Ginger Root

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

Ginger Root has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating nausea and vomiting caused by taking HIV/AIDS medications or nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy, menstrual pain, or joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.

Ginger Root has also been used to treat or prevent motion sickness, and muscle pain after exercise. However, research has shown that Ginger Root may not be effective in treating these conditions.

Other uses not proven with research have included alcohol hangover, migraine headaches, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, trouble swallowing, high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis, insect bite, dry mouth, inflammatory bowel disease, hypertension, indigestion, and other conditions.

It is not certain whether Ginger Root is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Ginger Root should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Ginger Root is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

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

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

If you decide to use Ginger Root, 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.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not get better, or if they worsen.

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

Keep it stored 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 Root, speak with your healthcare provider. You might not be able to use this product if you have specific medical conditions.

Check with 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.

Consult 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.

Although not all side effects are known, Ginger Root is thought to be likely safe for most people when used as directed.

Common side effects of Ginger Root 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 as scheduled.

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

Do not use different forms of Ginger Root (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 Root 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 Root, ginkgo, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, saw palmetto, turmeric, and willow.

Avoid using Ginger Root 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 Root without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• nifedipine;
• medication 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 Root, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and Herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.