ABSTRACT:
Ginger is a perennial herb, with underground
branching stems (rhizomes) which are swollen and tough. The leaves and rhizomes
of ginger have a characteristic fragrance when cut or bruised. Rhizomes are dug
out after the leafy parts are dried. Ginger, the underground stem, or
rhizome, of the plant Zingiber officinale
has been used as a medicine in Asian, Indian, and Arabic herbal traditions
since ancient times. Ginger is considered an herbal remedy in many cultures.
Over the years, it has been used to reduce inflammation, help with digestion,
improve cardiovascular health and even historically to ward off diseases like
the plague. The rhizome can be sliced, chopped, minced or served fresh but will
always carry the trademark "heat" that has made it a medicinal
mystery. Historically, people used ginger to fight disease and cure a fever
since people would sweat when they would eat the root. Although that helps,
since it gets the metabolism racing and warms the body, we now realize that
ginger offers additional medicinal benefits. Consumption
of ginger helps with blood circulation and has anti-inflammatory qualities that
ease arthritis and other body aches and pains. It increases the body's
production of saliva and other digestive fluids, which relieves an upset
stomach and supports healthy digestion. Speeding up digestion helps clean the
kidneys and bowels to remove toxins from the body. It also helps ease morning
sickness, nausea and motion sickness. Ginger is said to improve digestion and
has been known to pep up the appetite, promote saliva production, combat
dyspepsia and relieve flatulent colic . It is also
thought to be helpful for stomach cramps, alcoholic gastritis and hangover. The shogaol
content in Ginger increases the activity of the digestive tract and is
particularly helpful in digesting rich, fatty foods. Ginger has been used to cleanse the
body of toxins through the skin by stimulating and increasing perspiration and
has also been useful in breaking fevers. It is slightly diuretic and further
cleanses the body by strengthening kidney function and increasing kidney
filtration
INTRODUCTION:
Ginger is an herb indigenous to southeastern Asia. It is cultivated in
the U.S., India, China, West Indies and tropical regions. Ginger is a creeping
perennial on a thick tuberous rhizome. In the first year, a green, erect,
reed-like stem about 60 cm high grows from this rhizome. The plant has narrow, lanceolate to linear-lanceolate
leaves 15 to 30 cm long, which die off each year. The flower scape grows directly from the root and terminates in a
long, curved spike. A white or yellow flower grows from each spike. Ginger root is used today to provide relief for symptoms
of motion sickness including sweating, vomiting, dizziness, and nausea. No
conclusive results were found when studies compared commercial medications with
ginger. Signs of similar results between the two did seem apparent in the
studies. Ginger has other uses including relieving arthritis pain, ulcerative
colitis, menstrual discomfort, headaches, fevers from flu and colds, and sore
throats.
Gastrointestinal
problems including heartburn and gas can also be treated with ginger. The
muscles of the gastrointestinal tract can be strengthened by the use of garlic.
Ginger is also used to treat arthritis, both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. It
is thought that garlic can also provide relief for toothaches, but no
scientific evidence exists to support this. In herbal
Medicine, garlic has been traditionally used for asthma, deafness leprosy,
bronchial congestion, arteriosclerosis that is hardening of arteries- fevers,
worms and liver gall bladder trouble. Garlic is good for the heart, a food for
the hair a stimulant to appetite, a strength-giving ,used in Leucoderma, leprosy, piles, worms, Catarrhal disorder,
asthma and cough. In recent times ,experiments have
confirmed several ancient beliefs about the healing value of this herb. These
experiments have in fact proven much greater power of garlic than known
previously. The unpleasant odour in garlic is due to
its sulphur content. This mineral is content to a greater degree in its
volatile oil, which has remarkable medicinal values. Chest diseases:Garlic has proved effective in certain diseases of
the chest. It reduces stinking of the breath in pulmonary gangrene. Garlic is
also useful in the treatment of tuberculosis. In Ayurveda
a decoction of garlic boiled in milk is considered a wonderful drug for
tuberculosis. One gram of garlic , 250ml of milk and a
liter of water are boiled together till it reduces to one fourth of the
decoction. It should be taken thrice a day .Taken in sufficient quantities, it is marvelous remedy for pneumonia. Three
cloves of garlic boiled in milk can be used every night with excellent results
in asthma. A pod of garlic is peeled ,crushed and
boiled in 120ml pure malt vinegar .It is strained after cooling and an equal
quantity of honey is mixed and preserve in a clean bottle. One or two teaspoon
of this syrup can be taken with fenugreek decoction in the evening and before
retiring. This has been found effective in reducing the severity of asthmatic
attacks. Digestive disorders:
