Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Medicinal use and Information Guide
Oral or topical uses of ginger to treat various disorders, such as nausea or arthritis pain, are under research, but no conclusions are possible from these studies about its effectiveness or safety in long-term use.
Allergic reactions to ginger generally result in a rash. Although generally recognized as safe, ginger can cause heartburn and other side effects, particularly if taken in powdered form. Unchewed fresh ginger may result in intestinal blockage, and individuals who have had ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, or blocked intestines may react badly to large quantities of fresh ginger. It can also adversely affect individuals with gallstones.
Studies are inconclusive about the effects of using ginger for nausea or pain associated with various ailments. Side effects, mostly associated with consuming powdered ginger, are gas, bloating, heartburn, and nausea.
Ginger powder may be effective for primary dysmenorrhea.
Cultivars, preparation, and folk medicine
Since ginger constituents depend on a number of factors (cultivar, part of plant, preparation methods like drying or cooking), this information is added to this list:
One traditional medical form of ginger historically was called "Jamaica ginger"; it was classified as a stimulant and carminative and used frequently for dyspepsia, gastroparesis, slow gut motility symptoms, constipation, or colic.[14][23] It was also frequently employed to disguise the taste of medicines.
Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ginger commonly grown in Western nations)
Kampo Shokyo (medicinal variety) Z. officinale var. rubens dried[24]
Kampo Kankyo (medicinal variety) Z. officinale var. rubens steamed and dried[24]
Z. officinale cv. Ogawa Umare (OG), cultivated specifically for medicinal derivatives (acetylated derivatives) of gingerol
Jamu Red Ginger Z. officinale var. rubra[24]
Shoga (alimentary variety, Japan) Z. officinale var. rubens [24]
White Ginger (alimentary variety, Indonesia)Z. officinale var. amarum[24]
varieties available in India including China variety, which contains more shogaol (more spicy than Japanese Shoga)
Related plants such as myoga are not ginger species, but separate species.
