Herbal Monograph: Zingiber officinale

Family

Zingiberaceae

Actions

Carminative, anti-emetic, anti-inflammatory, circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic (Mao et al., 2019)

Energetics

Warming, drying (Holmes, 2007)

Chemical Constituents

• Gingerols (6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol)
• Shogaols (6-shogaol, 8-shogaol, 10-shogaol)
• Zingiberene
• β-sesquiphellandrene
• α-curcumene
• Flavonoids
• Phenolic acids

The pungent compounds gingerols and shogaols are primarily responsible for ginger‘s biological activities (Semwal et al., 2015).

Part of Plant Used

Rhizome (fresh or dried)

Uses

• Supports digestive health
• Promotes healthy nausea response
• Supports healthy inflammatory response
• Promotes circulatory health
• Supports respiratory wellness
• Promotes healthy immune function

A comprehensive review by Mao et al. (2019) highlighted ginger’s potential in supporting various aspects of health, particularly in digestive and inflammatory wellness.

Contraindications

• Bleeding disorders
• Gallstones
• Scheduled surgery (within two weeks)

Side Effects

• Mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals
• Potential for heartburn at high doses
• Possible skin irritation with topical use

While generally well-tolerated, these side effects have been noted in some individuals, particularly at higher doses (Bode & Dong, 2011).

Interactions with Other Drugs

• May interact with blood-thinning preparations
• May interact with certain diabetes preparations
• May interact with certain blood pressure preparations

Caution is advised when combining ginger with these types of preparations due to potential interactions (Chrubasik et al., 2005).

Dosage

• Fresh root: 1-4 grams daily
• Dried powder: 0.25-1 gram, three times daily
• Standardized extract (5% gingerols): 75-2000 mg daily

Clinical studies have used a wide range of doses, typically 1-3 grams of ginger powder daily for various applications (Marx et al., 2017).

Mode of Administration

Oral consumption as fresh root, dried powder, tea, tincture, or capsules. Topical application as compress or in oils.

Duration of Administration

Can be used long-term when consumed in food amounts. For higher doses or therapeutic use, consult with a qualified herbalist.

Risks

• Potential for increased bleeding in high doses
• May lower blood sugar levels
• Possible interactions with certain medications

A review by Bode & Dong (2011) emphasized the importance of considering individual health conditions and potential interactions when using ginger therapeutically.

Recipes

1. Ginger Tea

• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
• 1 cup boiling water
• Honey to taste (optional)
  Steep for 5-10 minutes, strain, and enjoy.

1. Ginger Honey

• 1 cup fresh ginger, grated
• 1 cup raw honey
  Combine in a jar, let sit for 2 weeks, stirring daily. Strain and use as needed.

1. Ginger Compress

• 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
• 1 cup hot water
  Steep ginger in water for 10 minutes, strain. Soak a clean cloth in the liquid and apply to affected area.

Remember to always consult with a qualified herbalist before incorporating new herbs into your wellness routine, especially if you have existing health concerns or are taking other preparations.

Return to: A Wise Woman’s Guide to Reducing Inflammation with Herbs, Foods, and Lifestyle

References

Bode, A. M., & Dong, Z. (2011). The Amazing and Mighty Ginger. In I. F. F. Benzie & S. Wachtel-Galor (Eds.), Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects (2nd ed.). CRC Press/Taylor & Francis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/

Chrubasik, S., Pittler, M. H., & Roufogalis, B. D. (2005). Zingiberis rhizoma: A comprehensive review on the ginger effect and efficacy profiles. Phytomedicine, 12(9), 684-701. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2004.07.009

Holmes, P. (2007). The energetics of Western herbs: A materia medica integrating Western and Chinese herbal therapeutics (4th ed.). Snow Lotus Press.

Mao, Q. Q., Xu, X. Y., Cao, S. Y., Gan, R. Y., Corke, H., Beta, T., & Li, H. B. (2019). Bioactive Compounds and Bioactivities of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). Foods, 8(6), 185. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods8060185

Marx, W., Ried, K., McCarthy, A. L., Vitetta, L., Sali, A., McKavanagh, D., & Isenring, L. (2017). Ginger-Mechanism of action in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: A review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 57(1), 141-146. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2013.865590

Semwal, R. B., Semwal, D. K., Combrinck, S., & Viljoen, A. M. (2015). Gingerols and shogaols: Important nutraceuticals from ginger. Phytochemistry, 117, 554-568. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2015.07.012rheumatic disorders. Phytotherapy Research, 21(12), 1228-1233.