Ginger for an upset stomach

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By Marilyn Pokorney

The common ginger root used in cooking has been found to alleviate nausea, indigestion and motion sickness. For motion sickness, ginger is more effective than the common Dramamine, says the British medical journal Lancet.

Researchers recommend 1,500 mg of ginger approximately 30 minutes before travel. An alternative is a 12-ounce glass of ginger ale. Another study found that a 940 mg dose of ginger was effective if it was consumed 20 to 25 minutes before travel.

Physicians in Europe found that 250 mg of common ginger stops the nausea and vomiting of mothers-to-be. A study with 80 Danish naval cadets unaccustomed to sailing heavy seas found that one gram of ginger reduced vomiting and cold sweating. Fewer symptoms of nausea and vertigo were also reported. The magic ingredient is gingerol, the active ingredient in ginger. It works with the gastrointestinal tract and does not interact with the nervous system so it has no side effects of toxicity.

Ways to use ginger

A half-teaspoon of ginger is as effective as Dramamine in relieving motion sickness and is equal to 940 mg. A ginger tea can be made by measuring one teaspoon of powdered ginger in a cup of boiling water or fruit juice.

Another method of using ginger is to use essential oil of ginger. Fill a bowl with boiling water, put in one drop of ginger per pint of water used, cover your head and inhale for five minutes with your eyes closed.

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For morning sickness, drink ginger ale or ginger tea, eat ginger snaps or take 250 mg of ginger four times daily. Using 1/8 teaspoon of powdered ginger four times a day relieved morning sickness in pregnant women.

During pregnancy, the total daily dose should not exceed one gram daily. For others, the daily dose may approach two to three grams if needed. For prevention of motion sickness, begin taking three to four hours before the planned trip.

The active ingredient in ginger is gingerol, so when purchasing a ginger extract, make sure it is standardized in an 11:1 concentration. The recommended dose of the extract is 1,000 mg. While ginger is safe for most people, if there is a history of heartburn or gallstones, a doctor should be consulted before use.

For more information on ginger, extracts, oils and more, visit www.apluswriting.net/health/ginger.htm.

© Marilyn Pokorney

Author Marilyn Pokorney is a freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. She loves crafts, gardening and reading. Visit her web site at www.apluswriting.net.