Ginger
I first became interested with ginger when reading about turmeric and its use as an add on at M.D. Anderson cancer hospital. They use turmeric, cumin, and ginger combo tablets. Ginger comes from the same botanical family as turmeric. So I checked into ginger as a supplement.
Ginger is packed full of nutrients and bioactive compounds that have benefits for your body.
What follows are several beneficial uses of ginger that are seen in scientific research.
As always in all my writing nothing in this study is intended to be medical advice. It is simply information that I have gained and pass on.
1. Ginger Contains Gingerol
Gingerol has medicinal properties in ginger which is a flowering plant that originated from China.
It is classified in the Zingiberaceae family, which is closely related to turmeric, cardomon and galangal.
The underground part of the stem is commonly used as a spice. This is what you find in the grocery called ginger root, or simply ginger.
Ginger has been used in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. It historically has helped digestion, reduced nausea and helped to fight the flu and common cold, to name a few.
Ginger has be used in several forms, fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice. Manufacturers sometimes add it to processed foods and cosmetics. Of course we all know it as a common ingredient in recipes.
The special smell and taste of ginger flows from its oils, including gingerol.
Gingerol works as the most active bioactive compound in ginger for most of its reported medicinal properties. It acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory with added antioxidant effects.
2. Ginger for Nausea, especially morning sickness
Ginger appears to treat effectively many types of nausea.
Its long history of use as a sea sickness remedy is well documented, and some research indicates that it may be as effective as modern prescription medication.
Ginger also has a history of relieving nausea and vomiting following surgery. Further it may help many cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with similar nausea.
It may be the most effective and has the best history when it is used for pregnancy-related nausea, such as morning sickness. (Talk to your doctor.)
There is a review of 12 studies which included a total of 1,278 pregnant women The conclusion suggests that 1.1-1.5 grams of ginger can significantly reduce symptoms of nausea. However, ginger had no noted effect on vomiting episodes. But that was just not addressed. That is still possible; no evidence says nothing except there is no evidence.
Ginger is considered safe, but talk to your doctor before taking large amounts during pregnancy. Some believe that large amounts can raise the risk of miscarriage, but there are currently no studies to support this. It may be an old wives tale or not. Notice that said large amounts. Reasonable usage is considered safe.
Added as a heavy spice in food or drink is not considered a large amount. I personally would think that not exceeding the 1-1.5 gram dosage would be dangerous during pregnancy, as that was used in research. Start low. Work up. When it works, stop and be happy. But do not exceed that.
Uses outside pregnancy are clearly considered without question safe. But remember you can drink enough water that it is harmful to your health.
