Zingiber officinale
Origin: The dried or fresh root of the ginger plant.
Dosage: Powder, extract, tincture, capsules and oils, up to 2 g in three divided doses per day or up to 4 cups of tea daily.
Claims: Decreases joint pain and reduces inflammation in people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Increases circulation in people with Raynaud’s phenomenon.
What we know: Ginger contains active ingredients that may have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger reduces nausea and vomiting and is a proven treatment for motion sickness and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Studies: A recent study showed that ginger extract inhibited inflammation-causing chemicals, including TNF-α and COX-2. A 2005 study reinforced the anti-inflammatory effects of ginger. Another 2005 study showed ginger killed Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that causes stomach ulcers.
Ginger can interfere with medications for blood thinning. It should not be used if you have gallstones.
