Ginger

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Specifically for PMS

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Why it works for PMS:

Anti-inflammatory / prostaglandin modulation. Ginger’s main actives (gingerols, shogaols) inhibit COX and LOX enzymes and dampen inflammatory mediators (e.g., PGE2, NF-κB), a pathway implicated in PMS symptoms (cramps, breast tenderness, headaches, mood effects). MDPI

Real-world relevance to menstrual symptoms. Major health agencies summarize that ginger may reduce menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhea), which often co-occur with PMS. That mechanistic and clinical overlap is why ginger is considered for PMS. NCCIH

How to use for PMS:

PMS symptom clusters (mood + physical + behavioral):

Regimen used in an RCT: Two ginger capsules daily starting 7 days before menstruation and continuing through day 3 of bleeding, repeated for 3 cycles. (The publication specifies “two capsules daily” but not the milligrams per capsule; a secondary summary of the same study notes 250 mg every 12 hours—i.e., ~500 mg/day—on the same schedule.) Semantic Scholar

Menstrual cramp pain (often part of PMS):

Regimen used in randomized trials: 250 mg capsule every 6–8 hours during the first 2–3 days of menstruation; effectiveness was comparable to mefenamic acid in one head-to-head trial. SpringerLink

General dosing boundaries (helpful if label strengths differ): Many national monographs list total daily amounts of ~0.7–3 g/day of dried ginger rhizome (all forms combined) for oral use. Don’t exceed product label directions; start low if you’re sensitive. Health Canada

Forms you can use

Capsules/standardized extracts: easiest way to match the regimens above.
Tea/decoction or powdered ginger: can complement capsules, but trials for PMS specifically used capsules, so keep tea as adjunctive. (General oral daily ranges above still apply.) Health Canada

Scientific Evidence for PMS:

Double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT in PMS (n=70): Two capsules daily from 7 days pre-menses to day 3 of menses for 3 cycles significantly reduced total PMS scores (mood, physical, behavioral domains) vs placebo. (ISRN Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2014). Semantic Scholar

Follow-up abstracts/registrations from the same research group and registry entries describe similar designs and dosing; one trial compared ginger with curcumin. (Helpful for context; primary efficacy above.) Brieflands

Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) evidence: Multiple RCTs and systematic reviews report ginger improves period pain; one RCT using 250 mg every 6 h showed analgesia comparable to mefenamic acid. While this targets cramps rather than the full PMS spectrum, it supports ginger’s effect on period-related symptoms. SpringerLink

Specific Warnings for PMS:

Ginger is generally well-tolerated but has important cautions:

Drugs that affect bleeding: Ginger may increase bleeding risk (platelet effects). Use caution with anticoagulants/antiplatelets (e.g., warfarin, DOACs, clopidogrel, high-dose aspirin). Human pharmacology studies and case reports exist; discuss with your prescriber. Health Canada
Diabetes medications: Ginger can lower blood glucose; monitor for hypoglycemia if combined with insulin or oral hypoglycemics; medical supervision advised. NCCIH
Blood-pressure/antiarrhythmic therapy: Possible additive effects (e.g., hypotension, effects on cardiac conduction)—use cautiously and consult your clinician. NCCIH
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Evidence for safety in pregnancy is mixed but often considered acceptable at low doses for nausea; ask your OB-GYN/midwife first if pregnant or breastfeeding and considering ginger for PMS-like symptoms. NCCIH
Typical side effects: Heartburn, GI upset, diarrhea, mouth/throat irritation—more likely at higher doses. Reduce the dose or take with food. NCCIH
Daily limits: As a practical ceiling, many regulators list ~0.7–3 g/day dried rhizome for adults; stay within labeled directions for your specific product. Health Canada

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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

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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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