What Is Ginger?
Ginger is an herbaceous perennial plant with leafy stems and yellowish-green flowers. It is native to warmer parts of Asia, such as India, China, and Japan. But now it is also grown in the Middle East, and parts of South America and Africa.
The scientific name of ginger is Zingiber officinale. it belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, which also includes cardamom, galangal, and turmeric.
It is often mistaken being as a root, but in fact, it is actually an underground stem called a rhizome. It has an irregular shape comprising of bulbous little joints and from which small bumps grow. Depending on the type, fresh ginger has an outer surface of gray color while inner flesh ranges from creamy white to pale greenish-yellow in color.
It has a peppery flavor and a sharp aroma. Its strong and spicy aromatic smell can be due to the presence of essential oils and phenolic compounds such as shogaols, and gingerols.
People have been using this spice in cooking and as medicine for centuries.
Apart from being used fresh, it is also used powdered, pickled, dried, or in the juice or oil form. In western cuisine, it is also used in sweet foods like ginger biscuits, ginger ale, gingerbread, and ginger cake.
India is the largest producer of ginger in the world.
It is one of the most admired medicines in Ayurveda. It is commonly used for colds, migraine headaches, nausea, vomiting, colic, morning sickness, motion sickness, loss of appetite, menstrual cramps, diabetes, osteoarthritis, sore throat, and other conditions.
What Are The Types Of Ginger?
The ginger family, Zingiberaceae, includes about 47 genera and approximately more than 1000 species.
Apart from common ginger, there are other species of this spice that are cultivated for taste and their appearance.
Friends, here I am explaining 16 common types of ginger:
1) Common Ginger
The scientific name of common ginger is Zingiber officinale. Its other names are Jenjibre dulce, Adrak, True ginger, etc. It has a strong and spicy aromatic smell and is well known for its significant medicinal and culinary uses.
Common ginger thrives best in areas that contain partial shade. It is a relatively simple plant to grow; you can grow this rhizome by taking its fresh root and planting it yourself.
This type usually takes several months to get big enough to be used in the kitchen. You can also grow this type even in pots as well.
2) Myoga Ginger
Myoga ginger is also called Japanese ginger and its scientific name is Zingiber mioga. It is native to Japan, China, and South Korea. In Japanese cuisine, its flowers and young shoots are used as a tasty garnish on various foods. In Korean cuisine, flower buds of myoga also find many uses.
It has specific shade requirements for its growth and thrives in moist soil.
3) Bitter Ginger
The scientific name of this species is Zingiber zerumbet and is also known by other names like Shampoo Ginger, Broad-Leaved Ginger, and Wild Ginger.
It is bitter as compared to common ginger, and is used as food flavoring and appetizers in various cuisines. This species is also used in herbal medicines and making shampoos.
It is a perennial with leafy stem growing to about 1.2 meter tall.
This type is native to Asia and Australia
4) Beehive Ginger
It is called beehive ginger because of its unusual inflorescences which resemble a skep beehive. This species is a famous ornamental plant and is also known by other names such as Malaysian Ginger, Black Gingerwort, and Champagne Beehive.
Its scientific name is Zingiber spectabile and is native to Maritime Southeast Asia. Beehive ginger has antimicrobial properties; and has many health benefits, such as it is used to treat inflammation of the eyes, burns, headache, backache, etc.
Its leaves and rhizomes are used to flavor food. This plant grows very well in the humid climate.
5) Crepe Ginger
The scientific name of this species is Cheilocostus speciosus and is also known as Malay Ginger, and Cane Reed.
Crepe ginger is known for its crepe-paper like showy white flowers that arise from reddish-burgundy cone-shaped inflorescences.
It is cultivated in Southeast Asia and South Asia for its medicinal uses, elsewhere it is cultivated as an ornamental.
The rhizome of this plant is used to treat rash, fever, leprosy, skin diseases, asthma, bronchitis, and intestinal worms.
6) Butterfly Lily Ginger
The scientific name of this species is Hedychium coronarium. It is a perennial flowering plant and is also known as White Ginger, Dolan Champa, Mariposa Blanca, and White Garland-Lily.
This species is native to the Eastern Himalayas region of Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and India; through northernmost Thailand and Myanmar, southern China to Taiwan in the East.
Butterfly lily ginger is the national flower of Cuba, where it is known as mariposa (means butterfly) because of its scented flowers that look like fluttering butterflies.