Garlic is one of the most important herbs for the digestive systems. , It
stimulates peristaltis or movement of the intestines
and the secretion of the digestive juices. High
Blood Pressure: Garlic is one of the most effective remedies for lowering blood
pressure; Pressure and tension are reduced because it has the power to ease the
spasm of the small arteries. It also modifies the pulse and modifies the heart
rhythm. In Russia garlic is used
extensively in the treatment of rheumatism and associated diseases .Even in
Britain, garlic is recommended for Rheumatic afflictions. Garlic helps to break up cholesterol
in the blood vessels, thereby preventing any hardening of arteries which leads
to high blood pressure and heart attack If a patient takes garlic after a heart
attack, the cholesterol level comes down .Though the earlier damage may not be
repaired ,the chances of new attacks are reduced. Blood Disorders: The herb is
regarded as a rejuvenator. It has been found to help remove toxins revitalise the blood, stimulate circulation and promote
intestinal flora, or colony of bacteria that prevent infection by harmful
bacteria. Skin Disorder: Garlic has been used successfully for a variety of
skin disorders. Pimples disappear without a scar when rubbed with raw garlic
several times a day. Even very persistance forms of
acne in some adults, have been healed with garlic. Garlic rubbed over ringworm,
gives quick relief. The area is burnt by the strong garlic and later the skin
peels off and the ring worm is cured.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:1
The active
ingredients in ginger root include volatile oils and pungent phenol compounds
known as gingerols, sesquiterpenoids,
and shogaols. Ginger oil represents 3 percent of the
ginger plant, and it is the oil that causes the spicy fragrance. Recent studies
show that ginger has strong antioxidant properties. In addition, ginger reduces
inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis, specifically
cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2. These effects make ginger comparable to
those of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications although ginger does not
cause the side effects characteristic of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
medications. Ginger also suppresses the immune system's production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines,
reducing disease severity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
ACTIVE
COMPOUNDS:
The dried rhizome of ginger
contains approximately 1-4% volatile oils. These are the medically active
constituents of ginger; they are also responsible for ginger's characteristic
odor and taste. The aromatic principles include zingiberene
and bisabolene, while the pungent principles are
known as gingerols and shogaols.
Volatile Oil:
Components can vary greatly,
depending on the country of origin. The main components of the volatile oil
are:
Ø ( -)-zingiberene and arcurcumene
Ø beta-bisabolene and arcurcumene
Ø neral and geranial
Ø D-camphor
Ø beta-phellandrene
Ø geranial
Ø neral and linalool
Ø (E)-alpha-farnesene, important as aroma carrier zingiberol
(mixture of cis- and trans-beta-eudesmol)
Ø Arylalkane - Pungent Substances
Medicinal
use of ginger dates back to ancient China and India; references to its use are
found in Chinese pharmacopoeias, the Sesruta
scriptures of Ayurvedic medicine as well as Sanskrit
writings. Once its culinary properties were discovered in the 13th century, use
of this herb became widespread throughout Europe. In the Middle
Ages, it held a firm place in apothecaries for travel sickness, nausea,
hangovers, and flatulence. Traditionally, ginger is used as an acrid bitter to
strengthen and stimulate digestion. Modern uses include prophylaxis for nausea
and vomiting (associated with motion sickness, hyperemesis
gravidarum, and surgical anesthesia),dyspepsia, lack
of appetite, anorexia, colic, bronchitis, and rheumatic complaints.Ginger is in the official
pharmacopoeias of Austria, China, Egypt, Great Britain, India, Japan, the
Netherlands, and Switzerland. It is approved as a nonprescription drug in
Germany and as a dietary supplement in the US. Only scraped or un-scraped,
unbleached ginger is accepted as a medicinal-grade drug, medicinal grade
containing greater than or equal to 1.5% volatile oil. Langner,
et al consider Jamaican and Cochin ginger to be the
best varieties. and report the Japanese plant to be of
inferior quality and do not recommend it for medicinal use. Standards of
quality for ginger can be found in The United States Pharmacopeia National
Formulary.
BOTANY :-
A native
of tropical Asia, this perennial is cultivated in tropical climates such as
Australia, Brazil, China, India, Jamaica, West Africa, and parts of the US.The term "root" is actually a misnomer because
it is the rhizome that is used medicinally and as a culinary spice. Cultivation
with natural manuring is thought to increase the
spiciness of the rhizome and is therefore preferred to wild crafting.The
rhizome is harvested between 6 and 20 months; taste and pungency increase with maturity.The plant carries a green purple flower in
terminal spikes; the flowers are similar to orchids.
