Ginger, an effective herbal remedy for digestive problems

Where does Ginger come from?

Ginger is native to parts of China and India, as well as other tropical areas such as Jamaica. Ginger is the dried or fresh root of a tropical member of the Ginger family.

Ginger has been used as a herbal medicine for thousands of years to relieve a variety of digestive problems and stomach ailments.

How can Ginger help me?

Ginger works primarily in the digestive tract by boosting digestive fluids and neutralizing acids. Ginger can also increase bile secretion.

Ginger supplements can be used as a herbal remedy for flatulence.

Ginger is a safe alternative to anti-nausea medicine without the effects on the central nervous system that some over-the-counter medicines have such as sleepiness.

Several studies have shown that when taking Ginger before a surgical procedure, postoperative nausea and vomiting can be reduced.

In several studies conducted in Europe, Ginger was found to be effective in reducing and even eliminating the symptoms of seasickness.

Pregnant women can use Ginger as a safe herbal medicine for morning sickness, however this should only be done during the first two months of pregnancy.

In addition, Ginger also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. People with arthritis and severe joint pain have experienced significant relieve when using Ginger.

If I am already on medicine, what are the interactions or side-effects I need to know about when using Ginger?

Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal medications should you be under their care.

Studies done in Germany found that patients with gall bladder disease should avoid Ginger.

Patients undergoing chemotherapy should not take Ginger on an empty stomach as it will irritate the stomach lining.

Ginger has anti-coagulant properties and therefore should not be taken with other blood thinning medicines such as Warfarin or aspirin

How do I use Ginger?

Ginger is available in capsule, liquid, tincture and fresh or dried root form.

To prevent motion sickness, nausea and to relieve chronic pain, take 100 to 200mg of Ginger extract in pill form. Ginger tea can also be used several times a day.

For sore muscles and joints, Ginger oil mixed with another neutral oil can be massaged into the inflamed areas as needed to reduce inflammation.