Ginger has a multitude of uses and is primarily known in the West as a spice and flavoring agent in foods. However, in China, it has been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes to treat such conditions as fever, nausea, stomachache, rheumatism, toothaches, as well as pains and inflammation.
Research has discovered that ginger has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, along with being an effective antiemetic (for nausea). Ginger is hot and pungent in nature. It benefits digestion and improves circulation.
Ginger helps increase the concentration of amylase in the saliva, thus improving carbohydrate digestion. It also increases intestinal muscle tone and aids digestion, particularly that of fatty foods. Ginger is beneficial in treatments for colds, menstrual cramps, and arthritis. In a double-blind study conducted at Brigham Young University, ginger outperformed Dramamine in preventing motion sickness. By the way, ginger does not have to be peeled before use.
The components of ginger root that are believed to be mainly responsible for its medicinal uses are the gingerols. Ginger is reported to be a COX-2 inhibitor. In studies, it has a clear advantage over pharmaceutical and over-the-counter agents in that significant side effects such as those reported with NSAID use have not been reported.
Recommended dose
250 mg, two to four times a day or as needed, standardized to contain 5 percent total pungent compounds, most prominently 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol, or 4 percent volatile oils. There is also a 20 percent extract on the market that is more potent. However, this more potent extract may upset the stomach if not taken with food. If it does cause any unpleasant stomach problems, reduce the dosage.
Ginger can be very useful for all manner of stomach troubles, especially nausea. It has been extensively tested for motion sickness and has been found to be more effective than Dramamine in this regard. Ginger can also be used to prevent the nausea that may develop after surgery or to reduce the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Ginger also has a good track record for alleviating morning sickness in pregnant women. It is safe to use in amounts up to 1 gram daily during pregnancy. Vitamin B6 has been recommended to alleviate morning sickness since the 1940s.Scientific studies continue to confirm that vitamin B6 can help some women have fewer episodes of vomiting.
Minor food-poisoning episodes can usually be treated at home with rest and prevention of dehydration, caused by the vomiting or diarrhea .As unpleasant as the vomiting and diarrhea are, it is best to let nature run its course to rid the body of the harmful organisms. Sip on water, diluted juice, or weak tea to stay hydrated. Ginger tea is a good choice since it helps suppress nausea. Green tea is another good option as it has antibacterial and immune-boosting properties.
Summarizing the benefits of ginger; ginger is the premier herb to suppress nausea. Prevention is best for food poisoning; if it's too late for prevention, you might sip on green tea or ginger tea and pamper your GI tract with some probiotics.
You can learn more about the benefits of ginger and how it can help you in tummy trouble.
Amy Dyslex is a passionate blogger. She writes for HealthyCaterpillar.com