Ginger Root: Uses, Side Effects & Interactions
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Ginger Root
The plant Zingiber officinale's underground rhizome is known as ginger root. Many different cuisines all over the world use ginger root to add flavor because of its energizing, spicy-sweet aroma and flavor. Fresh, powdered, dried, as well as in oils and juices, ginger root can be consumed. It is also a well-liked component of nutritional supplements and herbal treatments.Popular folk medicine for nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach includes ginger root. Additionally, it is occasionally used to treat morning sickness and motion sickness. For relief from bloating, gas, and indigestion, some people take ginger root. Additionally, ginger root is thought to improve circulation, the immune system, and reduce inflammation.
What is Ginger Root?
The use of ginger root in traditional medicine has a long history. The medicinal benefits of ginger are mentioned in ancient Chinese, Indian, and Middle Eastern texts. Ginger is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a number of illnesses, such as nausea and indigestion.
In general, ginger root is regarded as secure. However, it can also give some people gas, bloating, and diarrhea. People who have bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medications should use ginger root with caution. Large doses of ginger root should also be avoided by expectant mothers as they may increase the chance of miscarriage.
The root of the ginger plant is sold in supplement, tea, fresh, and dried forms. Additionally, many Asian markets sell it.
Side Effects & Safety
When used properly, ginger is LIKELY SAFE when taken orally. Heartburn, diarrhea, and other minor side effects like general stomach discomfort can occur in some people. After taking ginger, some women have experienced more frequent bleeding during their menstrual cycle. When ginger is applied to the skin properly and for a brief period of time, it may be SAFE. There have been some reports of burning, stinging, and itchy skin.
Ginger should not be consumed in large quantities by pregnant women as it may increase the chance of miscarriage. Due to its potential to act as a blood thinner, ginger may increase bleeding during and after childbirth. Additionally, ginger may interfere with "beta-blockers," which are used to treat labor pain. When using ginger, stay away from beta-blockers.
Special Precautions & Warnings
Ginger is LIKELY SAFE when taken orally in small amounts during pregnancy and while nursing. With few reported issues, some pregnant women have used ginger to treat morning sickness. However, it may be unsafe to consume more than 1 gram of ginger each day. Ginger can make you feel sick to your stomach, give you diarrhea, and mild heartburn. There aren't enough trustworthy data to determine whether taking higher doses while pregnant is safe. The safety of using ginger while nursing is not fully understood. Avoid use to be on the safe side.
Disorders of bleeding: Ginger may delay blood clotting. Ginger consumption could make bleeding more likely both during and after surgery. At least two weeks before the surgery, stop using ginger.
Diabetes: Ginger may help control blood sugar. If you take insulin or any other diabetes medications and have diabetes, be sure to closely watch your blood sugar levels after taking ginger.
Heart conditions: Ginger can cause an irregular heartbeat and an increase in heart rate. If you suffer from a heart condition, use this herb with caution.
hormone-sensitive illnesses like uterine fibroids, endometriosis, breast cancer, or ovarian cancer: Ginger may have estrogenic properties. Use ginger sparingly if you have a condition that could become worse if you are exposed to estrogen.
High blood pressure: Some people's blood pressure may rise as a result of ginger. If you take ginger, keep a close eye on your blood pressure if you have high blood pressure.
During surgery, ginger may prevent blood clots. It is feared that it could make bleeding more likely both during and after surgery. At least two weeks before the surgery, stop using ginger.
Dosage
The right amount of ginger to take depends on the user's age, health, and a number of other conditions. A suitable range of doses for ginger cannot currently be determined due to a lack of scientific data. Keep in mind that dosages can be crucial and that natural products aren't always safe. Prior to using, make sure to read and follow all applicable instructions on product labels and speak with your pharmacist, doctor, or other healthcare professional.
There are dried, fresh, capsule, and tablet forms of ginger root supplements. One gram of grated ginger root can also be steeped in two cups of boiling water for ten minutes to make ginger tea. It's not clear whether ingesting more ginger has a greater benefit than ingesting less of it.
According to some studies, herbal blends are more effective than ginger alone for some conditions. For instance, a particular medication (Iberogast, Medical Futures, Inc.) for indigestion has been used in Europe. It contains ginger, German chamomile, licorice, peppermint oil, and other ingredients. Compared to just ginger, this product appears to be more efficient. Observe the instructions on the package closely.
What Other Drugs Interact with Ginger?
