The spicy aromatic ginger root has been in use for centuries and we use it almost every day in some form or other. Ginger is a very safe spice and is genrally safe for everyone in the amounts we use in cooking and since it is spicy, it can’t be consumed in large amounts too. But it therapeutic dosages, it does have some side effects and it is important we get to know them before consuming it on a regular basis.
What Is Ginger?
Ginger is a flowering plant whose root is widely used in cooking and remedies. Ginger belongs to the family Zingiberaceae, the same family that includes turmeric and cardamom. India is the largest producer of ginger. Ginger is used in many forms like fresh ginger, dried ginger, ginger powder, ginger juice, ginger infusion, candied ginger, etc.
5 Top Ginger Side Effects
1. Ginger Allergy
Very rarely, some people might be allergic to ginger. Ginger allergy can cause rashes and discomfort in the mouth and stomach immediately after consuming anything with ginger. If you are allergic to ginger, do not consume products made exclusively with ginger.
2. Drug Interactions
Since it lowers high blood pressure and blood sugar levels, it can interact with blood pressure and diabetic medications if had in therapeutic dosages. It also interacts with medicines that slows down blood clotting (anticoagulant medications).
3. Diarrhea
Few months back, I had made ginger concentrate at home to be mixed with water when guests arrive. My cousin accidentally took a big gulp of it and immediately she had diarrhea and stomach pain.
4. Heart Burn & Gastric Burning
I personally experience gastric burning if I have ginger in excess. I feel the amount we are consuming is critical here, try not to go above 4 grams per day.
5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Ulcers
People suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and stomach ulcers will experience stomach discomfort when they consume ginger even in slightly larger amounts. For them, I would suggest not consuming ginger extract alone like in the form of tea or ginger juice. Instead they can consume it mixed with other ingredients like in the form of smoothies.
6. Ginger Side Effects For Hair:
Ginger is used as a home remedy for treating dandruff and scalp inflammation, we use it in the form of ginger hair oil and ginger hair packs. Usually ginger hair treatments are very safe. When you apply ginger juice on the scalp, you will experience mild tingling sensation which is normal but if you experience severe burning sensation, please discontinue use.
Side Effects Noticed In Clinical Trials
Some side effects were noticed in clinical trials in dosages above 700 mg. Headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, gas, nausea, irritation, drowsiness, heartburn, gastric burning, intense urge to urinate are some off the side effects associated with ginger consumption in studies ranging from 2% to 10% of the cases.
a. Symptoms When Consuming 750 mg Ginger Per Day
Heartburn was reported in 3.2 % cases. Headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea were reported in 2.1 % cases
b. Symptoms When Consuming 1000 mg per day
Heart burn was reported in 7% cases, diarrhea in 4% cases, mouth irritation in 1% cases, abdominal pain in 10% cases.
Ginger Safe Dosage To Prevent Side Effects:
It is best not to go above 4 grams per day to prevent all the side effects mentioned above. Usually for treating nausea 1 gram is recommended, 250 mg for menstrual pain, 500 mg for morning sickness and arthritic pain. These are general suggestions, if you are suffering from any medical conditions, please consult your physician before taking ginger in large amounts daily.
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Hi Ramya super medicine for headache.i want to one recepies for my son.he is 3 months boy.he is thoppul is not going to inside please give tips
Hi jega, my son had the same umbilical hirenia prob…like his thoppul has not gone inside…my MIL used to keep a 5 rupee coin and press the umbilical inward and used a big band-aid.after 15 days it went inside… Either daily or once in two days we used to change . It will be so wild but no other go. Out of my MIL experience we did.. I have pgoeop to share as well..before and now…😀👍
Photos to share…sorry it may b too late..like 2014..but someone who needs info now may it will b useful.Thanks
Hi Jega,When I asked my elders about this, they advised that it goes inside on it's own within a few months, so please don't worry. You can also wet one of your small fingers with pure coconut oil and gently press it in the belly button without giving much pressure for a few minutes daily………..
Thank u ramya
When you say dry ginger, do you mean a piece of ginger that dries naturally (i invariably don't use all and it shrivels up, so I throw it away) or can I use for example MDH dried ginger powder…will remember to save some dried ginger next time I harvest
Dry ginger is the regular ginger that is completely sun dried. Though you can substitute it with powders like you mentioned, I don't know whether it will be as potent as making fresh paste. But give it a try if you already have ginger powder at home….
Hi there sukku as in dry ginger s not just sun dried ginger…ginger s boiled n dried for making sukku…heard it from an annachi in near by store… it's a process it seems
I generally use dried ginger powder only. I mix with little water, warm it so it becomes paste and apply on the forehead, behind ears with forefinger. I repeat this thrice a day. For years I remember this is the medication i follow for my sinuses and cold.
Great remedy! Thank you for sharing this remedy!
madam my son is 12years.he was saying that is geting headache.is in this age headache well attack,he was from last one year.we have consult doctor they are saying no problem nothing is there dont worry.but headache is as useial. we have consult eye spacialist also they also said same.i was vary worry so doctor tested by scaning also and said same no problem,but why again and again headache i cant undustand. please help me madam.
Stress or anxiety also could lead to headaches, we mostly overlook the amount of stress our children go through. Notice whether he is stressed, including weekly twice oil bath for him (an age old remedy for stress that our elders insisted) will greatly help ease the stress. When he gets a headache try the nochi leaf steam from the blog, it will also greatly help…
not drinking enough water could also cause headaches in young children.
HI Ramya, how do ground dry ginger with the skin on?
Since dry ginger is dried completely it is actually very easy to grind it even with skin on. To grind, sundry dry ginger under hot sun for an hour and then pound it to small pieces and dry grind finely in a dry mixer jar and sieve…