Herbs as
Medicine Pages

Ginger

Research done at Cornell University Medical College has found that Ginger may help prevent strokes and hardening of the arteries. Ginger has anti-oxidant, anti-migraine and anti-lipidemic effects.

Anti-Emetic Effects:

According to the PDR for Herbal Medicines put out for Medical Doctors, ginger root also promotes secretion of saliva, gastric juices and bile. This gives it its anti-emetic properties. The Gingerols and Shogaols (thought to be the active ingredients in Ginger) are responsible for of the calming of the digestive tract, anti-nausea, anti-emetic effects. While most anti-emetic medications act on the CNS, the anti-emetic effect of ginger is thought to be due to local gastrointestinal actions (Mowrey & Clayton, 1982)

Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
The anti-inflammatory effect of Ginger is thought to be due to inhibition of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase results in reduced leukotriene and prostaglandin synthesis (kiuchi, 1992, Srivasta & Mustafa, 1992). This anti-inflammatory effect greatly helps soothe an inflamed intestinal tract, it helps to soothe inflammation in muscles, or in the circulatory system. It even helps to lower blood pressure.

Ginger is known to reduce fevers, and can be used to relieve vomiting and to soothe the stomach and spleen in the process. 

Motion Sickness
Bisset, in 1994, and Iwu in 1993 showed that Ginger root increases the tone and peristalsis of the intestine. In one double-blind study, randomized, non-placebo controlled study compared the effectiveness of Ginger and six other commonly used non-herbal drugs (scopolamine, dimenhuydrinate with caffeine, cyclizine, cinnarizine, cinnarizine with domperidone, meclizine with caffeine) in 1492 participants during whale-watching voyages off the coast of Norway. 78.3% of those that took 500 mg of ginger root 2 hours prior to a boat trip were symptom-free for the 6 hour duration. The incidence of severe vomiting did not differ in a statistically significant way between Ginger and any of the other test groups (Schmidt 1994)

Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
Ginger is most often used to help with gastrointestinal problems. It is usually mixed with other herbs for this purpose.  A double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 120 females that underwent gynecologic outpatient surgery was performed. The participants were randomly given either I1 gm of powdered ginger root or 10 mg of metoclopramide orally and evaluated for incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. 10% of the patients in the ginger group had one or more episodes of vomiting. 17.5% of the metoclopramide arm and 22.5% of the placebo group had one or more episodes of vomiting. 15% of the ginger group and 37.5% of the placebo group. The authors concluded that the ginger group had a statistically significant lower incidence of nausea and vomiting when compared to placebo (Phillips, 1993)

Anti-Thrombotic
The active ingredient Gingerol is proven effective in preventing recurrences of so-called "little strokes". It is believed that this substance (Gingerol) inhibits an enzyme that causes cells to clot (Aspirin, currently has been promoted to do this, however Aspirin has serious side effects such as causing stomach and intestinal ulcers.). Besides "thinning" the blood, ginger lowers cholesterol and increases blood circulation.

For Cleansing the Body of Toxins
Ginger is a warm vascular stimulant and body cleanser. It is commonly used in respiratory and lung/chest clearing combinations. In China it is used during the first stages of a common cold.  It alkalizes the system and stimulates the digestive tract. It is a catalyst in nervine and sedative formulas.

Ginger can be used in a gargle preparation and as part of sore throat syrups.

It encourages the removal of toxins (as a diaphoretic) through the skin, and (as a diuretic) through increased kidney filtration.

Ginger has a reducing effect on migraine headaches without the side effects of the drugs.

Ginger is known to reduce/lower blood pressure. 1/4 teaspoon in a cup of hot water may be taken 4 times a day.

Ginger for Women:
This root acts as a warming tonic. It is good for a woman's entire reproductive system and most especially recommended during pregnancy for morning sickness and digestive problems. Additionally, Ginger contains lots of minerals. It is safe to take this herb during pregnancy for colds, sore throats, and congestion. Ginger tastes wonderful in a tea. Combined with honey and lemon it's an effective remedy. 

Ginger will help alleviate menstrual cramps and arrest excessive menstruation.
 

Bodily Influence:

Analgesic: This herb relieves pain

Antacid: This herb neutralizes acidity especially in the stomach and duodenum 

Anti-emetic: This herb lessens nausea and prevents or relieves vomiting

Anti-inflammatory: This herb counteracts and diminishes inflammation or its effects

Anti-spasmodic: This herb prevents and relieves spasms

Aperative: This herb stimulates the appetite

Aromatic: This herb contains volatile, essential oils that aid digestion and relieves gas. 

Carminative: This herb relieves intestinal gas pain and distension; promotes peristalsis  

Diaphoretic (if taken hot): This herb causes perspiration and increases elimination through the skin

Diuretic: This herb increases the secretion and flow of urine

Emmenagogue: This herb facilitates and regularizes menstrual flow. (Avoid during pregnancy)

Nervine: This herb strengthens functional activity of the nervous system

Rubefacient: This herb stimulates blood flow to the skin causing local reddening 

Sialagogue: This herb stimulates the secretion of saliva

Stimulant: This herb increases internal heat, dispels internal chill and strengthens metabolism and circulation

Stomachic: This herb strengthens stomach function

Tonic: This herb restores, nourishes, and supports the entire body; it exerts a gently strengthening effect on the body





 

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