Products
Ginger is contained in various medicinal products. These include capsules, which are approved as medicinal products (Zintona). It is also available as a tea, as an open product, in the form of ginger candies and as candied ginger. Also available is the essential oil. Fresh ginger can be purchased in grocery stores.
Stem plant
Roscoe ginger, a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), is native to Southeast Asia and is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is a perennial plant with narrow, lance-shaped, green, grass-like leaves and a branched rhizome.
Medicinal drug
The ginger rhizome (Zingiberis rhizoma) is used as a medicinal raw material. It consists of the dried, whole or cut rhizomes of , which are either completely or only on both flat sides freed from the cork. Ginger has a pungent, aromatic and burning taste and aromatic odor.
Ingredients
Ingredients include ginger essential oil (Zingiberis aetheroleum), pungents (gingerols and shogaols), resins, organic fats, and acids.
Effects
Studies have demonstrated antiemetic, antimicrobial, spasmolytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiflatulent, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antitumor, and digestive properties, among others.
Indications for use
- For nausea and vomiting
- For the prevention and treatment of motion sickness.
- For the treatment of digestive disorders, for flatulence.
- For loss of appetite
- For flu and colds
- For inflammatory diseases
- In traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.
- As a tea and stimulant
- As a spice, e.g. in pear bread and gingerbread (“Gingerbread”).
- For food, ginger jam and for drinks such as ginger ale.
Dosage
The dosage depends on the product.
Contraindications
Ginger is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity. Ginger should be taken during pregnancy only after consultation with a gynecologist. For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
Ginger has a pungent taste and may cause irritation of the tongue and oral mucosa in sensitive individuals. Other possible side effects include digestive problems such as burning in the stomach and diarrhea.
