Health Benefit of Ginger

There are many reasons to love the pungent aroma and great taste of ginger. But there is also increasing evidence that ginger provides strong health benefits along with great taste. Ginger has a long tradition of use in traditional medicine, and cultures around the globe have used ginger as a healing compound in addition to a cooking ingredient.

For hundreds and even thousands of years, the spice we know as ginger has had great impact to the practitioners of Chinese, Japanese, and Indian medicine. The nausea reduction effects of ginger have long been known, and some recent studies suggest that ginger can be effective against nausea and vomiting associated with chemo.

The effects on circulation
Ginger is also thought to be good for circulation. Ginger is believed to aid circulation by helping the body sweat, and this can be an important factor in fighting colds and flu. Ginger is even being studied as a possible way to reduce the incidence of heart disease. It's not certain whether these possible heart benefits are a result of the increased circulation produced by ginger, or if there is another mechanism at work.

There is much anecdotal evidence of ginger's reported health effects in traditional folk medicine. Those health benefits are the subject of ongoing research, and many clinical studies are currently underway.
Ginger and motion sickness
Many frequent travelers swear by the effectiveness of ginger at preventing motion sickness. Some studies have suggested that it is just as effective as Dramamine and other common drugs. While these effects are still being studied, it can't hurt to add a bit of ginger to the meal you eat before hopping on a plane or boat.

Most major supermarket chains carry fresh ginger root, and if they do not chances are the local organic grocery store or health food store carries this herb. When choosing ginger, it's important to choose roots that are firm and have a distinct aroma. The stronger the odor of the ginger in the store, the more aromatic it will be in your recipes.

Ginger and good cooking
If you need ideas on how to use ginger in your recipes, be sure to check out recipes used in traditional Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. These cultures have made extensive use of ginger for many centuries, and there are some excellent recipes using ginger in combination with lamb, beef, and vegetarian dishes.

As a spice, ground ginger can be quite a valuable substitute when fresh ginger root is not available. But fresh ginger is always preferred, both for its greater health benefits and for its superior taste. Fortunately, in most parts of the United States fresh ginger root is available year round, so finding it shouldn't be a problem for the majority of shoppers. Ginger may not be the most familar spice or herb, but it definitely pays to get to know this great root.

Uses based on scientific evidence

Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum)

Preliminary studies suggest that ginger may be safe and effective for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy when used at recommended doses for short periods of time (less than five days). Some publications discourage large doses of ginger during pregnancy due to concerns about mutations or abortion. Additional research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of ginger during pregnancy before it can be recommended for longer periods of time.

Motion sickness / seasickness

There is mixed evidence in this area, with some studies reporting that ginger has no effect on motion sickness, and other research noting that ginger may reduce vomiting (but not nausea). Before a recommendation can be made, more studies are needed comparing ginger to other drugs used for this purpose.
Nausea (due to chemotherapy)

Initial human research reports that ginger may reduce the severity and length of time that a patient feels nausea after chemotherapy. Other studies show no significant effects. Additional studies are needed to confirm these results and to determine safety and dosing. Numerous prescription drugs are highly effective at controlling nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and the available options should be discussed with the patient's medical oncologist.

Nausea and vomiting (after surgery)

Some human studies report improvement in nausea or vomiting after surgery if patients take ginger before surgery. However, other research shows no difference. Additional studies are needed before the use of ginger before surgery to help with nausea and vomiting can be recommended.

Rheumatoid arthritis / osteoarthritis / joint and muscle pain

There is limited scientific evidence in this area, and it is not clear if ginger is beneficial.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Alcohol withdrawal, antacid, antifungal, antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-spasm, antiviral, aphrodisiac, arthritic inflammation, asthma, atherosclerosis, athlete's foot, bacterial dysentery, baldness, bile secretion problems, blood thinner, body warming, bronchitis, bleeding, burns (applied to the skin), cancer, cholera, colds, colic, cough suppressant, depression, diarrhea, digestive aid, diminished appetite, dose reduction or stopping of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), dyspepsia, elevated cholesterol, fungal infections, flatulence (gas), flu, gonarthritis, headache, heart disease, Helicobacter pylori infection, high blood pressure, immune stimulation, impotence, increased drug absorption, increased metabolism, insecticide, intestinal parasites, Kawasaki's disease, kidney disease, laxative, liver disease, low blood pressure, migraine headache, malaria, pain relief, perspiration, poisonous snake bites, promotion of menstruation, psoriasis (applied to the skin), repellent (curcuma aeruginosa - pink and blue ginger), serotonin-induced hypothermia, shortening labor, stimulant, stomach ache, stomach ulcers, testicular inflammation, tonic, toothache, upper respiratory tract infections.