Ginger Root: Benefits and Information

Ginger root extract is derived from the root of the herb Zingiber Officionale, which grows widely in southwest India. Ginger is a popular spice in Indian cooking, and its medicinal uses have been well documented. As such, ginger root offers many benefits.

Historically, ginger root has been used to ease menstrual cramps, treat seasickness and food poisoning, and to eliminate body odor. It is now one of the most popular herbal remedies for nausea, morning sickness and digestive problems. Ginger root extract can help the digestive process by breaking down proteins. It alleviates nausea and morning sickness by relaxing stomach muscles, and pregnant women can use it safely for this purpose.

In addition to its popularity as a stomach aid, ginger root extract has also been shown to improve circulation by relaxing muscles around blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.

It can also reduce high levels of LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) by helping to excrete it from the bloodstream, as well as by preventing the body from absorbing it.

Ginger root extract can help to lower blood pressure as well. It is known to contain vasodilators, ACE inhibitors and diuretics, all of which are useful agents in reducing blood pressure and keeping the circulatory system healthy. Blood clots can also be prevented with supplements of ginger root extract, which contains substances that inhibit the aggregation of blood platelets that form clots.

Ginger root extract has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well. As an antioxidant, it may help boost immunity and relieve the symptoms of colds and flu. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in treating pain and inflammation caused by arthritis, and it is effective in treating muscle pain as well.

Supplements of ginger root extract are available in powders, capsules, tablets and liquids. Also, the whole root can be used medicinally, and it can be made into a tea. For maximum effectiveness, it is probably best to use supplements that contain standardized extracts of pure ginger root. The product should be standardized for substances known as gingerols, the active ingredient in ginger root extract. Herbalists and nutritionists usually recommend products that contain 5% gingerols.

To treat digestive problems and inflammation, take 100-200 mg of ginger root capsules or tablets. If a fresh powdered ginger is used, 1-2 g is an effective daily dose. Fresh, whole ginger can also be used for therapeutic purposes. The amount needed is an approximately ½ -inch piece.

Ginger teas and Ginger ale are sometimes used to help treat stomach upset and nausea. Though these products do not usually contain significant amounts of ginger, they may have some soothing properties. Some health food manufacturers produce natural ginger ale, which contains about 1 gram of ginger per serving and may be the best choice for people who want their intake of ginger to come from a beverage.

Very few side effects have been reported from the use of ginger root extract. In rare cases, very high doses may cause stomach irritation. To minimize this effect, ginger root can be taken with food. Also, because it is a natural blood thinner, people who are taking anticoagulant medications should not use ginger root extract without consulting a physician.

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