Ginger

herb Verified

Specifically for Mumps

0% effective

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Why it works for Mumps:

Mumps is a virus (a rubulavirus). Management is supportive and patients should be kept home for 5 days after parotitis starts; there’s no specific antiviral recommended for mumps in children. CDC

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has documented effects mainly for nausea (e.g., pregnancy, motion sickness) and some anti-inflammatory signals in general reviews—not mumps-specific effects. NCCIH

Lab studies show ginger extracts can inhibit other respiratory viruses (e.g., RSV) in cell cultures, but that doesn’t demonstrate efficacy against mumps in children. In vitro ≠ clinical proof.

How to use for Mumps:

If you still want to use ginger as a comfort measure in an older child (and your clinician is okay with it), stick to culinary amounts (e.g., in food or a weak tea). There’s no pediatric dosing standard for mumps, and supplements vary. The safest guidance from NIH is that ginger in normal food amounts is generally well tolerated; talk to your clinician before using supplements. NCCIH

What is recommended for mumps itself:

Rest and fluids.
Paracetamol/ibuprofen for pain/fever (never give aspirin to children under 16).
Warm or cool compresses to swollen glands.
Keep home/away from school for at least 5 days after swelling starts to reduce spread. nhs.uk

Scientific Evidence for Mumps:

There are no clinical trials of ginger for mumps in children or adults, and major guidance (CDC, NHS) does not list ginger as a treatment. CDC

What does exist: pediatric trials where oral ginger reduced vomiting in acute gastroenteritis (a different illness), showing anti-emetic—not antiviral—benefit. Do not generalize these results to mumps. Europe PMC

Specific Warnings for Mumps:

Not a mumps treatment. Using ginger mustn’t delay proper care (hydration, fever control, isolation, and seeking medical help for red-flag symptoms). nhs.uk

Age & form: Avoid concentrated supplements/essential oils in young children unless a clinician approves. Culinary use (food/drink) is generally considered safe; supplements aren’t regulated like medicines. NCCIH

Side effects: stomach upset, heartburn, mouth/throat irritation have been reported. Stop if a rash, swelling, or breathing issues occur and seek care. NCCIH

Drug interactions (caution): Ginger may have antiplatelet/anticoagulant effects and can interact with medicines (e.g., warfarin/aspirin), and potentially affect drug metabolism. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving ginger if the child is on medication. Drugs.com

All kids with suspected mumps should be assessed, and you should follow isolation guidance to protect others. Vaccination (MMR) remains the best prevention. CDC

Back to Mumps

General Information (All Ailments)

Note: You are viewing ailment-specific information above. This section shows the general remedy information for all conditions.

What It Is

Ginger is a flowering plant whose rhizome (underground stem), commonly called the ginger root, is widely used as both a spice and a medicinal ingredient. Native to Southeast Asia, it has been used in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Middle Eastern traditional medicine for thousands of years. The bioactive compounds in ginger—especially gingerols, shogaols, and zingerone—are responsible for its distinctive aroma, pungent flavor, and therapeutic effects. It can be consumed fresh, dried, powdered, as an oil, or as a juice or extract.

How It Works

Ginger exerts its health effects through several biochemical and physiological mechanisms:

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Actions: Gingerols and shogaols inhibit pro-inflammatory molecules such as prostaglandins and cytokines, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body.
Digestive Support: Ginger enhances gastric motility and stimulates digestive enzymes, helping relieve indigestion, nausea, and bloating. It’s especially well known for easing morning sickness, motion sickness, and nausea after surgery or chemotherapy.
Pain Relief and Circulation: Its anti-inflammatory properties may alleviate muscle soreness, joint pain (including from osteoarthritis), and menstrual cramps by reducing prostaglandin production.
Metabolic and Cardiovascular Support: Some studies suggest ginger may lower blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, and improve lipid metabolism, thereby supporting heart health. It can also enhance blood flow and exhibit mild anticoagulant effects.
Immune and Antimicrobial Activity: Ginger contains compounds with mild antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-modulating properties, which may help the body fight off infections and maintain immune balance.

Why It’s Important

Ginger is valued as a natural, accessible, and versatile remedy with a broad range of health benefits. It offers:

Natural symptom relief without synthetic additives, appealing to those seeking holistic or preventive care.
Support for digestive and metabolic health, which are key to overall well-being.
Potential long-term benefits for chronic inflammation, which underlies many diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders.
Cultural and traditional significance, with millennia of use across multiple healing systems confirming its safety and efficacy in moderation.

Considerations

While ginger is generally safe, there are important factors to keep in mind:

Dosage and Form: Typical safe amounts are up to 4 grams per day of fresh or dried ginger. Excessive intake can lead to heartburn, stomach irritation, or diarrhea.
Pregnancy: Small amounts can relieve morning sickness, but high doses should be avoided during late pregnancy due to potential uterine-stimulating effects.
Medication Interactions: Ginger can interact with anticoagulants (like warfarin), antiplatelet drugs, and antidiabetic medications, potentially enhancing their effects and increasing bleeding or hypoglycemia risk.
Individual Sensitivity: People with gallstones, bleeding disorders, or acid reflux should consult a healthcare professional before regular use.
Supplement Quality: As with many herbal supplements, product purity and potency vary; it’s best to choose standardized, reputable brands.

Helps with these conditions

Ginger is most effective for conditions with strong anti-inflammatory components . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.

Acid Reflux (GERD) 100% effective

Stomach Ulcers 0% effective

Flu 0% effective

COVID-19 0% effective

Arthritis 0% effective

Back Pain 0% effective

Conditions

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Detailed Information by Condition

Acid Reflux (GERD)

100% effective

Ginger is often considered helpful for managing acid reflux (GERD) because of its natural digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. Here’s why it ca...

1 vote Updated 4 weeks ago 14 studies cited

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