Indications
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a herbal medicine made from the root of the ginger plant. It is used for:
- nausea and vomiting, including morning sickness in early pregnancy, motion sickness and nausea after surgery;
- indigestion, bloating and wind;
- loss of appetite;
- mild period pain, as a supportive remedy.
How It Works
Ginger contains natural substances called gingerols and shogaols. They act on the stomach and gut to help food move through more smoothly, and they may block some of the signals in the gut and brain that cause nausea. They also have a mild anti-inflammatory effect.
Dosage and Administration
Follow the product label or your doctor’s advice, as strength differs between products.
Adults: a common dose is 250 mg of ginger extract or powder up to four times a day. For motion sickness, take a dose about 30 minutes to 1 hour before travel. In pregnancy, do not take more than about 1 g of dried ginger a day, and only for a short time.
Children: only on a doctor’s advice. Take with food or water. If symptoms do not improve within a few days, see a doctor.
Interactions
- Warfarin, Aspirin, Clopidogrel and other blood thinners: high doses of ginger may increase the risk of bleeding.
- Insulin and diabetes tablets: ginger may lower blood sugar a little more.
- Blood pressure medicines such as Nifedipine: effects may add together.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking ginger.
Contraindications
Do not use ginger products if you:
- are allergic to ginger or any ingredient of the product;
- have a bleeding disorder.
Ask a doctor first if you have gallstones.
Side Effects
Side effects are usually mild: heartburn, stomach discomfort, burping, diarrhoea and mouth or throat irritation.
Get urgent medical help if you have:
- swelling of the face, lips or throat, rash or difficulty breathing (allergic reaction);
- unusual bleeding or bruising, especially if you take blood thinners;
- vomiting that does not stop, vomiting blood, signs of dehydration, or (in pregnancy) inability to keep any fluids down.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Ginger is commonly used for morning sickness, and short-term use in food-like amounts is generally considered acceptable. Talk to your doctor before using ginger supplements in pregnancy, and avoid them close to delivery or if you have a history of miscarriage or bleeding. Amounts normally found in food are considered safe while breastfeeding; ask a doctor before using supplements.
Precautions and Warnings
- Stop taking ginger supplements about 2 weeks before planned surgery.
- Take care if you have diabetes, heart disease or low blood pressure.
- Severe or persistent nausea, vomiting or stomach pain needs a medical check.
- Herbal products vary in strength; buy from a reliable source.
Overdose
Very large amounts may cause heartburn, stomach upset and, rarely, an irregular heartbeat or drowsiness. Contact a doctor if you feel unwell after taking too much.
Therapeutic Class
Herbal medicine; antiemetic and digestive aid.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light. Keep out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.