DOSAGE:
Ginger is
commonly found in 500 mg (0.5 gram) capsules. The daily dose should not exceed
4 grams of fresh root or 3.0 ml of tincture. For arthritis pain, 2-4 grams of
ginger juice or powder can be used daily. Ginger can also be used as a compress or paste and applied directly to inflamed joints.
For colds, menstrual cramps, and headache 2 tbsp or several slices of fresh
ginger can be added to boiled water can be consumed 2-3 times daily. Fresh
ginger root can also be sliced and steamed and the vapors inhaled. For nausea
and indigestion, 2-4 grams of ginger can be used daily. Alternately a ¼ oz
piece of raw or crystallized ginger can be chewed. As with many herbal
preparations, it can take up to two months before the full effects are noticed.
INTERACTIONS:
Because
ginger can interfere with blood clotting, it should be used cautiously in
patients on anticoagulant therapies such as coumadin
or heparin. Ginger may reduce the toxic effects of the chemotherapeutic agent cyclophosphamide.Although ginger is very effective for
nausea and morning sickness and is used to reduce the effects of several
chemotherapeutic agents, the use of ginger capsules is not recommended for
pregnancy. Ginger is also contraindicated in patients with biliary
disease because of its tendency to cause bile release from the gallbladder.
MEDICAL
BENEFITS OF GINGER:5-,7
Ginger
root is used today to provide relief for symptoms of motion sickness including
sweating, vomiting, dizziness, and nausea. No conclusive results were found
when studies compared commercial medications with ginger. Signs of similar
results between the two did seem apparent in the studies.Ginger
has other uses including relieving arthritis pain, ulcerative colitis,
menstrual discomfort, headaches, fevers from flu and colds, and sore throats.
Gastrointestinal problems including heartburn and gas can also be treated with
ginger. The muscles of the gastrointestinal tract can be strengthened by the
use of garlic. Ginger is also used to treat arthritis, both rheumatoid and
osteoarthritis. It is thought that garlic can also provide relief for
toothaches, but no scientific evidence exists to support this.
Motion Sickness
Several studies suggest that ginger may be more effective than
placebo in reducing symptoms associated with motion sickness. In one trial of
80 novice sailors (prone to motion sickness), those who took powdered ginger
experienced a significant reduction in vomiting and cold sweating compared to
those who took placebo. Similar results were found in a study with healthy
volunteers. While these results are promising, other studies suggest that
ginger is not as effective as medications in reducing symptoms associated with
motion sickness. In a small study of volunteers who were given ginger (fresh
root and powder form), scopolamine (a medication commonly prescribed for motion
sickness), or placebo, those receiving the medication experienced significantly
fewer symptoms compared to those who received ginger.
Conventional prescription and nonprescription medicines that
decrease nausea may also cause unwanted side effects, such as dry mouth and
drowsiness. Given the safety of ginger, many people find it a welcome
alternative to these medications to relieve motion sickness.
Pregnancy Related Nausea and Vomiting
Human studies suggests that 1 gram daily of ginger may be safe and
effective for pregnancy-associated nausea and vomiting when used for short
periods (no longer than 4 days). Several studies have found that ginger is more
effective than placebo in relieving nausea and vomiting associated with
pregnancy. In a small study of 30 pregnant women with severe vomiting, those
who ingested 1 gram of ginger every day for 4 days reported more relief from
vomiting than those who received placebo. In a larger study of 70 pregnant
women with nausea and vomiting, those who received a similar dosage of ginger
felt less nauseous and experienced fewer vomiting episodes than those who
received placebo.
Chemotherapy nausea
Evidence from a few studies suggests that ginger reduces the
severity and duration of nausea (but not vomiting) during chemotherapy. More
research is needed to confirm these results and establish safety.
Nausea and vomiting following surgery
Research has produced mixed results regarding the use of ginger in
the treatment of nausea and vomiting following surgery. Two studies found that
1 gram of ginger root before surgery reduced nausea as effectively as a leading
medication. In one of these two studies, women who received ginger also
required fewer nausea-relieving medications following surgery. Other studies,
however, have failed to find the same positive effects. In fact, one study
found that ginger may actually increase vomiting following surgery. More
research is needed to determine whether ginger is safe and effective for the
prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting following surgery.
Inflammation
In addition to providing relief from nausea and vomiting, ginger
extract has long been used in traditional medical practices to reduce
inflammation. In fact, many health care professionals use ginger to help treat
health problems associated with inflammation, such as arthritis and ulcerative
colitis. In a study of 261 people with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, those
who received a ginger extract twice daily experienced less pain and required
fewer pain-killing medications compared to those who received placebo. Although
a few studies have shown a benefit of ginger for arthritis, one trial found
that the herb was no more effective than ibuprofen (a medication frequently
used to treat OA) or placebo in reducing symptoms of OA.
