Summary

Ginger grows in tropical soils, but its use expands to all corners of the globe. Few herbs are as widely used in cooking and medicine. Herbalists classify ginger as a “pungent bitter” that promotes appetite and treats nausea, indigestion, flatulence, and intestinal cramping. Although the rhizome (a type of root) contains essential oils, the likely have some benefit, the non-volatile phenolic compounds (gingerol & shogaol) are considered the main active ingredients. Gingerol binds to muscarinic and serotonin (5-HT3) receptors to reduce vomiting. Clinical trials demonstrated ginger reduces nausea associated with morning sickness, travel sickness, and chemotherapy.
- By modulating serotonin receptors, ginger relieves anxiety.

The benefits of ginger extend beyond the digestive symptoms. Herbalist use ginger to relieve pain and decrease inflammation.
- Research shows it down-regulates enzymes (iNOS and COX-2) gene expression and reduce inflammatory messengers (NO, PGE2, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta). Clinical trials suggest ginger is effective and safe for treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). Furthermore, unlike many anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that cause ulcers, ginger protects against ulcers caused by these drugs. Also, it works synergistically with acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce pain and protect against the hepatoxic effects of the drug. Ginger decreases the severity of migraines headaches with fewer side-effects compared to triptan (sumatriptan) drugs. Numerous clinical trials support ginger for menstrual cramps presumably because of its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions.

In Chinese medicine, this warming herb stimulates circulation to relieve cold extremities and a faint pulse. Research shows it relaxes arteries, lowers cholesterol, scavenges free radicals, decreases inflammation and helps thin the blood. Through these mechanism ginger likely reduces the risk of heart disease and further research is warranted. Furthermore, it shows promise in diabetes because it benefits glucose control and insulin sensitivity.

Indications

Warming digestive tonic with similar indications as turmeric, with less potent antiinflammatory effects.

Gastrointestinal
• poor digestion (abdominal pain, bloating, cramping)
• dyspepsia
• colic
• irritible bowel disease (IBS)
• nausea and vomiting
- hyperemesis gravidarum (pregnancy)
- morning sickness
- motion sickness
- sea-sickness
- emesis-induced chemotherapy
• gastric ulcers

Hepatobiliary
• atonic biliary conditions
• cholestasis
• cholelithiasis (gallstones)
• cholecystitis
• biliary dyskinesia
• non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Cardiovascular
• hyperlipidemia
• atherosclerosis
• coronary heart disease
• thrombosis (prevention)

Gynecological
• dysmenorrhea
• agalactia

Musculoskeletal
• rheumatic conditions
• osteoarthritis (OA)
• rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

CNS
• migraines (prevent, decrease)
• anxiety
• carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)

Cancer
• various cancers (possible)

Endorine
• pancreatitis
• alcohol abuse

Actions

• Antiemetic
• Carminative
• Diaphoretic
• Antiinflammatory
• Antirheumatic
• Anticancer
• Antioxidant
• Pungent Bitter
• Antispasmodic
• Hepatoprotective
• Antiseptic
• Antimicrobial
• Antiviral
• Antithrombotic

Constituents

• Volatile Oil
• Phenolics (Gingerols, Shogaol )

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 40% EtOH): 1-5 ml tid
• Liquid extract (1:1 40% EtOH): 0.25-1 ml tid
• Decoction (fresh root): 1-2 tsp qd
• Ginger candies: as needed for nausea

Safety

Generally considered safe when used as indicated.

Caution: GERD; carminatives relax lower esophageal sphincter tone and may aggravate heartburn.

Interactions

• Anticoagulants • possesses anti-platelet effects and may interact with blood thinners.

References

"Show references"

"Hide references"

Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002