Spicy edible roots of this plant are the main ingredient in the flavoring soups, and its essential oil is very beneficial in treating fever.
7) Hidden Ginger
The scientific name of this species is Curcuma petiolata and is also known as Hidden Lily, Siam Tulip, Jewel of Thailand, and Queen Lily.
Hidden ginger is native to Malaysia and Thailand. It has beautiful cone-shaped flowers of pink, bright purple, or orange colors. This species has a spicy scent and a bitter taste.
Its rhizomes are used for medicinal purposes.
8) Dancing Ladies Ginger
The scientific name of this species is Globba winitii and is also known as White Dragon Flower.
This plant has unique flowers that resemble dancing ladies when they move in the wind. It grows best in the shade.
9) Shell Ginger
This plant is also known as Sannin, Getto Plant, Variegated Ginger, or Pink Porcelain Lily.
The scientific name of this species is Alpinia zerumbet. It is a perennial species that is native to East Asia.
Leaves and rhizomes of this plant are used in traditional medicine. Its leaves, with clove-like flavor, are used to make herbal tea and to flavor noodles in Okinawan cuisines.
10) Yellow Ginger
The scientific name of this species is Hedychium flavescens.
Commonly known as Cream Garland-Lily, or Yellow Ginger Lily, it is a perennial flowering plant native to the Sichuan, Himalayas, and northern Vietnam and naturalized in several other lands such as India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Hawaii, etc.
Fleshy rhizomes of this plant are edible but not as palatable as common ginger. It is also used in herbal medicine.
11) Red Ginger
The scientific name of this species is Alpinia purpurata.
Commonly known as Pink Cone Ginger, Jungle King, Teuila Flower, Ostrich Plumes. It grows in Tirinad, St. Lucia, panama, Dominica, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Suriname, St. Vincent, Samoa, and several central American nations.
Red ginger is the national flower of Samoa, where it is called teuila.
This plant prefers partial shade and moist humid conditions. It grows under diffused light but can bear full sun in some climates.
The stalks and rhizomes of this plant have a strong spicy scent. it is famous for its pink or bright red bracts that look fabulous.
12) Mango Ginger
Mango ginger is also known as Mavina Shunti and its scientific name is Curcuma amada.
This species is something between ginger and turmeric. The rhizomes of this plant are very similar to common ginger but without its pungency instead, they have a raw mango flavor.
It is used in making chutneys in north India and pickles in South India. Also, it is used in South Asian, East Asian, and Southeast Asian cuisines.
Mango ginger has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties; and has been in use in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries as a diuretic, laxative, aphrodisiac, expectorant, etc.
13) Kahili Ginger
The scientific name of Kahili ginger, Fragrant Ginger Lily, or Kahila Garland-Lily, is Hedychium gardnerianum.
This plant is native to the Himalayas in Nepal, Bhutan, and India; and grown primarily as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
This plant is an erect herbaceous perennial, with long green leaves clasping the stems. It grows up to 8 feet, but in containers, it doesn’t exceed above 3-4 feet.
Its large dramatic foliage and very fragrant pale yellow and red flowers held in dense spikes above the foliage make it a truly exotic plant.
14) Torch Ginger
Torch ginger, whose scientific name is Etlingera elatior, is also known by other names such as Torch Lily, Wild Ginger, Combrang, Bunga Kantan, Red Ginger Lily, Philippine Wax Flower, Indonesian Tall Ginger, Rose De Porcelain, or Boca De Dragon.
This species is a herbaceous perennial plant having showy pink, red, or orange flowers which are used in decorative arrangements. The whole plant is edible, and its fruits, seeds, flowers, stems, are eaten in many Southeast Asian countries. Flower buds of this plant are also used in traditional Thai and Indonesian dishes.
15) Turmeric
The scientific name of turmeric is Curcuma longa.
It is also known as Turmeric Ginger, or White Turmeric.
The rhizomes of this species have a black-pepper like flavor; and an earthy, mustard-like aroma.
It is a perennial herbaceous plant, which is native to the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
Turmeric has been in use in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, where it is known as Haridra.
16) Thai Ginger
The scientific name of this species is Alpinia galanga.
It is also known as Thai Ginseng Ginger, Lengkuas, Greater Galangal, or Krachai Dum Ginger.
This plant grows best in partial sunlight and moist soil.
