Ginger Extract

Species Name: Zingiber officinale

Also Known As: African ginger, Black ginger, Jamaican ginger.

Ginger is part of the family of plants that includes cardamom and turmeric. The edible part of the plant is the rhizome.

This rhizome is often referred to as the “ginger root,” although it is not a root, it is the horizontal stem of the plant that produces the roots. The rhizome is thick, gnarly and underground.

The actual stem of the ginger plant extends about twelve inches above ground. The plant has long, narrow, green leaves and the flowers are white or yellowish-green and native to Asia.

Ginger has been used as a culinary spice and an herbal treatment for over 4,000 years. The plant grows well in tropical, moist and fertile soil.

What is Ginger Extract? Ginger Root is used to make the extract by soaking the roots in an alcohol extraction bath. The powdered extract is used to make pills, can be used to make teas, and topical pastes.

Home Remedies Using Ginger Extract

Benefits of Ginger Extract

Traditionally Ginger extract is utilized to treat the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches, and painful menstrual periods.

Today ginger is commonly recommended by healthcare professionals as a treatment for nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy, motion sickness, and pregnancy.

Ginger extract is also used as a digestive aid and to treat inflammatory conditions like arthritis. There are some indications that ginger extract has blood thinning qualities and may lower cholesterol.

Ginger Extract can be taken in liquid or capsule form. Taking the extract in a capsule will generally relieve any mild gastrointestinal distress that can result from taking the liquid form.

Ginger extract taken internally and applied externally in a paste or oil may decrease arthritis pain. In one study Ginger was found, “to be superior to dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and placebo for symptoms of motion sickness.”

Side Effects of Ginger Extract

The FDA has ginger extract listed on the "generally recognized as safe" list. It does interact with some medications, including warfarin; a blood-thinner.

Because of its blood thinning properties, make sure your doctor knows if you are taking ginger and are having surgery or even dental work done.

For the same reason do not take ginger if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medications, including aspirin.

Excessive doses of ginger extract may cause diarrhea, irritation of the mouth, and mild heartburn. If you have gallstones, consult your doctor before taking ginger extract.