TRADITIONAL APPLICATIONS IN
HERBAL MEDICINE:10-12
Aromatic, carminative, stimulant
to the gastro- intestinal tract, diaphoretic, expectorant, antiemetic, and
stomachic, also sialagogue and digestive; Externally,
a local stimulant and rubefacient. Ginger is given in
dyspepsia and flatulent colic excellent to add to bitter infusions; specially valuable in alcoholic gastritis; of use for diarrhoea from relaxed bowel where there is no
inflammation. Ginger Tea is a hot infusion very useful for stoppage of the
menses due to cold, externally it is a rubefacient.
Essence of Ginger should be avoided, as it is often adulterated with harmful
ingredients.
Digestive System Actions:
Ginger is a classic tonic for the
digestive tract. Classified as an aromatic bitter, it stimulates digestion. It
also keeps the intestinal muscles toned. This action eases the transport of
substances through the digestive tract, lessening irritation to the intestinal
walls. Ginger may protect the stomach from the damaging effect of alcohol and
non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) and may help prevent
ulcers.
Allergies and asthma:
Dried ginger can help in the
management of allergies and asthma by offsetting the effect of the
platelet-activating factor (PAP). PAP initiates inflammatory processes in
allergy and asthma. It was found to become more active after changes in blood
chemistry that occur in a high-fat diet.
Atherosclerosis and high cholesterol:
Arthritis,
bursitis, fibrocystic breasts, lymphedema, and pain. Ginger inhibits the production of immune-system components called
cytokines. These chemicals are believed to create a long-term tendency toward
inflammation. Ginger also stimulates blood circulation. These effects of ginger
are taken advantage of in treating a number of disorders marked by swelling and
pain, such as arthritis. Studies have also shown that ginger can relieve pain
without the side effects typically found when using nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids.
Anti-nausea/Anti-vomiting Actions:
Research is inconclusive as to
how ginger acts to alleviate nausea. Ginger may act directly on the
gastrointestinal system or it may affect the part of the central nervous system
that causes nausea. It may be that ginger exerts a dual effect in reducing
nausea and vomiting.
Parasitic infection:
Ginger contains a chemical called zingibain that dissolves parasites and their eggs. In
laboratory trials, ginger extracts have been shown to kill the anisakid worm (a parasite occasionally found in raw fish)
within sixteen hours. Ginger tea is useful as a supplement in treating schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease.
Seizure disorders:
Ginger protects the body from the
hepatotoxic effects of valproic
acid (Depakene), a common treatment for seizure
disorders. Ginger, when used on a daily basis, was
found to improve the elevated levels of the liver enzymes alanine
amino- transferase (ALT) and aspartate
aminotransferase (AST).
Action and Uses in Ayurveda and Siddha:
Ginger is an important herb used
in Ayurveda. Ayurveda takes
advantage of the following medicinal properties for ginger: Analgesic,
anti-emetic, aromatic, aphrodisiac, carminative, diaphorelic,
digestive, expectorant, nervine, sialagogue,
stimulant. Ayurvedic
practitioners consider ginger to be a truly a wonder drug, having so many
healing properties. It was called the universal medicine. Taken with rock salt
it reduces vayu; with rock candy it reduces Pitta; with honey it reduces Kapha.
Thus it can be used to influence all tridoshas. Ginger
is used in the following ayurvedic remedies: katu rasam, ushna
veeryam, vata-kapha-haram, katu- vipaka, lagu,
snigdam, pachanam, ruchyam, vrishyam, swaryam, vibhanda haram, in grahani agnimanthyam. amavatham,
chardhi, swasam, soolam, arsas, anaham, hrith-rogam, udhara rogam. It is used
externally in kapha, swellings, headache.
Perhaps the most versatile of all herbs, fresh ginger can be topically applied
as a warm fomentation to relieve spasms pain and cramps. Simply cut several
slices of the fresh root and place them in a pan of boiling water. Saturate a
flannel cloth with the tea and apply it topically as warm as the body will
bear. This is an ideal treatment for stiff neck and shoulders. The herb is
cooked with meat to aid its assimilation and detoxify it. Fresh ginger tea is
the most ideal herb to use for the first signs of mucus, cold, cough, and so
on. To make it taste better, add honey. Drinking ginger tea with meals will
greatly aid digestion and assimilation and is useful for those with weak, cold
digestion.
Ginger is
regarded as the oldest and most common kitchen spice that has been used since
ages especially in Asia ginger is said to be the best plant for health.
