Zingiber officinale

Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-18 (EDT)

See Also	Botanical Monographs

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is well-known for its effectiveness in treating nausea and vomiting, but it is also effective as a digestive aid and in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. To explore the characteristics, medicinal uses and prescribing considerations of this herb in more detail, check out the references indicated. ,

Characteristics

• Common Names: Ginger
• Family: Zingiberaceae
• Habitat: Zingiber officinale is native to Asia and is widespread in the tropics.
• Parts Used: Root/rhizome
• Constituents: Oleoresins (pungent principle; gingerols and shogaol)
• Medicinal Actions: warming stimulant tonic, aromatic, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, carminative, digestive stimulant, cholagogue, cardiotonic, antithrombotic (high doses), rubefacient, respiratory stimulant, diuretic, spasmolytic, antiseptic, emmenagogue, pungent, sialagogue, sedative, diaphoretic, analgesic, antimalarial, antimicrobial, cardiac tonic

Uses

Historical Uses:

Zingiber has historically been used for dyspepsia, vomiting, cholera, and malaria. It is thought to have been derived from the Garden of Eden.

Medicinal Uses:

• Digestive Aid

• weak digestion, atonic dyspepsia, colic, gas, cramping, anorexia

• Inflammatory Conditions

• arthritis, rheumatism, bronchitis

• Nausea and Vomiting

• vertigo, motion sickness, morning sickness in pregnancy (see Cautions and Contraindications), post-operative nausea

Prescribing Considerations

The information provided is intended to augment the treatment from a naturopathic doctor or other trained medical professional. Although most herbs are generally safe, it is recommended that you avoid self-prescribing especially when there is an underlying ongoing medical condition, if you are on any prescription medications or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Formulations and Preparation

• Infusion - 1 tsp/cup as needed
• Dried rhizome - 0.25-1.0g taken orally as a capsule, tablet, powder, or decoction three times daily
• Tincture - 1.5-5mL (1:5, 40%) three times daily or 1.5-3mL (1:5, 90%) three times daily
• Powder - 1-2g as a single dose antiemetic (For motions sickness, take 2-4g daily)

Safety

The safety and prescribing considerations for this herb include:,

• Generally regarded as safe.
• Side-effects are rare but may include heartburn and digestive upset.
• Cautions and Contraindications: pregnancy due to its emmenagogue/abortifacient action (empirical) in a dose of >2g daily, doses greater than 1g daily should be used only when the patient is under medical supervision; gallstones without physician consult due to its cholagogue action (speculative)
• Drug-Herb Interactions.

• Anesthesia, General - Beneficial or supportive interaction with professional management, prevention or reduction of drug adverse effect; Zingiber reduces post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) caused by anesthetics. Possible alternative to pharmaceuticals in moderate PONV. Insufficient activity for emetic rescue in acute cases. Consider pretreatment in elective surgery patients.
• Antiplatelet Agents - Potential or theoretical adverse interaction of uncertain severity; This is based on Zingiber's "NSAID-like" activity (clinical occurrence and significance not established, increase risk of bleed negligible). Professional monitoring advised but preferably avoid.
• Cisplatin and Emetogenic Antineoplastic Chemotherapies - Beneficial or supportive interaction with professional management, prevention or reduction of drug adverse effect; Zingiber reduces acute nausea and vomiting associated with these drugs. Consider pretreatment and post-treatment (up to 24 hours) for nausea.
• Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Analgesic Antiarthritics - Beneficial or supportive interaction not requiring professional management, prevention or reduction of drug adverse effects; Zingiber given as an adjuvant helps to increase symptom relief and reduces side effects of drug allowing for lower doses.
• Phenprocoumon and Related Oral Vitamin K Antagonist Anticoagulants - Potential or theoretical adverse interaction of uncertain severity; Zingiber has a theoretical additive effect on hemostasis (one case report, conflict with clinical data, suggests risk generally overstated). Monitor INR.