Medical uses of Ginger
The medical form of ginger historically was called Jamaica ginger; it was classified as a stimulant and carminative and used frequently for dyspepsia, gastroparesis, slow motility symptoms, constipation, and colic. It was also frequently employed to disguise the taste of medicines. Ginger is on the FDA's "generally recognized as safe" list, though it does interact with some medications, including warfarin. Ginger is contraindicated in people suffering from gallstones as it promotes the production of bile. Ginger may also decrease pain from arthritis, though studies have been inconsistent, and may have blood thinning and cholesterol lowering properties that may make it useful for treating heart disease. An acute overdose of ginger is usually in excess of about 2 grams of Ginger per kilogram of body mass, dependent on level of ginger tolerance, and can result in a state of central nervous system over-stimulation called ginger intoxication or colloquially the "ginger gitters". Animal studies in 2010 suggests that nine compounds found in ginger may bind to human serotonin receptors, helping reduce anxiety.
Ginger vs Diseases:
1. Diabetic cataract:-
Advanced glycation end products are associated in the development of several Pathophysiologies including diabetic cataract. Ginger was effective against the development of diabetic cataract in rats mainly through its antiglycating potential and to a lesser extent by inhibition of the polyol pathway.
Ginger, may be explored for the prevention or delay of diabetic complications.
Ginger compounds are active against a form of diarrhea which is the leading cause of death in developing countries. Zingerone is likely to be the active constituent against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin-induced diarrhea.
3. Neuralgia:-
Several pains arising out of nerve conditions such as tooth ache, neck pain and back ache. These conditions are treated effectively with ginger. Ginger compresses are used in teeth ache and in abdominal cramps.
4. Nausea:-
Ginger has been found effective in multiple studies for treating nausea caused by sea sickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy, though ginger was not found superior over a placebo for pre-emptively treating post-operative nausea. Ginger is a safe remedy for nausea relief during pregnancy. Ginger as a remedy for motion sickness is still a debated issue. The television program Mythbusters performed an experiment using one of their staff who suffered from severe motion sickness. The staff member was placed in a moving device which, without treatment, produced severe nausea. Multiple treatments were administered. None, with the exception of the ginger and the two most common drugs, were successful. The staff member preferred the ginger due to lack of side effects. Several studies over the last 20 years were inconclusive with some studies in favor of the herb and some not. A common thread in these studies is the lack of sufficient participants to yield statistical significance. Another issue is the lack of a known chemical pathway for the supposed relief.
5. Head ache:-
Fresh and dried ginger is having the ability over head ache and most forms of head aches disappear when it is used internally and externally.
Fresh and dried ginger is having the ability over head ache and most forms of head aches disappear when it is used internally and externally.
6. Joint pain:-
Massage of ginger oil is very effective in curing long standing muscular and joint pain. Regular massaging with ginger oil or ginger compresses give permanent relief in most of the cases of muscular stiffness and joint pain.
Folk medicine in different countries:
1. Tea brewed from ginger is common folk remedy for colds. Ginger ale and ginger beer are also drunk as stomach settlers in countries where the beverages are made. Ginger water was also used to avoid heat cramps in the United States.
2. In China, "ginger eggs" (scrambled eggs with finely diced ginger root) is a common home remedy for coughing. The Chinese also make a kind of dried ginger candy that is fermented in plum juice and sugared, which is also commonly consumed to suppress coughing.
3. Ginger has also been historically used to treat inflammation, which several scientific studies support, though one arthritis trial showed ginger to be no better than a placebo or ibuprofen for treatment of osteoarthritis.
In subcontinent ginger milk is used for the treatment of cold and cough.
1. Tea brewed from ginger is common folk remedy for colds. Ginger ale and ginger beer are also drunk as stomach settlers in countries where the beverages are made. Ginger water was also used to avoid heat cramps in the United States.
2. In China, "ginger eggs" (scrambled eggs with finely diced ginger root) is a common home remedy for coughing. The Chinese also make a kind of dried ginger candy that is fermented in plum juice and sugared, which is also commonly consumed to suppress coughing.
3. Ginger has also been historically used to treat inflammation, which several scientific studies support, though one arthritis trial showed ginger to be no better than a placebo or ibuprofen for treatment of osteoarthritis.
In subcontinent ginger milk is used for the treatment of cold and cough.
Allergic reactions to ginger:-
Generally result in a rash, and although generally recognized as safe, ginger can cause heartburn, bloating, gas, belching and nausea, particularly if taken in powdered form. Unchewed fresh ginger may result in intestinal blockage, and individuals who have had ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease or blocked intestines may react badly to large quantities of fresh ginger. It can also adversely affect individuals with gallstones. There are also suggestions that ginger may affect blood pressure, clotting, and heart rhythms.