Often ginger is taken in various forms in dried form as well as fresh ginger is
useful for treating various ailments. here are some
from granny's treasure box some of the important uses of ginger :-
1) Mix a
teaspoon of fresh ginger juice with a cup of fenugreek decoction and to it add
1tsp honey to make an excellent expectorant for the treatment of asthma. it give relief to the ailing patient
2) Ginger
seems to improve the body's ability to sweat, It helps
in blood circulation and help us get rid of cold symptoms and the flu. mothers used ginger to treat children when they got cold and
cough with basil juice and honey .In fact, researchers are investigating ginger
as a means to reduce the chance of cardiovascular disease. It’s not known that
these benefits are because of an improved circulatory system or something else
is improving heart functions
3) Cut a
small piece of ginger and boil it with a cup of water. Add some green tealeaves.
strain and drink hot. It is effective in fever
resulting from the cold.
4) Pound a
piece of fresh ginger and boil with a cup of water and add a little honey. Drink it hot
two or three times a day for a month. The pain-relieving and anti-cramping
compounding ginger effectively helps to relieve painful menstruation cramps (dysmenorrhoea). In the absence of menstruation in women in
the reproductive age (amenorrhoea), this concoction
can also help induce menstruation.
5) Ginger
protects your body from radiation, possibly in conjunction with its antioxidant capabilities
6) Ginger
attributes a number of health and fitness promoting properties. It’s found to
be
useful in reducing the cardiovascular risk as well as improvement of heart's
performance during exercise, it possess smooth and relaxing effect on the body,
resulting in a better stress fighting capacity.
7) Young
ginger rhizomes are juicy and fleshy with a very mild taste. They are often
pickled in vinegar or sherry as a snack or just cooked as an ingredient in many
dishes, it is said to release (vayu) from one’s body
and thus good for related problem such as sciatica and gas.
8)
Powdered dry ginger root (ginger powder) is typically used to spice gingerbread
and other recipes and is used to make tea which taste awesome when ginger is
added to it .
9) Ginger
is also made into candy; often candies for throat aliments are easily available
over the counter at the chemist shops
10) Ginger
powder is particularly given to expecting women and feeding mothers with milk.
11) Its
stimulant and carminative properties are used frequently for dyspepsia and
colic. It is frequently employed to disguise the taste of medicines.
12) Ginger
compounds are active against diarrhea which is the leading cause of infant
death .Ginger has been found
effective in multiple studies for treating nausea caused by sea and morning sickness, and chemotherapy
though ginger was not found superior over a placebo for post-operative nausea. Apart from its
benefits it also have certain side effects such as Allergic reactions sometimes
result in rashes, although they are not harmful, sometimes use of ginger can
cause heartburn, bloating, gas, belching and nausea, especially if taken in
powdered form. Unchewed fresh ginger may result in
intestinal blockage and choke your throat and individuals who have had ulcers,
inflammatory bowel disease or blocked intestines may react badly to large
quantities of fresh ginger Ginger can also adversely
affect individuals with gallstones. There are also suggestions that ginger may
affect blood pressure, clotting, and heart.
GINGER ROOT SIDE EFFECTS:22,21,24
Most of us are familiar with the health benefits of
ginger root and its
culinary uses. However, like any other herb, high doses or overuse of ginger may
result in some side effects. The following are some of the ginger root side
effects.
Ø The most
common side effects of ginger root includes, heartburn, diarrhea and
irritation of the mouth.
Ø In some
people, prolonged use of ginger root may lead to dry and scaly rashes, which
develop on the face and may move downward with time.
Ø Another
ginger root side effect, associated with its long term use is visual
sensitivity to bright light.
Ø Ginger
root consumption is not recommended for people with gallstones, as this herb
increases bile production. The same applies to those, who are taking blood
thinning medications or is preparing for surgery.
Ø Ginger
should be avoided by people with bleeding disorders, ulcers and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Ø It has
also been noticed that some people with allergies, develop ginger
root side effects, like rashes. In some rare cases, eye irritation and pink eye
has also been associated with consumption of ginger.
Ø There are
also reports that suggest that ginger may also affect the blood pressure and
heart rhythms.
There are very few reports of
ginger root side effects in people, who take low doses of this herb. Most of
the reported cases are either associated with intake of ginger powder as
compared to fresh form, prolonged use of ginger root or its overuse. It may
also interact with other drugs, herbs or supplements and create
complications. Hence, it is very important to seek the opinion of your doctor
before using this herb for medicinal purposes. It is also advisable to undergo a herbal treatment under the supervision of a qualified
herbal practitioner.
