Traditional Uses

• Motion sickness
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Arthritis

Mode of Action

• Ginger possesses aromatic oils and related constituents which:
  • inhibit platelet aggregation
  • help protect the gastric system by increasing the pH of stomach acid (reducing its acidity), lowering the rate of gastric secretions and increasing digestive enzyme activity
  • act as an anti-inflammatory by decreasing production of inflammatory mediators
• The mode of action for motion sickness is unknown but it appears to work via the gastro intestinal system rather than the central nervous system

Drug Interactions

• Excessive doses of ginger may  interfere with cardiac (heart), antidiabetic, or anticoagulant ("blood thinning") therapy

Cautions

• Avoid large doses during pregnancy
• Use with caution in patients with gallstones

Recommended Dose

• As an anti-inflammatory: 500-1000 mg three times a day.  For nausea: 250 mg four times a day. (Dose may vary from brand to brand)

References

• Bisset, 1994; Blumenthal, 1998; Chevallier, 1996; Fulder, 1996;  Hoffman, 1990; Newall, 1996; Nutriceutica, 1998; Smith & Boon, 1997; Tyler,  1993; Weiner, 1994