scopolamine (a medication commonly prescribed for motion sickness), or
placebo, those receiving the medication experienced significantly fewer
symptoms compared to those who received ginger. Given the safety of ginger,
however, many people find it a welcome alternative to medications if it relieves
their motion sickness.
Pregnancy Related Nausea and Vomiting
At least two studies have found that ginger is more effective than placebo in
relieving nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy. In a small study
including 30 pregnant women with severe vomiting, those who ingested 1 gram
of ginger every day for four days reported more relief from vomiting than those
who received placebo. In a larger study including 70 pregnant women with
nausea and vomiting, those who received a similar dosage of ginger felt less
nauseous and experienced fewer vomiting episodes than those who received
placebo.
Nausea and vomiting following surgery
Research has produced mixed results regarding the use of ginger in the
treatment of nausea and vomiting following surgery. In two studies, 1 gram of
ginger root before surgery reduced nausea as effectively as a leading
medication. In one of these two studies, women who received ginger also
required fewer nausea-relieving medications following surgery. Other studies,
however, have failed to find the same positive effects. In fact, one study found
that ginger may actually increase vomiting following surgery. For this reason,
further studies are needed to determine whether ginger is safe and effective for
the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting following surgery.
Inflammation
In addition to providing relief from nausea and vomiting, ginger extract has long
been used in traditional medical practices to decrease inflammation. In fact,
many herbalists today use ginger to help treat health problems associated with
inflammation, such as arthritis, bronchitis, and ulcerative colitis. In a recent study
of 261 people with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, those who received a ginger
extract twice daily experienced less pain and required fewer pain-killing
medications compared to those who received placebo. Although there have also
been a few other studies of the benefit of ginger for arthritis, one recent trial
found that the herb was no more effective than ibuprofen (a medication
frequently used to treat OA) or placebo in reducing symptoms of OA.
Other
Although it is much too early to tell if this will benefit those with heart disease, a
few preliminary studies suggest that ginger may lower cholesterol and prevent
the blood from clotting. Each of these effects may protect the blood vessels from