PHARMACOLOGY:
Important
chemical constituents are thought to be the phenolic
compounds (e.g, gingerols, shogaols) and essential oils
(primarily the sesquiterpenes such as zingiberene, zingiberol, and curcumene). Ginger and isolated constituents, primarily gingerols, have been studied in many animal and in vitro experiments;
the details of these studies have been
extensively reviewed. In summary, ginger was found to
enhance gastrointestinal motility in some (but not all) animal studies, and to
de crease chemotherapy-induced vomiting. It reduces experimentally induced
gastric lesions, and enhances bile excretion. In vitro, ginger
is an antioxidant; inhibits formation of inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes and inhibits platelet aggregation.
CLINICAL
TRIALS:
26,27,31,33
Ginger
root, primarily in doses of 0.5-1 g, has been well-studied for motion sickness
and as an antiemetic; results of controlled trials are generally positive, but
are not all consistent. Ginger was more effective than placebo and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) in an initial single-blind
experiment for motion sickness, measuring the tolerance of students in a
rotating chair. Although one small,
placebo-controlled study also reported an antivertigo
effect to caloric stimulation of the vestibular apparatus, three subsequent
controlled studies of experimental motion sickness (using a rotating chair or
turntable) found ginger to be no more effective than placebo. Better results
were found in "real-life" clinical studies of motion sickness. Ginger
was reported to help prevent or reduce sea-sick ness
on ocean vessels in three double-blind, randomized controlled trials (RCTs). In
naval cadets, a single dose of ginger reduced vomiting and cold sweats more
effectively than placebo. 17 In 60 cruise passengers, ginger had equivalent
effects to standard doses of antiemetic antihistamines when given every 4
hours, and in 1741 tourists on whale safaris when given in two doses shortly
before and after departure. In a separate RCT of 28 children (ages 4-8) prone
to travel sickness, 0.25 g every 4 hours reduced symptoms of travel sickness
more effectively, and with less side effects, than dimenhydrinate.
Mixed results were found for postsurgical nausea following laparoscopic
gynecologic procedures in four large double-blind RCTs; results were positive
in two studies and negative in the other two. In the positive studies, 1 g of a
ginger root product before surgery reduced the incidence of nausea as
effectively as a standard dose of metoclopramide, and
decreased the need for postoperative medications. In the other two studies,
there
Adverse
Effects:
Ginger has
no known clinical adverse effects other then rare heartburn.
Side
Effects and Interactions:
Drug
interactions have not been studied or reported in humans. In a rat model,
ginger did not interact with warfarin's activity on
blood coagulation.
Cautions:
Although
ginger has antiprostaglandin and antiplatelet
effects in vitro, increased
risk of bleeding has not been demonstrated with oral doses up to 4 g daily, and
there have been case reports of bleeding. Because doses greater than 4 g/day
may affect platelet function, it would be prudent to recommend lower doses for
patients who are taking
anticoagulant drugs or are otherwise at high bleeding risk. Despite its
widespread use in foods, ingestion of ginger during pregnancy is controversial.
Ginger extract and isolated ginger constituents have mutagenic and antimutagenic properties, depending on the in
vitro experimental test. Embryotoxic
effects have been described in pregnant rats. In the two controlled clinical
trials of pregnant women (totaling 59 women who received ginger), there were no
significant adverse effects detected on pregnancy outcome. Based on the
experience of its wide-spread use in foods, it is unlikely that ginger has
detrimental effects during pregnancy; nevertheless, it would be prudent to be
cautious and to avoid higher doses (> 2 g daily).
Pediatric:
Ginger should not be used by children under 2 years of age. Ginger
may be used by children over 2 years of age to treat nausea, digestive
cramping, and headaches. Adjust the recommended adult dose to account for the
child's weight. Most herbal dosages for adults are calculated on the basis of a
150 lb (70 kg) adult. Therefore, if the child weighs 50 lb (20 - 25 kg), the
appropriate dose of ginger for this child would be 1/3 of the adult dosage.
Adult:
In general, ginger intake should not exceed 4 grams daily (this
includes the ginger obtained through diet such as from ginger ale, ginger
snaps, and ginger bread). Usually, food sources contain no more than 0.5%
ginger. Standardized dose: Take 75 - 2,000 mg in divided doses with food,
standardized to contain 4% volatile oils or 5% total pungent compounds
including 6-gingerol or 6-shogaol.For nausea, gas, or indigestion: 2 - 4 grams
of fresh root daily (0.25 - 1.0 g of powdered root) or 1.5 - 3.0 mL (30 - 90 drops) liquid extract daily. To prevent
vomiting, take 1 gram of powdered ginger (1/2 tsp) or its equivalent, every 4
hours as needed (not to exceed 4 doses daily), or 2 ginger capsules (1 gram), 3
times daily. You may also chew a 1/4 oz piece of fresh ginger when needed. For
pregnancy-induced vomiting, use 250 mg 4 times daily. To relieve arthritis
pain: Take fresh ginger juice, extract, or tea, 2 - 4 grams daily. Topical
ginger oil may also be rubbed into a painful joint. Fresh ginger root may also
be placed in a warm poultice or compress and apply to painful areas. For cold
and flu symptoms, sore throat, headache and menstrual cramps: Steep 2 tbsp of
freshly shredded ginger in hot water, 2 - 3 times daily. A drop of ginger oil
or a few slices of fresh rhizome may also be placed in steaming water and
inhaled.
