Welcome to the blog series Herb of the Month!

This week, we will be delving into the various benefits and clinical applications of the tropical, flowering plant known as Ginger. It’s been cultivated and valued as a tonic root in India and China for over 5,000 years and has a rich history of use in treating various ailments. Ginger is a rich source of beneficial bioactive compounds such as gingerols, shogaols, paradols, and zingerone. These compounds contribute to its unique flavor and aroma and are associated with various health benefits. Ginger has been shown to have a wide range of potential health benefits, including antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antihepatotoxic, antidiabetic, antifungal, antibacterial, antidiarrheal, and thrombolytic effects. These effects are attributed to the bioactive compounds in ginger, including gingerols, shogaols, paradols, and zingerone among others, which contribute to its therapeutic properties. Because of this herb’s versatile roles, Ginger can be used alone or even combined with other herbs and dietary supplements to help bring out synergistic and potent medicinal qualities.

Health Benefits of Ginger

Respiratory Health

COVID-19

Emerging research is exploring the potential of natural remedies like Ginger as alternative therapeutic agents for COVID-19. Ginger contains bioactive compounds with diverse beneficial effects, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and immunomodulatory properties. A recent 2021 review entitled “Therapeutic potential of ginger against COVID-19: Is there enough evidence?” written by Abdollah Jafarzadeh, et al and published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences, discusses the potential effects of Ginger on COVID-19 treatment. The review highlights the antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and immunomodulatory impacts of Ginger in an attempt to consider it as an alternative therapeutic agent for COVID-19. Ginger, specifically its bioactive constituents such as terpenes (zingiberene, curcumene) and phenolic compounds (gingerols, shogaols, zingerone), has exhibited various therapeutic activities in experimental and clinical settings. These activities include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, anticancer, cardiovascular protective, and respiratory protective effects. The study suggests that Ginger has direct antiviral effects, including against human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), rhinovirus, avian influenza virus, and feline calicivirus. It also stimulates the secretion of interferons (IFNs) that can inhibit viral replication. Additionally, Ginger may have a protective role against acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a severe complication of COVID-19. However, it is important to note that this review discusses the potential effects of Ginger against COVID-19 based on its bioactive constituents and therapeutic activities. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy and safety of Ginger as a specific treatment for COVID-19.

Another recent study entitled “Ginger supplement significantly reduced length of hospital stay in individuals with COVID-19” written by Yaqi Li, et al and published in 2022 in the Nutrition and Metabolism Journal aimed to investigate the effect of Ginger supplementation on clinical outcomes in individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. The study participants were randomized into the control group and the intervention group, with the latter taking 1.5g of Ginger supplement orally twice daily until their discharge from the hospital. The study found that Ginger supplement significantly reduced the length of hospital stay in individuals with COVID-19, and this effect was more pronounced in men, participants aged 60 years or older, and participants with pre-existing medical conditions. However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential of Ginger as an alternative treatment for COVID-19.

Anti-Viral & Anti-Bacterial

Ginger is a key component of Ge-Gen-Tang (Kakkon-to; GGT), an herbal formula that has been recognized for its antiviral properties against the human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV). Despite GGT’s proven efficacy, it remains uncertain whether Ginger alone can effectively combat HRSV. One clinical study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2013 entitled “Fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) has anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines” and written by Jung San Chang et al, aimed to determine the effectiveness of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in inhibiting HRSV in human respiratory tract cell lines. The study found that fresh Ginger, but not dried Ginger, had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on HRSV-induced plaque formation in both upper and lower respiratory tract cell lines. Additionally, fresh Ginger demonstrated the ability to block viral attachment and internalization. The study suggested that the anti-viral activity of fresh Ginger may be attributed to its ability to stimulate the secretion of interferon-beta (IFN-β) in mucosal cells, which can help counteract viral infection. Overall, the findings support the potential of fresh Ginger as an agent to manage HRSV infection.

