Ginger

herb Verified

Specifically for Pleurisy

0% effective

0 votes
0 up • 0 down

Why it works for Pleurisy:

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has well-documented anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties that make it plausible as an adjunctive measure to reduce inflammation and pain in conditions like pleurisy — but there are no high-quality clinical trials showing ginger cures pleurisy specifically.

Mechanism: Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura (the lung lining). Ginger contains bioactive compounds (6-gingerol, shogaols and related gingerols) that inhibit inflammatory pathways (e.g., reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, reduce oxidative stress) and modulate neutrophil activity. Those properties could reduce pleural inflammation and pain in principle. MDPI

Recent mechanistic/clinical support: A 2023/2024 JCI Insight study showed oral ginger supplements (standardized for gingerols) raised neutrophil cAMP and reduced NETosis in healthy volunteers and improved inflammatory markers in animal models — a mechanistic result relevant to inflammatory conditions. That provides a plausible biological basis for anti-inflammatory effects in tissues including the pleura. insight.jci.org

What this doesn’t prove: There are anti-inflammatory effects documented in arthritis, colitis and general inflammatory marker reduction (meta-analyses/reviews), but I found no randomized controlled trial specifically testing ginger as a treatment for pleurisy (i.e., pleural inflammation/pleuritis) in humans. Most citations that propose ginger for pleurisy are extrapolations from its general anti-inflammatory actions or traditional use. ScienceDirect

How to use for Pleurisy:

Standard oral supplement (clinical trial example): The JCI Insight pilot trial used a standardized ginger supplement providing ~20 mg gingerols per day for 7 days and observed neutrophil effects. If you want to replicate the trial-level intervention, look for a product that lists gingerol content and follow the manufacturer dosing that corresponds to ~20–40 mg gingerols/day (the study used about 20 mg/day). insight.jci.org

Typical folk/over-the-counter dosing (general guidance): Clinical trials for other uses commonly used total fresh/dried root or extracts in the range of 170 mg to 4 g per day of whole ginger product in divided doses; many consumer guidance pages suggest staying below ~4 g/day of ginger root (total). For pregnancy, most guidance caps doses at lower levels (often ≤1 g/day). Use regulated supplement labels and consult a clinician. Verywell Health

Commonly used forms for respiratory pain/inflammation:

Ginger tea: freshly grated ginger steeped in hot water 2–4 times daily (supportive — soothing, anti-inflammatory).
Standardized oral extract / capsules: convenient when you want controlled dosing (choose reputable brands that state gingerol content). The JCI study used a standardized gingerols supplement rather than plain tea. insight.jci.org

How to use for pleurisy (practical suggestion based on evidence / safety norms):

Get medical evaluation first (rule out treatable causes such as bacterial pneumonia, pulmonary embolism).
If your clinician agrees ginger may be used adjunctively, choose either a standardized supplement (to match trial dosing) or ginger tea.
If using a supplement, follow product directions; a trial-style approach would be roughly 20 mg gingerols/day (the JCI Insight pilot dose) for short courses (7 days was used in the trial). For longer use, stick to commonly accepted safe upper limits (≤4 g/day total ginger root equivalents unless directed by a clinician). insight.jci.org

Scientific Evidence for Pleurisy:

JCI Insight — “Ginger intake suppresses neutrophil extracellular trap formation…” (2023) — mechanistic + small human pilot trial. Showed that a ginger supplement (≈20 mg gingerols/day for 7 days) increased neutrophil cAMP and inhibited NETosis in healthy volunteers and reduced NETs in animal models. This gives a plausible mechanism for reducing inflammatory injury. (human mechanistic + animal disease models). insight.jci.org

Systematic review / meta-analysis of ginger on inflammatory markers — multiple reviews/meta-analyses report reductions in CRP, TNF-α and other inflammatory markers with ginger supplementation (supports systemic anti-inflammatory effects). These are not pleurisy trials but are relevant mechanistic/biomarker evidence. ScienceDirect

MDPI review — “Effect of Ginger on Inflammatory Diseases” (2022/2023 review) — summarizes preclinical and clinical work showing ginger’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects across conditions (arthritis, colitis, etc.). Again, relevant supportive literature but not pleurisy-specific RCTs. MDPI

Animal/model studies: There are isolated animal and in-vitro studies showing anti-inflammatory/pleurisy-model effects for related ginger species/extracts (some species or extracts have been tested in experimental pleurisy models). These suggest biological plausibility but do not equal clinical evidence in humans. Example: a plant related to ginger (Kaempferia galanga) showed activity in pleurisy models (animal). That’s suggestive but not definitive for human pleurisy. ScienceDirect

Specific Warnings for Pleurisy:

Bleeding risk / anticoagulants: Ginger has mild antiplatelet/anticoagulant effects and can increase bleeding risk if combined with warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel and other blood thinners. Use caution and consult your prescriber before combining. Verywell Health

Pregnancy: Ginger is commonly used for nausea in pregnancy and many studies show benefit at modest doses, but higher doses or prolonged use should be discussed with an obstetrician (some authorities suggest staying under ~1 g/day in pregnancy). NCCIH

Low blood sugar & BP interactions: Ginger can lower blood glucose (so may interact with diabetes medications) and can affect blood pressure — monitor if you’re taking antihypertensives or insulin/oral hypoglycemics. Verywell Health

GI irritation: High doses may cause heartburn, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and mouth/throat irritation. NCCIH

Liver/metabolism interactions: Herbal supplements can alter liver enzyme activity and potentially interact with chemotherapy or other drugs metabolized by the liver — discuss with your clinician. The EMA and other regulatory monographs caution about interactions and recommend medical supervision when combined with other medicines. European Medicines Agency (EMA)

Back to Pleurisy

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

Total Votes

181

Studies

100%

Avg. Effectiveness

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

Browse by Category

Navigation

Account

Listening...