Ginger originally came from China and India, where it has been used in cooking for more than 4,000 years. Because people liked its sharp and spicy flavor so much and found it to be warming and good for stomach pains, it was transplanted worldwide by explorers in warm, tropical places. Ginger root helps relieve the dizziness, sweating, nausea, and vomiting that comes from motion sickness or seasickness. It can also ease sore throats, headaches, some types of menstrual and arthritis pain, and fevers and aches caused by colds and flu.

Plant Description

Ginger rhizome is the knotted, thick, beige tuber you find at your local market. Because it grows underground, it is often called ginger root. Technically, a rhizome is part of a stem that just happens to be underground. The actual root sprawls out from knots on the rhizome. Above the ground are 12-inch long stems with long, narrow, ribbed, green leaves, and white or yellowish-green flowers.

What's It Made Of?

Ginger products are made from fresh or dried ginger root or from steam distillation of the oil.

Available Forms

Once the rhizome is cut, the active chemicals in the plant, such as zingiberene, bisabolene, gingerol, and shogoal, begin to lose potency. Herbal product companies market ginger as extract, tinctures, capsules, or oils, in order to prevent the loss of these chemicals. Use products that clearly state on the label the amount of ginger you will be getting per dose.

You can also buy fresh ginger root and prepare your own tea by steeping half a handful sliced, or half a teaspoon grated, washed, and unpeeled tuber in hot water; or pour a pint of boiling water over an ounce of sliced rhizome. Let the tea steep for 15 minutes or so, and drink 2 cups of this a day. Another good source of ginger is crystallized ginger. Don't be fooled by the sugar coating; crystallized ginger delivers a sharp bite.

How to Take It

How you take it depends on personal preference and what ails you. In general, you should not take more than 2 to 4 grams of ginger a day, in addition to the ginger you may already get from your diet (from items such as ginger ale, ginger snaps, gingerbread, or stir-fried foods). If you are using fresh ginger, make sure you weigh the piece so that you will know approximately how large a chunk equals 2 to 4 grams.

For nausea, gas, or indigestion, take 2 to 4 grams of fresh root daily (0.25 to 1.0 gram of powdered root) or 1.5 to 3.0 ml tincture daily. To prevent vomiting, take 1 gram powdered ginger ( 1/2 tsp.) or its equivalent every four hours as needed, or 2 ginger capsules (1 gram) three times daily. You may also chew a 1/4-oz. piece of fresh ginger.

For cold symptoms, fever associated with flu, sore throat, menstrual cramps, or headache, steep 2 tbsp. of freshly shredded ginger in boiled water, two to three times daily, or place a drop of ginger oil or a few slices of fresh rhizome in steaming water and inhale.

To relieve arthritis pain, take fresh ginger juice, extract, or tea, 2 to 4 grams daily; rub ginger oil into painful joint; or place fresh root in a warm poultice or compress and apply to painful areas.

Precautions

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) gives fresh ginger root a class 1 safety rating, so it is a safe herb with a wide dosage range. Still, it is always wise to follow recommended dosages. The AHPA gives dried ginger root a class 2b rating, advising that it not be used during pregnancy.

Some women do use ginger to calm symptoms of morning sickness, but this use of ginger is controversial. For safety, do not take more than normal dietary amounts. Ginger eaten as a normal part of the diet is not considered risky.

Do not use ginger if you have gallstones. While ginger use is normally not associated with side effects, too much ginger may cause mild heartburn.

Possible Interactions

If you are taking heart medications, anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, such as warfarin, or medications used to control blood sugar levels, and you are considering taking ginger as a preventive for motion sickness, vertigo, migraine, uterine cramps, or arthritis, talk to your health care provider first. While no studies have proven that there is an interaction between ginger and these other medications, there is a risk that ginger can either block or increase the effects of some of these medications.

Supporting Research

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