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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. In China, for example, ginger has been used to aid
digestion and treat stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea for more than
2,000 years. Since ancient times, ginger has also been used to help treat
arthritis, colic, diarrhea, and heart conditions. Native to Asia where its
use as a culinary spice spans at least 4,400 years, ginger grows in
fertile, moist, tropical soil.
Today,
ginger root is widely used as a digestive aid for mild stomach upset and
is commonly recommended by professional herbalists to help prevent or
treat nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness, pregnancy and
etc.
Function:
1、Nausea
& Vomitting
Ginger has been shown to reduce the symptoms of motion sickness associated
with travel by boat and car. Two double-blind clinical trials have found
that ginger may reduce nausea due to anesthesia following surgery, A
preliminary trial has suggested ginger may be helpful for preventing
chemotherapy-induced nausea.
2、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
extract 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.
3、Pregnancy
Related Nausea and Vomiting
At least two studies have found that ginger is more effective than placebo
in relieving nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy. In a small
study including 30 pregnant women with severe vomiting, those who ingested
1 gram ginger extract every day for four days reported more relief from
vomiting than those who received placebo. In a larger study including 70
pregnant women with nausea and vomiting, those who received a similar
dosage of ginger extract felt less nauseous and experienced fewer vomiting
episodes than those who received placebo.
4、Nausea
and vomiting following surgery
Research has produced mixed results regarding the use of ginger in the
treatment of nausea and vomiting following surgery. In two studies, 1 gram
of ginger extract before surgery reduced nausea as effectively as a
leading medication. In one of these two studies, women who received ginger
extract also required fewer nausea-relieving medications following
surgery.
5、Anti-inflammation
In addition to providing relief from nausea and vomiting, ginger extract
has long been used in traditional medical practices to decrease
inflammation. In fact, many herbalists today use ginger to help treat
health problems associated with inflammation, such as arthritis,
bronchitis, and ulcerative colitis. In a recent 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.
6、Digestive
Tract Tonic
Ginger
is considered a tonic for the digestive tract, stimulating digestion and
toning the intestinal muscles. 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(NSAIDs)and may help
prevent ulcers.
7、Cardiovascular
Health and etc.
Ginger also supports cardiovascular health by making blood platelets less
sticky and less likely to aggregate.
A few preliminary studies suggest that
ginger may lower cholesterol and prevent the blood from clotting. Each of
these effects may protect the blood vessels from blockage and the damaging
effects of blockage such as atherosclerosis. however, more research would
be needed to know if these initial study results will ultimately prove
helpful for people.
Dosage
For
prevention or treatment of motion sickness, 500 mg of dried ginger powder
extract can be taken one-half to one hour before travel, and then 500 mg
every two to four hours as necessary. Children below the age of six should
use half of the adult amount. For the treatment of nausea associated with
pregnancy, women can take up to 1 gram daily, but should only use ginger
for symptomatic relief of nausea and not on an ongoing basis. Ginger may
potentially be used for nausea associated with anesthesia or chemotherapy,
but only under the supervision of a physician.
Safety
The
use of ginger is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and
treating disease. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care,
under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of
botanical medicine.
The
American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) gives fresh ginger root a
class 1 safety rating, indicating that it is a safe herb with a wide
dosage range. Side effects associated with ginger are rare, but if taken
in excessive doses the herb may cause mild heartburn. The AHPA gives dried
ginger root a class 2b rating, indicating that it should not be used
during pregnancy.
People
with gallstones should consult a physician before taking ginger.
Chemistry
Recent
studies have revealed that the pungent constituents, known as gingerols
and shogaols,1
are responsible for the
anti-nausea and anti-vomiting effects of ginger.
References:
1.
Tyler VE. Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals.
Binghamton, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1994, 39–42.
2. Holtmann S, Clarke AH, Scherer H, Hohn M. The anti-motion sickness
mechanism of ginger. A comparative study with placebo and dimenhydrinate.
Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 1989;108:168–74.
3. Grontved A, Brask T, Kambskard J, Hentzer E. Ginger root against
seasickness. Acta Otolaryngol 1988;105:45–9.
4. Ribenfeld D, Borzone L. Randomized double-blind study comparing ginger
(Zintona®) with dimenhydrinate in motion sickness. Healthnotes Rev
Complementary Integrative Med 1999;6:98–101.
5. Careddu P. Motion sickness in children: Results of a double-blind study
with ginger (Zintona®) and dimenhydrinate. Healthnotes Rev Complementary
Integrative Med 1999;6:102–7.
6. Bone ME, Wilkinson DJ, Young JR, et al. Ginger root—a new antiemetic:
The effect of ginger root on postoperative nausea and vomiting after major
gynaecological surgery. Anaesthesia 1990;45:669–71.
7. Phillips S, Ruggier R, Hutchingson SE. Zingiber officinale
(ginger)—an antiemetic for day case surgery. Anaesthesia
1993;48:715–7.
8.
Arfeen Z, Owen H, Plummer JL, et al. A double-blind randomized controlled
trial of ginger for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Anaesthesia 1995;23:449–52
9. Meyer K, Schwartz J, Craer D, Keyes B. Zingiber officinale (ginger)
used to prevent 8-Mop associated nausea. Dermatol Nursing 1995;7:242–4.
10. Langner E, Greifenberg S, Gruenwald J. Ginger: History and use. Adv
Ther 1998;15:25–44 [review].
11. Bradley PR (ed). British Herbal Compendium, vol 1. Bournemouth,
Dorset, UK: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992, 112–4.
12. Yamahara J, Huang QR, Li YH, et al. Gastrointestinal motility
enhancing effect of ginger and its active constituents. Chem Pharm Bull
1990;38:430–1.
13. al-Yahya MA, Rafatullah S, Mossa JS, et al. Gastroprotective activity
of ginger in albino rats. Am J Chinese Med 1989;17:51–6.
14. Bordia A, Verma SK, Srivastava KC. Effect of ginger (Zingiber
officinale Rosc) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L) on blood
lipids, blood sugar, and platelet aggregation in patients with coronary
artery disease. Prostagland Leukotrienes Essential Fatty Acids
1997;56:379–84.
15. Verma SK, Singh J, Khamesra R, Bordia A. Effect of ginger on platelet
aggregation in man. Indian J Med Res 1994;98:240–2.
16. Lumb AB. Effect of dried ginger on human platelet function. Thromb
Haemost 1994;7:110–1.
17. Janssen PL, Meyboom S, van Staveren WA, et al. Consumption of ginger (Zingiber
officinale Roscoe) does not affect ex vivo platelet thromboxane production
in humans. Eur J Clin Nutr 1996;50:772–4.
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