|
Traditional
uses:
Ancient Greeks used to wrap ginger inside their bread and would
consume the combination after dinner to aide in their digestion,
hence, ginger bread. Today, Ginger is used in teas, ginger beer,
ginger ale, broths, and as a spice when cooking particularly in
and Jamaican and Asian entrees.
Physiology:
Ginger effects several metabolic processes promoting the
following positive effects:
- Prostaglandin metabolism - Ginger contains many constituents
which have been shown to be potent inhibitors of leukotriene and
prostaglandin synthesis (products in the body that influence blood
flow and inflammation). This is why Ginger has been prescribed
as an effective anti-inflammatory agent.
- Cardiac stimulating properties - Ginger can improve the contractility
of the heart secondary to its ability to stimulate increase calcium
uptake by the cardiac muscle.
- Anti-coagulating properties - Ginger has also been shown to
greatly reduce platelet lipid peroxide formation via its antioxidant
capacity.
- Anti-ulcer effects - Ginger exhibits anti-ulcer properties via
its relation to the mucosal layer of the intestinal tract, extracts
of Ginger have also improved the healing time of of various types
of ulcers.
- Gastric motility - Ginger appears to improve gastric motility
secondary to its anti-spasmodic effects.
- Analgesic effects - Ginger has demonstrated analgesic effects
in experimental animal studies secondary to Gingers potential
ability to inhibit the release of substance P (which is thought
to be the main chemical messenger of pain from the peripheral
sensory nerves to the brain) and the prostaglandin mediators.
Clinical
Studies:
Research has shown Ginger to be effective in the treatment the symptoms
motion sickness. Holtmann S, Clarke AH, Scherer H, Hohn M. The anti-motion
sickness mechanism of ginger. A comparative study with placebo and
dimenhydrinate. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 1989;108:168–74
Ginger is also being studied to reduce the nausea associated with
chemotherapy and anesthesia prior to surgery. Bone ME, Wilkinson
DJ, Young JR, et al. Ginger root—a new antiemetic: The effect
of ginger root on postoperative nausea and vomiting after major
gynaecological surgery. Anaesthesia 1990;45:669–71. Meyer
K, Schwartz J, Craer D, Keyes B. Zingiber officinale (ginger) used
to prevent 8-Mop associated nausea. Dermatol Nursing 1995;7:242–4.
Ginger has also been extensively studied for its effect as a tonic
for the digestive tract. Studies have shown that Ginger stimulates
digestion, eases the transport of substances through the digestive
tract reducing the irritation to the walls of the intestinal tract,
protects the wall of the stomach from the harmful effects of alcohol
and non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs i.e.ibuprofin)
and may prevent ulcers. Bradley PR (ed). British Herbal Compendium,
vol 1. Bournemouth, Dorset, UK: British Herbal Medicine Association,
1992, 112–4. Yamahara J, Huang QR, Li YH, et al. Gastrointestinal
motility enhancing effect of ginger and its active constituents.
Chem Pharm Bull 1990;38:430–1. Yahya MA, Rafatullah S, Mossa
JS, et al. Gastroprotective activity of ginger in albino rats. Am
J Chinese Med 1989;17:51–6.
Modern
day uses:
Today, Ginger is used by physicians and herbal specialist to treat
the following conditions:
- Digestive aid - promotes the secretion of saliva and gastric
juices and increases the action of peristalsis in the intestines
and prevents ulcers
- Anti-emetic - used for the treatment for nausea secondary to
digestive problems, chemotherapy, surgery, motion sickness, etc.
- Antibacterial - the herb can work against ulcers caused by Helicobacter
pylori. Ginger creates an anti-ulcer environment by multiplying
the stomach's protective components.
- Ginger is thought to fight harmful intestinal bacteria (like
E. coli, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus) without killing beneficial
bacteria. Ginger aids Lactobacillus
- Antidote - Japaneese use ginger as an antidote for fish poisoning
- Anti-inflammatory – the herbs anti-inflammatory abilities
have been shown to help reduce hip and knee pain in some osteoarthritis
patients
lowers cholesterol levels - by impairing cholesterol absorption,
helping it convert to bile acids and then increasing bile elimination
- Calming affect – the herb is considered to be one of the
most calming fragrance
Precautions
and/or adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult with
their physician particularly if they are taking prescription or
over-the-counter-medications or supplements. More specifically,
women who are pregnant or breast feeding and despite studies showing
ginger's aid for pregnancy nausea, it is not recommended that pregnant
women not use ginger in high doses. Some studies indicate that high
amounts of ginger might cause miscarriages. Dosages over 6 g could
cause gastric problems and possibly ulcers. Ginger may slow down
blood clotting time. Before taking ginger, consumers should check
dosages with a healthcare provider. Ginger can also interfere with
the digestion of iron- and fat-soluble vitamins. Ginger interacts
with several medications. The herb can inhibit warfarin, ( blood
thinner) interfere with absorption of tetracycline, digoxin, sulfa
drugs, and phenothiazines. Individuals should discuss taking any
new herbal supplement with their physician if they have a pre-existing
condition or if they are taking any other prescription medications
and/or over the counter products. |
General
Herbal Information
