Indications
Zingiber officinale (ginger) is a familiar spice whose root is also used as a herbal medicine in tablets, capsules, syrups and digestive mixtures. It is used for:
- Nausea and vomiting, including travel sickness and morning sickness in pregnancy (with a doctor’s advice)
- Indigestion, wind and loss of appetite
- Mild joint and muscle pain, and period pain
- As a warming ingredient in cough and cold remedies
Evidence is best for nausea; for other uses it is more limited.
How It Works
Ginger contains pungent substances called gingerols and shogaols. These act on the stomach and gut to speed emptying and calm the signals that trigger nausea. They also reduce the production of chemicals that cause inflammation and pain, giving a mild anti-inflammatory effect.
Dosage and Administration
Take as directed on the label. For adults, studies on nausea have commonly used about 1 g of dried ginger root a day, divided into 2 to 4 doses. For travel sickness, take a dose about 30 minutes to 1 hour before travelling. Take with water or food. In pregnancy, use only with a doctor’s advice and do not exceed about 1 g a day. Not recommended for young children unless a doctor advises it.
Interactions
Ginger may increase the risk of bleeding with blood thinners such as Warfarin, Clopidogrel and Aspirin. In high doses it may add to the effects of medicines for diabetes and high blood pressure. Tell your doctor about all supplements you take.
Contraindications
- Known allergy to ginger
- Bleeding disorders, or within 2 weeks before surgery (high doses)
- Gallstones, unless a doctor agrees
Side Effects
Ginger is usually well tolerated. Possible side effects include:
- Heartburn or stomach discomfort
- Burping, wind or loose stools
- Mouth or throat irritation
Get urgent medical help if vomiting is severe or you cannot keep fluids down, if there is blood in the vomit or stools, unusual bleeding, or signs of allergy such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Ginger is widely used for morning sickness, and moderate amounts (up to about 1 g a day) appear safe, but check with your doctor first, especially close to delivery or if you have a history of bleeding or miscarriage. Ginger in food is fine during breastfeeding; ask a doctor before taking concentrated supplements.
Precautions and Warnings
- People with diabetes or on blood pressure medicines should monitor their readings.
- Take care if you have stomach ulcers or reflux.
- See a doctor if nausea or vomiting lasts more than 2 days, or if there is weight loss, dehydration or severe pain.
- Some syrups contain sugar.
Overdose
Large doses (over about 5 g a day) may cause heartburn, diarrhoea and mouth irritation and may increase bleeding risk. Seek medical help if a large amount has been taken.
Therapeutic Class
Herbal antiemetic and digestive (carminative)
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and 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.