Like garlic, ginger has long been used in cooking and in medicine. The stem of this herb contains substances called gingerols, which give ginger its flavor and odor.
Medicinal Claims / Health Benefits
A number of people are aware of the benefits of ginger. Ginger tea benefits include relieving pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. Scientific studies suggest ginger is effective for this purpose, but results are mixed on whether ginger is effective for nausea caused by motion, chemotherapy, or surgery. It is unclear whether ginger is effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or joint and muscle pain.
Possible Side Effects / Allergies etc.
Ginger is usually not harmful, although some people experience a burning sensation when they eat it. It may also cause digestive discomfort and cause a disagreeable taste in the mouth. Ginger may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, people who take ginger and drugs that prevent blood clots may need to be monitored.
Lee J, Oh H. Ginger as an antiemetic modality for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oncol Nurs Forum40(2):163-170, 2013.
Terry R, Posadzki P, Watson LK, et al. The use of ginger (Zingiber officinale) for the treatment of pain: a systematic review of clinical trials. Pain Med 12(12):1808-1818, 2011.
Last full review/revision January 2016 by Melissa G. Marko, PhD; Ara DerMarderosian, PhD
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