Functions as digestive stimulant
Ginger is used as a digestive stimulant. It helps to improve appetite by stimulating secretion of pancreatic digestive enzymes and bile. (Platel K, Rao A, Saraswathi G, Srinivasan K. “Digestive stimulant action of three Indian spice mixes in experimental rats.” Nahrung. 2002 Dec;46(6);394-8).
Reduces dyspepsia
Dyspepsia or difficulty in digesting foods, commonly known as indigestion, could be healed by consuming ginger. Clinical trials suggest that ginger helps to treat dyspepsia by acting on hormones that influence gastric motility. It aids stomach emptying. (Hu ML, Rayner CK, Wu KL, Chuah SK, Tai WC, Chou YP, Chiu YC, Chiu KW, Hu TH. “Effect of ginger on gastric motility and symptoms of functional dyspepsia.” World J Gastroenterol. 2011 Jan 7, 17(1):105-10).
Increases saliva secretion
The digestion process starts the moment you start chewing the food. The saliva contains enzymes that help to break down carbohydrates and starch. In addition, saliva also acts as a natural disinfectant. Hence, to ensure proper digestion, the salivary glands should produce sufficient saliva. Experimental studies suggest than Zingiber officinale improves saliva secretion. (Chamani G, Zarei MR, Mehrabani M, Taghiabadi Y. “Evaluation of Effects of Zingiber officinale on Salivation in Rats.” Acta Med Iran. 2011Jun;49(6):336-40).
Reduces nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Although antiemetic medications help to suppress these unpleasant side effects, use of these medications is not free from side effects. Studies claim that ginger is the most effective side effect free natural antiemetic that can prevent nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment in cancer patients. (Hanaidka R, Popouri S, Palatty PL, Arora R, Balinga MS. “Medicinal Plants as Antiemetics in the Treatment of Cancer: A Review.” Integr Cancer Ther. 2011 Aug 5).
Almost 90% women experience nausea and vomiting in the first trimester of pregnancy. Ginger is widely used as a natural treatment for this unpleasant condition during pregnancy. Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of the herbal remedy in preventing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It is more effective than vitamin B6 supplement in reducing the number and intensity of nausea and vomiting episodes. (Ensiyeh J, Sakineh MA. “Comparing ginger and vitamin B6 for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial.” Midwifery. 2009 Dec;25(6):649-53).
Postoperative nausea and vomiting could be reduced by consuming ginger. (Chaiyakunapruk N, Kitikannakorn N, Nathisuwan S, Leeprakobboon K, Leelasethagool C. “The efficacy of ginger for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: a meta-analysis.” Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006;194:95-9).
Functions as an antiflatulant
Ginger aids flatulence and helps to reduce intestinal gas. Studies suggest that by increasing relaxation and by reducing contraction of lower esophageal sphincter, ginger helps to eliminate gas. (Lohsiriwat S, Rukkiat M, Chaikomin R, Leelakusolvong S. “Effect of ginger on lower esophageal sphincter pressure.” J Med Assoc Thai. 2010 Mar;93(3):366-72).
Acts as a natural antidiarrheal
Ginger might benefit people suffering from diarrhea. Experimental studies suggest that bacterial infections of the stomach that cause diarrhea might be healed with ginger. (Chen JC, Huang LJ, Wu SL, Kuo SC, Ho TY, Hsiang CY. “Ginger and its bioactive component inhibit enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli heat-liable enterotoxin-induced diarrhea in mice.” J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Oct 17;55(21):8390-7). However, bacterial infections are not the only cause of diarrhea. Diarrhea might even develop owing to excess serotonin secretion. Studies suggest that ginger could even inhibit diarrhea induced by serotonin. (Huang Q, Matsuda H, Sakai K, Yamahara J, Tamai Y. “The effect of ginger on serotonin induced hypothermia and diarrhea.” Yakugaku Zasshi. 1990 Dec;110(12):936-42).
Improves liver function
Liver produces bile, which aids digestion of fats. A diseased liver impairs the digestion process. Ginger could effectively treat liver disorders. Studies indicate that it can be used for preventing and treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. (Sahebkar A. “Potential efficacy of ginger as a natural supplement for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.” World J Gastroenterol. 2011 Jan 14;17(2):271-2). It could also suppress inflammatory and carcinogenic activities in the liver tissues. (Habib SH, Makpol s, Abdul Hamid NA, Das S, Ngah WZ, Yosof YA. “Ginger extract (Zingiber officinale) has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects on ethionine-induced hepatoma rats.” Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2008 Dec; 63(6):807-13).
Prevents gastric ulcer
Studies have reported the effectiveness of Zinger officinale in preventing and treating gastric ulcer. By boosting secretion of antioxidant enzymes, ginger helps to protect the stomach from stress-induced gastric ulcers. Ginger rhizome inhibits growth of Helicobacter pylori bacteria. It speeds up recovery of the gastric mucin. Studies have revealed that the anti-ulcer activities of ginger are primarily concentrated in cinnamic acid and gallic acids. (Nanjundaiah SM, Annaiah HN, M Dharmesh S. “Gastroprotective Effect of Ginger Rhizome (Zinger officinale) Extract: Role of Gallic Acid and Cinnamic Acid in H+, K+ ATPase/H. pylori Inhibition and Anti-oxidative Mechanism.” Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 Jul 1). Studies have further revealed that ginger could reduce the risk of developing gastric ulcers from prolonged intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin. (Khushtar M, Kumar V, Javed K, Bhandari U. “Protective Effect of Ginger oil on Aspirin and Pylorus Ligation-Induced Gastric Ulcer model in Rats.” Indian J Pharm Sci. 2009 Sep;71(5):554-8).
Reduces risk of gastric cancer
Gingerol, paradol, shogaols and zingerone, the active phytochemicals in ginger, could inhibit growth of gastric cancer cells. (Ishiguro K, Ando T, Maeda O, Ohmiya N, Niwa Y, Kadamtsu K, Goto H. “Ginger ingredients reduce viability of gastric cancer cells by distinct mechanisms.” Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2007 Oct 12;362(1):218-23).
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