The rhizomes of this species have a sharp citrusy, almost piney flavor; and are commonly used in Indonesian, Thai, and Malaysian cooking.
What Are The Uses And Health Benefits Of Ginger?
Due to its various health benefits, ginger is considered one of the most admired medicines in Ayurveda. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties.
Below I am explaining how this spice is said to be very beneficial to you and your family:
1) Ginger Aids In Digestion
Ginger is considered the best herb for improving digestion. Its consumption stimulates digestion by encouraging the gall bladder to release bile. This results in the proper assimilation of the food you eat.
Sometimes, indigestion can also occur when your stomach doesn’t empty itself soon, but this spice can prevent indigestion by helping your stomach to empty itself faster.
Thus, consuming ginger aids in digestion and also provides relief from bloating and stomach cramps.
2) Ginger May Ease A Cold Or The Flu
Friends, consuming ginger is very helpful in managing cold, flu, and cough. It is because of its active ingredient gingerol which helps bolster your body from within and provides you immediate relief.
When you suffer from a cold or flu, then the primary indication that your body gives is a sore throat. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it may provide some pain relief and reduces the inflammation caused by a sore throat.
Having a hot cup of ginger tea, or sucking ginger candy or lozenge is a popular and effective sore throat remedy.
It also has antimicrobial properties that may help fight infections causing cold, flu, or cough.
3) Ginger Helps In Relieving Nausea
It is very helpful in treating nausea. Studies have shown that ginger can relieve nausea in people undergoing certain types of surgery, or in people undergoing cancer treatment.
Ginger is helpful in reducing nausea induced by chemotherapy (is a drug treatment most often used to kill fast-growing cancer cells in your body) when it is used along with other anti-vomiting medications. Approximately 70% of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experience nausea and vomiting. Consuming this spice or its supplements before the chemotherapy reduces symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
So to get relief from nausea you simply chew some raw ginger or have a hot cup of ginger tea!
Ginger may be most effective in treating pregnancy-related nausea, such as morning sickness. Research has shown that it is as efficacious as vitamin B-6 in treating morning sickness.
Though its consumption is considered safe, you should consult your doctor before taking large amounts if you are pregnant.
The dose of 1 gram to 1.5 grams of ginger can prevent various types of nausea including nausea after surgery, chemotherapy-related nausea, and nausea induced by pregnancy. But you should not exceed the dose of 4 grams of ginger per day.
4) It May Help In Weight Loss
Friends, because of its important role in process of weight loss, ginger can be of great help if you want to lose weight.
It is one of the biggest fat burners and helps to eliminate stubborn fat from your body.
In a study, it was found that when overweight men consumed ginger, they stayed fuller for longer. (1) Ginger or its supplements make you feel satiated; this limits your food intake and causes weight loss.
Another study has shown that gingerols have an anti-obesity effect and promotes certain biological activities in your body. (2) It also helps food to digest faster and stimulates your body to speed assimilated food through the colon.
5) It May Help With Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease and can cause joint pain and stiffness.
One study has shown that people who use ginger to cure their osteoarthritis (OA) got significant reductions in pain and disability. (3)
In another study, it was found that highly concentrated doses of ginger extract had a significant effect on reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. in this 6-week study, 261 patients with OA of the knee were enrolled. The participants who received ginger extract experienced a reduction in knee pain upon standing and after walking. Overall, reported side effects were mostly limited to mild gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events. (4)
According to a study conducted in 2015, the application of cream or gel containing ginger directly onto the affected area is able to improve OA of the knee. In this 12-week study, participants applied ginger extract three times a day and experienced a reduction in pain and other symptoms. (5)
The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of ginger may be helpful in relieving the pain and swelling in patients suffering from general muscle discomfort, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. If such patients include ginger or its supplements regularly in their diet then their painkiller medication requirement will be reduced significantly.
Friends, addition of ginger oil to your bath can relieve joint and muscle ache.
Ginger bath
Friends, you can take a ginger bath for reducing your pain and swelling. Here, I will tell you how to take this bath.
To prepare a ginger bath, firstly boil about 100 ml 0f water with some slices of ginger. Cover this container to stop volatile oils from evaporating. Leave the container aside for 5 to 10 minutes and then add this concoction to your regular bathwater. The use of ginger baths every day can ease your pain and swelling.
6) It Can Significantly Reduce Menstrual Pain
Consuming ginger at the beginning of the menstrual cycle is very helpful in reducing the menstrual pain in some women.