Preparations and Doses:
Common preparations
include powdered ginger capsules, liquid extracts, tinctures, and candies. The
doses examined in various clinical trials range from 0.2 to 1 g of dried ginger
root, usually administered in capsules, as a single dose or repeated every 4
hours or q.i.d. depending on the study, Doses
recommended by herbal authorities are similar, usually 0.5-1 g two to four
times a day, up to 4 g daily. Larger daily doses of up to 9 g of fresh or dried
ginger are often used in traditional Chinese medicine. Substantial ginger
content is found in highly spiced meals or strong ginger ales and teas.
Ginger is available in
two forms, fresh and dried Both the forms contain
effective food value. As the taste of ginger is not very palatable, subtle means
are adopted to use it in certain ways. It is put in vegetables. The dried ginger, which may be scraped or peeled before drying,
constitute the spice, and is esteemed for its flavor, pungency, aroma and
medicinal value.
|
Food Value |
Minerals and Vitamins |
|
Moisture - 80.9% |
Calcium - 20 mg |
|
Protein - 2.3% |
Phosphorus - 60 mg |
|
Fat - 0.9% |
Iron - 2.6 mg |
|
Vitamin C - 6 mg |
|
|
Fibre - 2.4% |
Small amount of Vitamin B Complex |
|
Minerals - 1.2% |
* Values per 100 gm's edible portion |
|
Carbohydrates - 12.3% |
Calorific Value - 67 |
Ginger is being
used as medicine in India from Vedic period and is called Mahaaushidhi,
meaning the great medicine. Ancient physicians used ginger as a carminative and
anti fermenting medicine. Galen, the Greek physician, used ginger as a medicine
to rectify the defective humors of the body. He used ginger in the treatment of
paralysis caused by phlegmatic imbalance in the body. Aviceena,
another Greek physician used it as an aphrodisiac. Pomose,
yet another Greek physician also used ginger in the treatment of gout centuries
ago. Ginger is now widely used in local medicines in India and the far East. Taken internally, it is a stimulating carminative
and locally it is used as a rubefacient and counter
irritant. Like many other spices, ginger is believed to have aphrodisiac
properties.
The ginger yields an essential oil, but this lacks the pungent principle, it is
used in the manufacture of flavoring essence and in perfumery An oleoresin -
i.e. mixture of oil and resin - is also extracted, in which the full pungency
of the spice is preserved; it is used for flavoring and also for medicinal
purposes.
Ginger is a valuable drug for
disorders of the digestive system. It is extremely useful in dyspepsia,
flatulence, colic, vomiting, spasms and other painful affections bf the stomach
and the bowels. Chewing a piece of fresh ginger after meals regularly is an
insurance against these ailments. This protective action is attributable to
excessive secretion of saliva, distaste enzyme and volatile oil.
Half a teaspoon of fresh ginger juice, mixed with one teaspoonful of each of
fresh lime juice and fresh mint juice and a tablespoonful of honey,
constitutes an effective medicine for dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting due. To biliousness,
indigestion caused by intake of heavy non-vegetarian and fried fatty food,
morning sickness, jaundice and piles. This mixture should be sucked thrice
daily in the treatment of these conditions.
Cough and Cold :-
Ginger is an excellent remedy for
coughs and colds. Extracted juice of ginger with honey should be taken three or
four times a day in case of coughs. In case of colds, ginger should be cut into
small pieces and boiled in a cup of water. It should then' be strained and half
a teaspoon of sugar added to it should be drunk while hot. Ginger tea, prepared
by adding few pieces of ginger into boiled water before adding tea leaves, is
also an effective remedy for colds and for fevers resulting from cold
Respiratory Disorders:-
A teaspoonful of the fresh ginger
juice mixed with a cupful of fenugreek decoction and honey to taste is an
excellent diaphoratic mixture which increases
sweating to reduce fever in influenza. It acts as an expectorant in bronchitis,
asthma, whooping cough and tuberculosis of the lungs.
Aches and Pains :-
Ginger is an excellent pain
killer. It can cure all types of pain. In headache, ginger ointment
made by rubbing dry ginger with a little water and applied to the forehead
affords relief. It allays tooth ache when applied to the face. In case of
earache, a few drops of ginger juice will give relief.