Before using ginger or any other herbal remedy, be sure to talk to your doctor if you are taking any medications. Ginger may interact with a number of drugs, including:
Antiarrhythmics
Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets
Antidepressants
Antidiabetics
Antiemetics
Antihistamines
Blockers of cytochrome P450 3A4
Ginger may slow down the rate at which some medications are metabolized by the body. Combining ginger with some medications that are metabolized by the liver can intensify their effects and side effects. If you take any medications that are altered by the liver, consult your doctor before taking ginger.
Amitriptyline (Elavil), diazepam (Valium), zileuton (Zyflo), celecoxib (Celebrex), fluvoxamine (Luvox), glimepiride (Amaryl), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), irinotecan (Camptosar), losartan (Cozaar, Hyzaar), tamoxifen (Nolvadex), phenytoin (Dilantin), probenecid (Benemid), sertraline (Zoloft), and others.
Antihypertensives
Those with hypertension may experience a reduction in blood pressure from ginger. Theoretically, consuming ginger could increase the potency of some blood pressure-lowering medications.
Numerous medications, such as captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), ramipril (Altace), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), fosinopril (Monopril), and others, are used to lower blood pressure.
Uses
Chemotherapy
Ginger may slow down the rate at which certain chemotherapy drugs are metabolized by the body. Combining ginger with these drugs may intensify the effects and negative side effects of some cancer drugs. If you are taking cancer medication, consult your doctor before taking ginger.
Etoposide (Etopophos), vincristine (Oncovin), paclitaxel (Taxol), docetaxel (Taxotere), and other drugs are used in chemotherapy.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is frequently treated with ginger. In those with bleeding disorders, ginger may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.
medications for diabetes
Ginger may lower blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels are also reduced by diabetes medications. If you take ginger along with diabetes medications, your blood sugar levels could drop too low. Keep a close eye on your blood sugar.
Your diabetes medication dosage may need to be adjusted.
Glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), glimepiride (Amaryl), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and other medications are used to treat diabetes.
Burning (GERD)
Heartburn is frequently treated with ginger. In those with bleeding disorders, ginger may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.
feeling dizzy
Ginger is frequently used to treat nausea and vomiting brought on by chemotherapy, pregnancy, and post-operative recovery. Ginger does appear to be helpful in treating post-operative nausea and preventing motion sickness. When it comes to treating nausea brought on by pregnancy or chemotherapy, it does not appear to be as effective as some other drugs. Additionally, it doesn't appear to be helpful in either treating or preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).
Osteoarthritis
According to some research, ginger can help people with knee osteoarthritis feel less pain and swelling. Other types of pain do not appear to respond well to ginger treatment.
Pain
Ginger is frequently used to lessen a variety of pains, such as arthritis pain, menstrual cramps, and sore muscles.
feeling dizzy
Ginger is frequently used to treat nausea and vomiting brought on by chemotherapy, pregnancy, and post-operative recovery. Ginger does appear to be helpful in treating post-operative nausea and preventing motion sickness. When it comes to treating nausea brought on by pregnancy or chemotherapy, it does not appear to be as effective as some other drugs. Additionally, it doesn't appear to be helpful in either treating or preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).
Osteoarthritis
According to some research, ginger can help people with knee osteoarthritis feel less pain and swelling. Other types of pain do not appear to respond well to ginger treatment.
Pain
Ginger is frequently used to lessen a variety of pains, such as arthritis pain, menstrual cramps, and sore muscles.
High triglycerides
By preventing cholesterol from being absorbed into the blood, ginger may lower cholesterol. Another enzyme that is crucial for the body's production of cholesterol appears to be inhibited by ginger.
elevated blood pressure
Blood pressure might be lowered by ginger. Theoretically, ginger might make some blood pressure medications' effects too potent.
HIV/AIDS
Early research indicates that taking a specific supplement containing ginger powder and different herbs three times per day for 16 weeks, as opposed to taking a placebo, increases CD4 cell levels in people with HIV/AIDS.
(RA) Rheumatoid arthritis
Ginger may lessen the RA-related pain and swelling. However, other studies indicate that it does not help RA patients' grip strength or lessen morning stiffness.
Stroke
Ginger doesn't appear to stop strokes. Early studies indicate that ingesting ginger four times per day for 11 days does not reduce the risk of stroke recurrence.
Surgery
During surgery, ginger might make bleeding worse. At least two weeks prior to the scheduled surgery, stop taking ginger.
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