Another study entitled “The Antimicrobial Efficacy Against Selective Oral Microbes, Antioxidant Activity and Preliminary Phytochemical Screening of Zingiber officinale” written by Ahmed N. et al and published in 2022 in the Infection and Drug Resistance Journal evaluated the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Ginger on oral microbes. The researchers found that Ginger root has significant antibacterial activity that could be used for the treatment of oral infections such as dental caries caused by Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. Ginger extract was also found to have high antioxidant activity, which could help prevent oxidative stress and associated pathological events. The study concludes that Ginger is a potential natural source of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents but recommends further studies to determine the toxicity and safety of Ginger as a therapeutic agent.

Gastrointestinal Health

Ginger has been traditionally used for centuries as a natural remedy for various gastrointestinal disorders. Research suggests that Ginger consumption may be beneficial in relieving symptoms such as dyspepsia, functional dyspepsia, nausea, and vomiting. A 2019 systematic review entitled, “Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials” written by Mehrnaz Nikkhah Bodagh et al and published in the Food Science & Nutrition Journal, aimed to summarize the current evidence on the effects of Ginger consumption on gastrointestinal disorders. The authors discuss the various compounds found in Ginger and its use in traditional medicine to address various ailments. It specifically focuses on the efficacy of Ginger for addressing gastrointestinal issues like dyspepsia, functional dyspepsia, nausea, and vomiting. The study concluded that a daily dosage of 1500 mg divided into lower doses showed benefits for relieving nausea. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal dose and preparation of Ginger for gastroprotective agents and to investigate its potential in gastrointestinal disorders with limited research studies.

In addition, Ginger is widely recognized for its traditional usage as a natural remedy to alleviate symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Recent studies have confirmed the effectiveness of Ginger in relieving mild to moderate nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. One study entitled, “Effect of Ginger on Relieving Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial” written by Farzaneh Saberi et al and published in the 2014 Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Studies examines the efficacy of Ginger in relieving nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. This study was conducted on 120 women under a seven-day clinical trial. The participants were divided into three groups: Ginger, placebo, and control. The Ginger group received 250 mg of Ginger capsules three times a day, whereas the placebo group received lactose capsules. The study found that Ginger was effective in relieving mild to moderate nausea and vomiting in pregnant women, with no adverse effects on the fetus. Therefore, Ginger can be considered as a potential natural treatment option for managing morning sickness during pregnancy.

Additional Health Benefits of Ginger

Pain Management

Ginger has been traditionally used for centuries for its potential pain-relieving properties. Research suggests that Ginger may help reduce inflammation, which is often associated with pain. It has shown promise in managing various types of pain, including arthritis, muscle soreness, and even migraines. The 2011 study, titled “The use of ginger (Zingiber officinale) for the treatment of pain: a systematic review of clinical trials,” written by Rohini Terry et al and published in the Pain Medicine Journal, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Ginger in treating pain. The systematic review analyzed multiple clinical trials involving human participants who had used Ginger for pain management. A total of eight trials with a total of 481 participants were included in the review. The trials examined various pain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhea, and experimentally induced acute muscle pain. The results showed that Ginger effectively reduced subjective pain reports in six of the trials. However, due to the limited number of well-conducted trials, the current evidence regarding the efficacy of Ginger for pain treatment remains insufficient. Nevertheless, the available data provide tentative support for the anti-inflammatory properties of Ginger, suggesting its potential to reduce pain in conditions like osteoarthritis. The researchers concluded that further rigorous trials are needed to establish the efficacy of Ginger as a pain treatment.

Another study entitled “Topical Ginger Treatment With a Compress or Patch for Osteoarthritis Symptoms” written by Tessa Therkleson and published in 2014 in the Journal of Holistic Nursing, examines the potential of topical Ginger treatment for alleviating osteoarthritis symptoms in older adults. The study evaluated two groups of participants using either a standardized Ginger patch or manually prepared Ginger compresses that were administered by trained nurses over seven consecutive days. In the following 24 weeks of self-treatment, all participants used the Ginger patch as required while completing weekly and monthly brief arthritis questionnaires. The study found that the Ginger treatment relieved symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and functional status, and improved health satisfaction and overall health in older adults with chronic osteoarthritis. The authors suggest that topical Ginger treatment holds promise as an alternative therapy and can potentially increase independence and quality of life in older adults with osteoarthritis. However, they highlight the need for further research to establish the safety and efficacy of topical Ginger and other alternative therapies in treating chronic pain and conditions like osteoarthritis. So good news for those of you who find it difficult to tolerate the spiciness of Ginger, you can always opt for topical applications instead!

