinal peristalsis.
For the treatment of dyspepsia, it is usually recommended to take 2-4 grams of ginger powder (usually contained in capsules).
Ginger online
Online is a supplement based on ginger tablets, a supplement with a thousand properties that can be used as an adjunct for the treatment of colds (cold and sore throat) and to mitigate the discomfort due to dyspepsia, colitis, meteorism and flatulence, as it provides relief to the stomach and positively affects digestion. Moreover, thanks to the anti-nausea action, it is indicated for the prevention of motion sickness, or car sickness.
The manufacturer, active since 1987, produces food supplements manufactured following strict quality assurance standards, to guarantee the effectiveness and quality that characterizes its products.
Alternatively, first choice dehydrated ginger, naturally dried, without sugar and without the addition of sulfur dioxide is available, in the 1kg convenience format. The product is ideal for a tasty energy snack, and has in addition significant curative and slimming properties: ginger, in fact, has proved effective against nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, as an antispasmodic and as a natural adjuvant in cases of gastritis and dyspepsia. The pleasantly spicy taste, then, can be useful for digestion, especially after a very abundant meal.
The product is also suitable for various uses, such as the preparation of sweet foods such as chocolates, jams or jellies.
Buyable onlineGinger in folk medicine and homeopathy
Ginger is used to treat various disorders in folk medicine. In particular, it is used as an expectorant, carminative and astringent remedy.
In Chinese medicine and Indian medicine, on the other hand - as well as an antiemetic - ginger is used to counteract colds and shortness of breath and anorexia and pharyngitis, respectively.
In the homeopathic field, however, ginger is used as a remedy against migraine, diarrhea and some respiratory tract disorders.
Side effects
Due to the excessive use of ginger (doses higher than 5-6 grams per day) gastroduodenal irritation phenomena such as flatulence, diarrhea, gastric pain and burning may appear. In some cases, gastric ulcers may also develop.
In the case of overdose with ginger, however, much more serious symptoms may arise, such as cardiac arrhythmias and central nervous system depression.
Furthermore, ginger can also cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals that generally manifest themselves in the form of dermatitis.
Contraindications
Avoid taking in cases of cholelithiasis, in individuals who present risk factors for the development of bleeding episodes, during pregnancy (presence of substances with mutagenic and abortive activity) or in the case of ascertained hypersensitivity to one or more components.
Pharmacological Interactions
- increased activity of oral anticoagulants and NSAIDs;
- antidiabetic drugs;
- calcium channel blocker drugs.
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