Ginger

Ginger is an herb that is also known by many names, including Amomum Zingiber, Ardraka, Black Ginger, Cochin Ginger, Gan Jiang, Gingembre, Ginger Essential Oil, Ginger Root, Imber, Jengibre, Jiang, Kankyo, Kanshokyo, Nagara, Race Ginger, Racine de Gingembre, Rhizoma Zingiberi, Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens, Sheng Jiang, Shoga, Shokyo, Shunthi, Srungavera, Sunth, Sunthi, Vishvabheshaja, and others.

Ginger has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid for nausea and vomiting caused by taking HIV/AIDS medications, as well as for nausea and vomiting related to pregnancy, menstrual pain, or joint pain from osteoarthritis.

Ginger has also been used to treat or prevent motion sickness and muscle pain after exercise. However, research indicates that ginger may not be effective for these issues.

Other uses that have not been proven by research include treating alcohol hangover, migraine headaches, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, trouble swallowing, high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis, insect bites, dry mouth, inflammatory bowel disease, hypertension, indigestion, and other conditions.

It is unclear if ginger is effective for any medical condition. The FDA has not approved the medicinal use of this product. Ginger should not replace any medication prescribed by your doctor.

Ginger is commonly sold as an herbal supplement. Many herbal products do not have regulated manufacturing standards, and some supplements on the market have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. To reduce the risk of contamination, herbal/health supplements should be bought from a trustworthy source.

Ginger may also be used for purposes not mentioned in this product guide.

When thinking about using ginger, talk to your doctor. You might also want to consult a practitioner who is trained in herbal/health supplements.

If you decide to use ginger, follow the instructions on the package or those given by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than what is recommended on the label.

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, you can open it and pour the product into a spoon or into food or drink. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

If you are going to have surgery, inform the surgeon in advance that you are using ginger. You may need to stop using this product at least 2 weeks before the surgery.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Follow all directions on the product label and package.

Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before using ginger, speak with your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use this product if you have specific medical conditions.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have or have ever had:

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;
• diabetes; or
• any heart conditions.

Ask a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

While not all side effects are known, ginger is generally considered safe for most people when used as directed.

Common side effects of ginger may include:

• heartburn, diarrhea, stomach discomfort;
• burping; or
• skin irritation (if applied to skin).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you miss a dose, just skip it and take your next dose at the regular time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not use different forms of ginger (pills, liquids, and others) at the same time or you could have an overdose.

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care while shaving or brushing your teeth.

Avoid using ginger together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting. This includes angelica (dong quai), capsicum, clove, dandelion, danshen, evening primrose, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, saw palmetto, turmeric, and willow.

Avoid using ginger together with other herbal/health supplements that can lower blood sugar, such as alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, damiana, devil's claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others.

Do not take ginger without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• nifedipine;
• medications used to treat or prevent blood clots--clopidogrel (Plavix), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), aspirin, alteplase, dipyridamole, ticlopidine, and others;
• insulin or oral diabetes medicine; or
• blood pressure medications.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect ginger, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and Herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.