Zingibain is an enzyme found in ginger that inhibits your body’s prostaglandins production and thus protects your body from inflammation. Prostaglandins are a group of lipids that control processes such as inflammation, the formation of blood clots, blood flow, and induction of labor. These also trigger the contractions of the uterus and help it to shed its lining. There is a direct link between the production of prostaglandins and menstrual cramps. Thus ginger or its supplements can help to relieve menstrual cramps in a natural way.
Studies have shown that ginger is effective in getting rid of menstrual pain (medically known as dysmenorrhea). A study conducted in 2015 revealed that ginger is effective in alleviating symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea. (6)
Another study conducted in 2009 on 150 participants with primary dysmenorrhea, has also concluded that ginger is equally as effective as mefenamic acid and ibuprofen in relieving menstrual pain in women. In this study, participants were divided into three equal groups, and each group was instructed to take ibuprofen (400 mg), mefenamic acid (250mg), or ginger powder (250 mg), four times a day for the first three days of the menstrual cycle. Ginger was found to be equally effective as the two NSAIDs. (7)
7) It Relieves Migraine
Ginger extracts can increase serotonin, a chemical involved with migraine attacks. An increase in levels of serotonin in your brain may relieve migraine by restricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation.
Ginger also inhibits the prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in the blood vessels. So applying its paste on the forehead also provides relief from migraines.
8) It May Lower Cholesterol Levels
Increased levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol are related to an increased risk of heart diseases.
A study conducted in 2008 revealed that ginger can reduce your LDL cholesterol levels and increase your HDL cholesterol levels. (8)
9) It Enhances Your Immunity
A strong immune system can prevent an attack from bacteria, viruses, parasites, etc.
Intake of ginger or its supplements is helpful in improving the immunity of your body. Gingerol, an active component of ginger makes it a perfect immunity booster.
Research also suggests that due to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects ginger can improve your immune system.
10) It Prevents From Cancer
Various studies have established ginger’s ability to fight several types of cancer cells such as prostate, breast, ovarian, lung, and colon cancer. Its anti-cancer properties are attributed to gingerol, which is present in large amounts in it.
According to health experts, it is one of the most effective and inexpensive ways of preventing cancer.
A study conducted in 2011, revealed that 2 grams of ginger extract per day given for 28 days significantly reduced inflammatory eicosanoids in the colon mucosa in individuals at normal risk of colorectal cancer. (9)
Another study showed that its extract was effective against ovarian cancer. (10)
11) It Relieves Flatulence
During the process of digestion, your system also produces waste gas. The problem of gas or flatulence arises when your system produces excessive stomach and/or intestinal gas during digestion.
Due to its carminative (i.e. gas expulsion), property ginger may calm an upset stomach, and provides relief from gas, and thus relieves flatulence.
Anti-Flatulence Remedy
Grate some fresh ginger to have about 1 teaspoon of pulp and add 1 teaspoon of lime juice to this pulp. Consuming this mixture after the meal will reduce your flatulence.
12) It Manages Your Glucose Levels
Glucose levels have a direct effect on your weight loss and weight gain process along with how energetic you feel throughout the day.
Regular consumption of ginger or its supplements can cause a noticeable change in your blood sugar levels and help regulate insulin response in people with diabetes.
According to a study conducted in 2015, ginger powder supplements can improve fasting blood sugar. In this study, participants with type 2 diabetes were given 2 grams per day of ginger powder supplements for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, it was found that participants who received ginger powder supplements experienced lower levels of fasting blood sugar, apolipoprotein B, hemoglobin A1c, malondialdehyde, and apolipoprotein A-1. (11)
Consuming it up to 4 grams per day may help lower your blood sugar levels and regulate insulin production; but first, you should consult your doctor before adding it to your diet or treatment regimen. Because in large doses it may cause diarrhea, heartburn, and may upset your stomach.
13) It May Improve Brain Function And Protect From Alzheimer’s Disease
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are believed to be key drivers of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
A study on rats has shown that ginger root extract reverses behavioral dysfunction and prevents Alzheimer’s disease-like symptoms. (12)
Another study conducted in 2011 on middle-aged healthy women for 2 months shown that a daily dose of ginger extract act as a potential cognitive enhancer. (13)
Recent researches have proved that ginger slows down the process by which the brain loses its cells, a forerunner of Alzheimer’s disease. It helps to protect the brain cells and thus keeping you active, alert, and coherent for prolonged periods.
