The Use of Ginger for Nausea & Vomiting
Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) is a plant native to Southeastern Asia. It is, however, now grown all over the world. The plant has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine for centuries. The root of the plant is used for medicinal purposes. Ginger is also used to add flavor to foods during cooking. Ginger has been used to treat many health problems including headache, toothache, nausea, and poor circulation.
Recent studies have shown ginger to be effective in treating postsurgical nausea and vomiting, as well as nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy. However, studies evaluating ginger in the treatment of nausea and motion sickness have had mixed results. Doses of ginger most commonly studied range from 250mg to 1000mg taken 1 to 4 times daily. To treat nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy, 250mg 4 times daily is used. Ginger is often used as a fresh or dried root, in teas, sodas, capsules, or breads. Possible side effects include diarrhea and heartburn. Since it may affect bleeding time, those who take blood thinning medications should not take ginger supplements.