Sexual Debility:-
Ginger juice is a valuable
aphrodisiac. It is highly beneficial in the treatment of sexual weakness For better results, half a teaspoon of ginger juice should
be taken with a half-boiled egg and honey, once, daily at night for a month. It
tones up the sex centers and cures impotency, premature ejaculation, spermatorrhoea.
Menstrual Disorders:-
Ginger is also useful in
menstrual disorders. A piece of fresh ginger should be pounded and boiled in a,
cupful of water for few minutes. The infusion sweetened with sugar should be
taken thrice daily after meals as a medicine for dysmenorrhoea,
and amenorrhea due to exposure to cold winds and taking cold bath
Medicinal Value of Ginger:
Traditional medicinal uses of ginger root included its use in treating cold,
cough, digestive disorders, menstrual cramps, etc. This herb is believed to
have aphrodisiac powers, and is mentioned in 'Kama Sutra'. Ginger is used to
relieve motion sickness and morning sickness. It has anti-inflammatory
properties and is used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with arthritis, rheumatism and
muscle cramps. Ginger is also used to expel the phlegm accumulated in the lungs
and so, is found to be effective in treating respiratory diseases, like, asthma and bronchitis. It can
stimulate blood circulation and is also useful in removing toxins from the
body. This herb has blood thinning and cholesterol lowering properties, which
are beneficial for lowering the risk of heart disease. Ginger root
health benefits is believed to be due to its active components, like, gingerols, zingibain, bisabolenel, oleoresins, starch, mucilage and essential oil
(zingiberene, zingiberole,
camphene, cineol, borneol).
Ginger Root Side Effects:
Most of us are familiar with the health benefits of
ginger root and its
culinary uses. However, like any other herb, high doses or overuse of ginger
may result in some side effects. The following are some of the ginger root side
effects.
Ø The most
common side effects of ginger root includes, heartburn, diarrhea and
irritation of the mouth.
Ø In some
people, prolonged use of ginger root may lead to dry and scaly rashes, which
develop on the face and may move downward with time.
Ø Another
ginger root side effect, associated with its long term use is visual
sensitivity to bright light.
Ø Ginger
root consumption is not recommended for people with gallstones, as this herb
increases bile production. The same applies to those, who are taking blood thinning
medications or is preparing for surgery.
Ø Ginger
should be avoided by people with bleeding disorders, ulcers and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Ø It has
also been noticed that some people with allergies, develop ginger
root side effects, like rashes. In some rare cases, eye irritation and pink eye
has also been associated with consumption of ginger.
Ø There are
also reports that suggest that ginger may also affect the blood pressure and
heart rhythms.
There are very few reports of
ginger root side effects in people, who take low doses of this herb. Most of
the reported cases are either associated with intake of ginger powder as
compared to fresh form, prolonged use of ginger root or its overuse. It may
also interact with other drugs, herbs or supplements and create
complications. Hence, it is very important to seek the opinion of your doctor
before using this herb for medicinal purposes. It is also advisable to undergo a herbal treatment under the supervision of a qualified
herbal practitioner.
CONCLUSION:
Ginger
serves as a powerful natural
anti-inflammatory and
stimulates improved blood circulation. One modern study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis,
osteoarthritis and muscular discomfort found taking powdered ginger relieved
pain in over 75% of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers and all patients with
muscular discomfort benefitted. Pointing to the safety of the medicinal use of
ginger compared to steroids and nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, not one patient reported a single adverse side effect
by the end of the three year study. Ginger is frequently served with sushi to
combat parasites as well as offer a complementary dish. The chemical zingibain found in ginger dissolves many parasites and
their eggs, including the anisa kid worm sometimes
found in raw fish. Ginger tea has also been found helpful in the treatment of
the parasitic disease schistosomiasis contracted by
visitors to some lesser developed tropical areas. The ginger compound shagaol kills cold viruses at a concentration found in
ordinary raw ginger making ginger an effective cold remedy. Ginger’s pain
relieving properties bring relief to flu and strep throat sufferers. As a
diaphoretic, ginger even induces sweating to help the body remove toxins and
reduce mucous congestion. Ginger has other uses including relieving arthritis
pain, ulcerative colitis, menstrual discomfort, headaches, fevers from flu and
colds, and sore throats. Gastrointestinal problems including heartburn and gas can
also be treated with ginger. The muscles of the gastrointestinal tract can be
strengthened by the use of garlic. Ginger is also used to treat arthritis, both
rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
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Received on 05.12.2009
Accepted on 12.03.2010
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Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2(2): March -April 2010, 102-110