From the Desk of Dr. Lenz
Ginger for Pain, Fever, Nausea, and Your Heart
For centuries, ginger has been used for its antispasmodic, anti-nausea action and its ability to relieve nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and to calm an upset stomach. There are also reports that ginger can decrease dizziness and vertigo and some studies report that it improves the heart’s overall functioning.
Studies report that ginger can reduce blood pressure and reduce cholesterol which all help to decrease risk of coronary artery disease. One study showed that ginger is as effective as prescription drugs such as Reglan to treat nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy.
Last week there was a big write-up in the Los Angeles Times, so most of my patients cut out the article and asked me if it is okay to take ginger.
We have known for quite a while that ginger ale can help some patients with nausea and vomiting. A study in the British journal Lancet in 1982 showed it was actually more effective than Dramamine® in preventing motion sickness in seasick Danish sailors. In another test conducted at Brigham Young University, 36 students were asked to take either 100 mg. of Dramamine (dimenhydrinate), two capsules of Ginger or a placebo. They had to sit in a special rotating chair. None of the students who took Dramamine or the placebo could do the whole six minutes, but half of the students with ginger could finish. We usually recommend two capsules before your travel and every four hours.
Ginger has also some other interesting effects such as an anti-inflammatory and can help to fight a flu, bronchitis and sore throat because it contains antiviral compounds such as gingerols, shogaolsm and sesquiterpenes which can reduce fevers, pains and cough. Ginger also contains a proteolytic enzyme called zingipain which can help in patients with bunions and arthritis pains. Ginger can be also applied externally as a compress and can reduce pain particular for fibromyalgia, joint stiffness, abdominal cramps and skin inflammations.
We usually recommend preparing a warm ginger tea to help break a high fever and rid mucus buildup in the sinuses by drinking a cup every 2-3 hours.
There is one issue you need to check with your physician: if you have a history of blood-clotting problems, you need to discuss whether you can take ginger. We know that ginger can prevents blood clots, therefore discuss with your oncologists that you are taking ginger because it can influence blood clotting.
This news article was originally posted on May 26th, 2009 and was accurate at the time of publication. Since then, information may have changed or links may now be outdated. Please call our Answer Line 1-877-427-2111 for the latest information, or talk to your doctor before making any medical decisions.
Posted by Heinz-Josef Lenz, MD on May 26th, 2009
Tags: ginger, Managing Symptoms and Side Effects, nausea
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Ann Gallagher
May 29, 2009 at 1:38pm
Dear Dr. Lenz,
Thank you for your work. I have Lynch syndrome, and so have watched many family members dealing with colon cancer. It is heartening to know that people like you are working on treatments which give us hope. Regarding the use of ginger for nausea, I wondered if it might help with colonoscopy prep. As I’m sure you know, many doctors are now hesitant to prescribe the Osmo prep pills now because of the potential for kidney damage. Unfortunately, I can’t drink the various PEG solutions–they cause me severe nausea. A yearly colonoscopy is essential for me, and I am worried that I won’t be able to do the prep.
Heinz Josef Lenz
May 29, 2009 at 6:10pm
not sure but it seems to work for many different kind of nausea……try it out and let me know if it works HJL