Thermoregulation

Ginger is recognized for its thermoregulatory abilities, allowing it to aid in maintaining body temperature. When consumed, ginger can generate a warming effect that is especially advantageous in colder climates or seasons. Moreover, it supports circulation and enhances blood flow, benefiting individuals with poor circulation or those prone to feeling cold. The 2018 study titled “Effects of Footbaths with Mustard, Ginger, or Warm Water Only on Objective and Subjective Warmth Distribution in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial” published in the Complementary Therapies in Medicine Journal and written by J. Vagedes et al, investigated the thermogenic effects of footbaths with warm water alone versus when combined with mustard or ginger. The study was a randomized controlled trial with seventeen healthy volunteers. Participants received footbaths with warm water alone, warm water with mustard, or warm water with ginger in a randomized order. The primary outcome measure was perceived warmth in the feet, assessed using a warmth perception questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included perceived warmth in the face and hands, as well as actual skin temperature measured with thermography. The results showed that footbaths with mustard and ginger significantly increased perceived warmth in the feet, compared to footbaths with warm water alone. The effect was still significant for ginger at the 10-minute follow-up. However, there were no significant effects on perceived warmth in the face or hands. Thermography assessments demonstrated that skin temperature at the feet increased after all conditions, while temperature at the hands decreased.

Another study entitled “Hyperthermic Effect of Ginger Beverage on Skin Surface Temperature in Women with Cold Sensitivity” written by Keiichiro Sugimoto et al and published in the 2018 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal, investigates the impact of consuming a ginger-containing beverage on skin surface temperature in women with cold-sensitive extremities. The study involved six healthy women who drank either the ginger-containing or a placebo beverage in a temperature-controlled room. They measured the palm temperature using a thermographic camera before intake and every 10 minutes after intake for 60 minutes. The findings showed that the consumption of ginger-containing beverages increased palm temperature for 20 minutes, which was maintained significantly longer than after placebo intake. Based on the questionnaire, some subjects also reported that their increased body temperature was sustained after drinking the ginger beverage. The study suggests that ginger extract-containing beverages can improve cold sensitivity and enhance thermogenesis by increasing peripheral circulation. It concludes by showing that mild and acceptable doses of ginger extract in palatable beverages could have significant benefits to individuals experiencing cold sensitivity.

Final Recommendations

Here are Nancy’s Ginger recommendations from Fullscript:

 

Some Precautions with Ginger Use:

It is rare to have side effects from ginger. In high doses it may cause mild heartburn, diarrhea, and irritation of the mouth. You may be able to avoid some of the mild stomach side effects, such as belching, heartburn, or stomach upset, by taking ginger supplements in capsules or taking ginger with meals.

People with gallstones should talk to their healthcare professional before taking ginger. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking ginger before having surgery or being placed under anesthesia.

People with heart conditions and people with diabetes should not take ginger without talking to their healthcare professional.

DO NOT take ginger if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking blood-thinning medications, including aspirin.

There is also no “one size fits all” when it comes to recommending Ginger. Because of this, Nancy recommends Booking a 15 Minute Discovery call if you’re interested in taking this wonderful herb. It’s important to consult with a registered clinical herbalist or natural health practitioner trained in clinical herbalism for more resistant and deeper set health issues. They will be able to give a more tailored suggested serving and daily frequency based on your age, gender, body weight, and any present medical conditions.

Remember to join us each month as we explore the history, personality, clinical application, and more of Nancy’s favorite plants. Get a snippet of the properties and practical uses of these herbs and how they supported the health of our ancestors as well as how they can support us in our present day.

Other Resources:

Bioactive Compounds and Bioactivities of Ginger | The Amazing and Mighty Ginger | Ginger on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of 109 Randomized Controlled Trials