Ginger Extract
(Zingiber officinale)

DESCRIPTION/FUNCTION

• Ginger root (rhizome) is often used as a spice in many parts of the world, especially Asia. Active ingredients include aryl alkanes (gingerols, shogaols), gingerdiols, and volatile oils (zingiberone, bisabolene, camphene, geraniol, linalool, borneol).

DRI (RDA or AI for Adults)

• None.

MAJOR SOURCES

• Rhizome.

MAINTENANCE/THERAPEUTIC RANGE

• 100 mg to 1,000 mg (standardized to 5% to 10% gingerols or volatile oils).

POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

• Coronary heart disease
• Headache (migraine)
• High cholesterol
• Inflammation
• Morning sickness
• Motion sickness
• Nausea
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Vertigo

COMMENTS

• Ginger is beneficial for the GI tract, being particularly helpful with nausea. Ginger is used to treat indigestion and flatulence, and it has a broad range of action against intestinal parasites. Ginger also has antioxidant properties. Turmeric, another traditional spice, belongs to the ginger family.

CAUTIONS

• Consult with your health practitioner if you have gallstones or are taking blood thinning drugs.