Ginger Root
(3 reviews)
Ginger Root is known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, helping to relieve nausea and support gut health.
Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale) is a widely used culinary and medicinal spice known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been part of traditional medicine systems across Asia for millennia.
Ginger contains compounds such as gingerol and shogaol, which may help reduce nausea, ease digestion, and alleviate joint and muscle discomfort. It is consumed fresh, dried, or as a supplement.
People commonly use ginger for nausea relief, digestive support, and inflammation. Scientific evidence supports many of these uses, particularly for motion sickness and mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
Other names & forms of Ginger Root supplement : zingiber officinale, ginger, ginger extract, ginger powder, gingerol
Possible Benefits
More than just a kitchen spice, ginger root delivers powerful benefits for digestion, inflammation, and immune defense:
- Helps ease nausea and supports Digestive Health
- May improve circulation and promote Blood Flow & Circulation
- Used for its anti-inflammatory effects in managing Pain Relief and muscle soreness
- May benefit Immunity through its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties
Side Effects
Ginger Root can ease nausea, but some people experience mild digestive reactions as their system adjusts. Keep an eye on:
- Mild heartburn or acid reflux, especially when taken in large amounts
- Occasional stomach cramps or diarrhea when taken on an empty stomach
- Possible mouth or throat irritation, burning or rash, when using concentrated extracts
- Temporary mild bleeding tendencies, easy bruising or nosebleeds, in sensitive individuals
- Rare headache or dizziness at high doses
Interactions
Possible interactions include:
- Anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies: Ginger’s gingerol compounds may enhance the blood-thinning effects of warfarin or supplements such as Garlic and Ginkgo Biloba, increasing bleeding risk.
- Diabetes medications: Ginger can improve insulin sensitivity; when used with insulin or Cinnamon, monitor for hypoglycemia.
- Antihypertensive drugs: Its mild vasodilatory action may add to ACE inhibitors or L-Arginine, risking hypotension.
- Antacids and PPIs: Ginger may accelerate gastric emptying, potentially reducing absorption time for medications like omeprazole; take drugs at least two hours before Ginger.
Precautions
Before you start taking Ginger Root, check if any of these conditions apply to you. If they do, consult your healthcare provider:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Generally safe in culinary amounts; high-dose supplements should be used under medical advice
- Individuals with gallstones: Ginger may increase bile flow; caution if you have gallstone issues
- People on blood-thinning medications: Ginger can enhance anticoagulant effects; monitor clotting parameters
- Those with ulcers or gastritis: May irritate the stomach lining; consider lower doses or food-bound forms
- Patients scheduled for surgery: Discontinue at least two weeks prior, risk of increased bleeding during and after procedure
Studies
These studies provide scientific insights into Ginger Root benefits:
A 2014 meta-analysis of seven RCTs found that 1 g ginger daily reduces nausea severity in pregnancy by 35% versus placebo .
A 2012 randomized trial in 261 osteoarthritis patients showed 500 mg ginger extract twice daily for 12 weeks modestly improved WOMAC pain scores but did not change joint stiffness.
A 2009 crossover study in 27 male athletes reported that 2 g ginger daily for 11 days reduced muscle pain after eccentric exercise by 23% versus placebo .
A 2011 RCT in 60 hyperlipidemic adults found 2 g ginger powder daily for 12 weeks did not significantly alter LDL-C or triglycerides versus placebo .
Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. If you're pregnant, have a condition, or take medication, speak with a qualified professional.
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