Perennial herbaceous plant whose polylobulated rhizomes support clustered side shoots that dry out when the plant matures. The leaves are narrow, linear and dark green lanceolate. The flowers, yellowish green, are grouped into spikes. This plant has been known in the Far East since ancient times for the treatment of joint inflammations such as arthritis.
The rhizome that washes and dries quickly is collected. It contains 1-4% volatile oils, responsible for the pharmacological effects of ginger as well as its characteristic smell and taste. The main active components are zingibere and bisabolene, while the pungent principles are known as gingerols and shogaols.
It has stimulating and carminative properties for the treatment of dyspepsia and flatulence. It is especially useful in gastritis caused by alcohol and also protects the stomach from lesions caused by anti-inflammatory drugs, preventing the formation of ulcers. Some proponents of Alternative Medicine recommend ingesting ginger with food as a preventive of chemotherapy-induced vomiting. They also recommend the infusion of ginger to treat vomiting and nausea during the first months of pregnancy. This treatment should not be prolonged for more than 2 months.
The mechanism by which ginger reduces the nausea and vomiting is due to gingerol. Although it does not affect gastric emptying time, some of the constituents of ginger such as 6-shogaol and galanolactone appear to act on serotonergic receptors. In particular, galanolactone binds to the same 5-HT3 receptors in the oil as ondansetron, a known antiemetic drug. In addition, there is some evidence that ginger can also act at the central level.
Ginger has been used in the treatment of some inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Some authors say that some of the constituents of ginger are inhibitors of cyclooxygenases (COX) and the metabolic pathway of 5-lipoxygenase. It seems to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 and thromboxane B2, known inflammatory mediators. It also appears to inhibit tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a)
It has been used in ginger in the treatment of some cardiovascular conditions since on the one hand it has a certain platelet antiaggregant effect that will help prevent thrombus formation and, on the other, it helps improve circulation in general. However, it can interfere with some drugs that are also used in these conditions.
Ginger tea that is prepared with two tablespoons of powdered root in half a liter of water. It has also been recognized anti-sclerotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Externally it is rubefacient.
Fresh ginger juice is used in the treatment of burns, while the essential oil has analgesic properties.
It is widely used in cooking as a species, presenting different forms ranging from its fresh variety to caramelized, through other varieties such as canned or dried varieties. It has a strong and sharp taste, slightly sweet. It is used, for example, to sprinkle on melon, a combination widely used in some Eastern countries.
Do not take daily doses of powder extract greater than 2 g. Higher doses of about 6 g. Daily can cause ulcer or gastritis.
It can interact with certain anticoagulant medications such as heparin or interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins, such as iron. Sometimes, its use can produce excess gastric acidity.
The essential oil should not be ingested in serious conditions of the digestive system such as ulcers, gastritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome. Nor should it be administered to neurological diseases or to people who possess or are prone to gallstones, nor to young children.
The whole plant should not be used for its hepatotoxic properties. Externally, the use of essential oil should not be applied to people with respiratory allergy.
Ginger consumption during pregnancy is controversial. Some authors believe that this plant can affect the sex hormones of the fetus and, likewise, a case of abortion has been published during week 12 in a woman who used ginger to avoid nausea. However, other studies suggest that the risk of ginger causing malformations is not greater than normal and animal studies have shown no effect.
The magnificent properties of Ginger
