Ginger herb: Uses, benefits, and side effects.


herbal/traditional uses of ginger


Ginger is an herb that is common in most household kitchens. It has long been used in culinary dishes to enhance flavor and taste. Its uses are not limited to cooking, as it has also been linked to medical benefits in simple herbal concoctions for conditions such as sore throats and cough relief.

Understanding the ginger herb

Ginger is from the family Zingiberaceae, and its scientific name is Zingiber officinale. The part used is the rhizome (the underground stem popularly known as the root). The rhizome is thickened and shortened with a light brown skin and yellow insides.

Ginger has a pungent smell with a spicy flavor. 


The rhizome can be used freshly through grating or can be dried and powdered.

Active components of ginger 

Zingiber officinale contains:

  1. Gingerols are found in fresh ginger.

  2. Shogaols are formed during the heating of gingerols.

  3. Zingerone, which contributes to the sweet, pungent taste of ginger.

  4. Volatile oils include zingiberene, sesquiphelandrene, aar-curcumene, bisabolene, camphene, and geranial.

  5. Resins 

  6. diarylheptanoids

  7. Polysaccharides and lipids

  8. Organic acids and minerals

Uses of ginger

ginger for inflammation and pain

Has an antiemetic activity. 

Ginger is thought to act through the action of gingerols and shogaols, which act on the central nervous system to inhibit the vomit reflex and on the peripheral nervous system to reduce intestinal spasms.

This antiemetic action has found uses in motion sickness, morning sickness, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Anti-inflammatory/analgesic

Gingerols are speculated to block the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes by suppressing cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes. They also suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF).


This ginger property has applications in managing pain and swelling in conditions such as muscle pain, menstrual pain, and arthritis.

Antioxidant action

Phenolic compounds scavenge for free radicals, inhibit lipid peroxidation, and enhance the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase.


This antioxidant action has helped in various ways, such as reducing oxidative stress that, in turn, helps in liver detoxing and slowing down aging.

Acts as a digestive aid

Volatile compounds within the herb stimulate digestive enzymes and increase gastric motility, which promotes gastric emptying. It can also act as a protective barrier on the mucosal walls, protecting them from damage.


This particular ability has found uses as a digestive aid and relief from flatulence and dyspepsia.

Antimicrobial activity

Zingerone has been linked to antibacterial activity through direct inhibitory mechanisms. It has been used as an adjunct in viral, bacterial, and fungal infections in the past. An example is its use as an immune booster in cold and flu remedies.


Research (according to PubMed Central on the effects of ginger on fasting blood sugar) speculates that ginger could have antidiabetic (lowering blood sugar) and anticancer potential (backed by research on ScienceDirect about ginger and its active compounds on cancer therapy).


Ginger is also commonly used as a spice in garnishing various delicacies globally in various cultures in the United States, India, and Kenya.

Side effects 

  • Heartburn

  • Diarrhoea

  • Stomach upset and gas (high doses)

  • Increased risk of bleeding with blood thinners like aspirin.

  • Use with caution in diabetics (may aggravate hypotension).

  • Mild allergic reactions such as skin itching.


how many times to use ginger

How to use ginger

The recommended daily dose is between 1 and 4 grams of ginger. However, it is good to alternate consumption or limit it to 3 times per week just to be safe and avoid an overload of unwanted constituents.


Ginger can be used as a powder or fresh, either by chewing or grating it into foods and smoothies. It can also be used to prepare an herbal tea and ginger shots (read more about it in the article How to Use Ginger: Shots, Teas, and Pickled Ginger Recipe).

Remember

Ginger, just like all other herbs, should be used in moderation. If you're going to use it daily, reduce the portions to considerably smaller amounts, i.e., 1 gram per day. Consult a doctor or pharmacist for more information on ginger.


Disclaimer!
This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.

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