14) Ginger Is Good For Your Heart
It is good for your heart as it reduces bad cholesterol levels and also lowers your risk of internal blood clotting.
A high ratio of Apolipoprotein B/ApolipoproteinA-1 and high levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) are both major risk factors for heart disease.
In a study conducted in 2015, participants with type 2 diabetes were given 2 grams per day of ginger powder supplements for 12 weeks. And it was found that ginger powder supplements can lower the Apolipoprotein B/ApolipoproteinA-1 ratio and reduced the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). (11)
Thus, including this spice in your everyday diet can strengthen your heart and keep it healthy.
15) It Provides Relief From Heartburn
Over the years, ginger has been used as a natural remedy for the cure of heartburn.
Ginger tea is very efficacious for treating this condition.
You can consume this tea up to two times per day to get relief from heartburn. But one thing you should remember that it should be used occasionally as a natural remedy for this condition and not as a permanent solution.
If you suffer from heartburn for more than two weeks or if it gets worsen then you should consult your doctor.
16) It Eliminates Free Radicals
Ginger has antioxidant properties that help in the removal of free radicals, which are the result of metabolic reactions within your body. This leads to the protection of the tissues of your body from damage.
Your body’s cells can also be damaged by these free radicals as their walls are delicate. When this damage occurs, it results in the development of medical problems such as arthritis, rheumatism, cataract, etc.
17) It Helps In Dissolving Kidney Stones
Regular consumption of ginger can be beneficial to people with kidney problems. It is a well-known natural remedy that helps in dissolving kidney stones.
Ginger tea is a weak diuretic and its consumption promotes kidney detox without throwing electrolytes out of balance. Thus regular intake of this tea can dissolve and prevent kidney stone formation. This tea also acts as a renal tonic which removes toxins from the kidney, lowers renal inflammation, and prevents bacterial growth.
18) It Warms Your Body
Ginger can make you feel warm inside on a cold day. it can stimulate thermogenesis (defined as the process of heat production in organisms).
Researches have shown that its heat-generating properties are due to its ability to dilate the blood vessels. This helps to protect your body from hypothermia and other health conditions that are caused by cold weather.
19) Benefits Of Ginger For Skin
Apart from having a number of health benefits and medicinal properties ginger is also beneficial for your skin and hair.
Anti-Aging Benefits
It contains more than 40 antioxidant compounds that fight the signs of aging. These antioxidants prevent damage from free radicals and also maintain the youthful appearance of your skin.
It also helps your skin by flushing out toxins and encouraging the blood circulation.
Soothes Burns
The application of fresh ginger juice can heal the burnt skin and relieve the pain. Because of its antiseptic properties ginger work well to banish acne-causing bacteria and is a natural acne-fighting weapon.
Reduces Hypopigmented Scars
This spice can reduce the appearance of hypopigmented scars to a significant extent. For this, you can apply sliced raw ginger on these areas and leave it for some time. You will notice a small improvement within a week. So, it should be applied every day without fail for noticeable results.
20) Benefits Of Ginger For Hair
For centuries ginger has been used for hair treatment.
Stimulates Hair Growth
It increases the scalp circulation which results in an increased flow of blood to the scalp. Hence, it stimulates the hair follicles and encourages hair growth.
Good For Dry and Brittle Hair
It is a very effective remedy for dry and brittle due to the presence of vitamins, and minerals (like zinc, etc.) that give shine to your hair.
Reduces Hair Fall
It is very helpful in preventing hair fall. You can consume it in the form of food or tea, or you can make its paste and apply it on your hair to reduce hair fall.
Prevents Dandruff
One of the most common scalp problems is dandruff. Ginger can help you to get rid of dandruff due to its antiseptic properties. Its oil is very effective in combating dandruff naturally.
What Are The Side Effects Of Ginger?
Ginger is well known for its magical health benefits and is helpful in treating various common ailments. But, this magical spice can also cause some side effects.
In small doses, ginger is thought to be likely safe for most people. the side effects are largely related to excessive intake of ginger (more than 5 grams per day) and in many cases, it worsens health issues.
Common side effects of ginger may include:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Increased bleeding tendency
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Mouth or throat irritation
- Heavier menstrual periods
- Dermatitis (with topical use)
- Cardiac arrhythmias (also reported in some people after consuming high doses).
