HERBS: Ginger

Ginger

Zingiber officinale

Zingiberis rhizoma, zingiberaceae, ginger root, shen jiang

To stimulate the appetite: Ginger is known to stimulate the flow of saliva and digestive secretions, but no clinical trials have been performed to test this use.
To treat colic and reduce gas in the stomach and intestine: Compounds found in ginger are known to calm the contractions of the stomach and intestine, but no clinical trials have been performed to test this use.�
To treat diarrhea: Compounds found in ginger are known to calm the contractions of the stomach and intestine, but no clinical trials have been performed to test this use.
To relieve symptoms of drug withdrawal: Clinical trials show that ginger can relieve nausea, but no scientific evidence supports its use for any other symptoms of drug withdrawal.
To relieve indigestion: Ginger is known to stimulate the flow of saliva and digestive secretions, but no clinical trials have been performed to evaluate this use.
To treat nausea and vomiting: Several clinical trials support the use of ginger for short-term treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy, motion sickness, and surgical anesthesia.
To promote urination: No scientific evidence supports this use.�
To treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis: The few clinical trials that studied this use have shown some, although not very strong, support.
To calm muscle spasms: No scientific evidence supports this use

Anticoagulants / Antiplatelets: Ginger may increase the risk of bleeding.
H2-blockers / Proton pump inhibitors: Ginger may antagonize activity by increasing stomach acid production.
Antihypertensives: Ginger may cause additive hypotensive effects.
Hypoglycemics / Insulin: Ginger may cause additive reductions in blood glucose.

1. Newall, CA et al. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professional. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 1996.

2. Fetrow CW, et al. Professional’s Handbook of Complementary and Alternative Medicines. Philadelphia: Springhouse; 1999.

3. Bisset NG. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals; a Handbook for Practice on Scientific Basis. Boca Raton: Medpharm Publishers; 1994.

7. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, 2nd ed. Sandy (OR) Eclectic Med. Publications; 1998.