Ginger
Zingiber officinale – rhizome
The rhizomes of Zingiber officinale have been used since ancient times as a traditional remedy for gastrointestinal complaints.
Ginger (and its constituents) acts peripherally within the gastrointestinal tract by increasing the gastric tone and motility. Relieves symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as dyspepsia, abdominal pain, and nausea.
Several clinical studies have found ginger beneficial in reducing nausea, including nausea induced by motion sickness and chemotherapy. Others have examined dysmenorrhoea, arthritis and ulcerative colitis.
Actions
Primary: carminative, antiemetic, peripheral circulatory stimulant.
Secondary: spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, diaphoretic, digestive stimulant.
Indications
- Relief of nausea.
- Indigestion, flatulence, colic, lack of appetite.
- Relief of dysmenorrhoea.
- Conditions requiring improved peripheral circulation.
- To support mild feverish conditions.
Contra-indications and Cautions
None known.
No adverse effects on pregnancy were observed in multiple studies of ginger for nausea and vomiting. Doses up to two grams per day of dried ginger root have been used safely.
Caution in peptic ulcer, and cease use if reflux occurs.
Administration and Dosage
The analysis of contents below is a guide only, product specific data including expiry date is with the item in the shop.
Zingiber officinale 1:2. Each 1 ml contains 500mg of dry herb.
Liquid extract in 90% ethanol. Use 5 to 10 ml weekly.
Our clinic uses fluid extracts from Optimal Rx, Herbal Extract Company, Nutrition Care, Mediherb or Sunray Botanicals, in this order.
Notes
One of oldest, most popular, most versatile spices. Widely studied with positive results for a variety of issues making it one of the more accepted herbs in Western medicine.
Traditionally used to treat a broad range of diseases and modern science has supported some uses particularly its remarkable ability to prevent the nausea of morning sickness.
Ginger extract and its constituents 6-gingerols, 6-shogoals and zhingerol reduce inflammatory mediators such as inflammatory cytokines and chemokines due to their effects on NF-κB activation, cyclooxygenase 2 reduction and serotonin receptor inhibition.
Other Indications
- Prophylaxis and treatment for nausea, vomiting of morning sickness in pregnancy, motion sickness, postoperative & drug induced nausea.
- Digestive disorders including nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, colic, gastritis, lack of appetite, diarrhoea especially bacterial diarrhoeal conditions with cramping (cholera, dysentery, E. coli etc.) and gastro-intestinal discomfort such as stomach cramping, bloating, indigestion, flatulence.
- Inflammation including joint pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis.
- Migraines; ear infections.
- To support mild feverish conditions such as colds and influenza.
- Relief of mild bronchitis and other conditions requiring expectoration.
- Cardiovascular health
- Relief of dysmenorrhoea (due to stagnation) especially when it is improved by the application of heat or warm drinks.
- Conditions requiring improved peripheral circulation.
- Flavouring agent when added to herbal formulations. Also adjuvant, add to formulations to promote the activity of the other herbs.