You should immediately stop using ginger and call your doctor if you have:
- Any allergic reaction (like hives; swelling of your face, tongue, lips, or throat; difficulty breathing)
- Any bleeding that will not stop
- Easy bruising or bleeding
What Other Drugs Will Affect Ginger?
Other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, may affect ginger.
Minor Interactions
You should be watchful with combination of these drugs.
Medications for diabetes (antidiabetic drugs)
antidiabetic drugs (like pioglitazone, glimepiride, glipizide, insulin, glyburide, etc.) are used to lower blood sugar and ginger may also decrease your blood sugar levels.
Thus consuming ginger along with antidiabetic drugs may cause your blood sugar levels to go too low. You should monitor your blood sugar levels closely and if any change in these medications is needed then that can be done.
Medications for high blood pressure
These medications are used to lower high blood pressure and ginger may also reduce your blood pressure.
Thus consuming ginger along with these medications may cause your blood pressure to drop too low or cause an irregular heartbeat.
Medications such as verapamil, diltiazem, amlodipine, felodipine, nifedipine, etc. are used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease; and may interact with ginger.
Metronidazole
Ginger can increase how much metronidazole your body absorbs. Consumption of this spice along with this medication may increase the side effects of metronidazole.
Moderate Interactions
You should be cautious with combination of these drugs.
Medications used to slow blood clotting (anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs)
Medications such as aspirin, heparin, warfarin, clopidogrel, enoxaparin, phenprocoumon, etc. are used to slow blood clotting.
Ginger may slow blood clotting and consuming ginger along with these medications may increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Major Interactions
You should not take this drug combination.
Nifedipine
Consuming ginger along with nifedipine may slow blood clotting and increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
What Is The Dosage Of Ginger?
Generally, a dose of 1 gram to 3 grams of ginger per day is used as a preventive treatment of various types of nausea including nausea after surgery, chemotherapy-related nausea, and nausea induced by pregnancy.
But you should not exceed the dose of 4 grams of ginger per day.
Essential oils of ginger are also used as aromatherapy for postoperative and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
In scientific research following doses have been studied:
Nausea And Vomiting Caused Due To HIV/AIDS Treatment
For nausea and vomiting caused due to medications used to treat HIV/AIDS 1 gram of ginger per day in two divided doses half-hour before each antiretroviral treatment for 14 days has been used.
Nausea And Vomiting After Surgery
Ginger powder in the dose of 1-2 grams half – one hour before induction of anesthesia has been used.
Morning Sickness
For morning sickness, its dose of 500 mg to 2500 mg per day in two to four divided doses for three days to three weeks has been used.
Painful Menstrual Periods
250 mg of ginger extract four times per day for three days from the start of the menstrual period has been used.
Also, ginger powder in the dose of 1500 mg per day in three divided doses, starting up to 2 days before menstruation and continuing for the first three days of the menstruation cycle, has been used.
For Osteoarthritis
Ginger extract in the dose of 170 mg by mouth three times daily or 255 mg by mouth two times daily has been used.
The Final Word
Ginger is loaded with various nutrients and bioactive compounds that are very beneficial for your body. For centuries it has been used in cooking and as medicine.
It is one of the most admired medicines in Ayurveda. This spice is commonly used for nausea, vomiting, colds, migraine, morning sickness, menstrual cramps, osteoarthritis, diabetes, and various other conditions.
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References
1) US National Library of Medicine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3408800/
2) US National Library of Medicine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24615565
3) Science Direct – Efficacy and safety of ginger in osteoarthritis patients
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S106345841401276X
4) US National Library of Medicine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11710709/
5) US National Library of Medicine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26591397/
6) Pain Medicine – Efficacy of Ginger for Alleviating the Symptoms of Primary Dysmenorrhea
https://academic.oup.com/painmedicine/article/16/12/2243/2460294
7) US National Library of Medicine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19216660/
8) US National Library of Medicine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18813412/
9) American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Publications, Cancer Prevention Research
https://cancerpreventionresearch.aacrjournals.org/content/4/11/1929
10) US National Library of Medicine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5527238/
11) US National Library of Medicine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4277626/
12) US National Library of Medicine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23374025/
13) US National Library of Medicine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3253463/
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Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational purposes only. Any information associated with this article should not be considered as a substitute for prescription suggested by local health care professionals.
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