ginger

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Pronunciation: JIN jer

What is the most important information I should know about ginger?

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.

What is ginger?

Ginger is an herb also known as 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, Zingiberis Recens, Sheng Jiang, Shoga, Shokyo, Shunthi, Srungavera, Sunth, Sunthi, Vishvabheshaja, and other names.

Ginger has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating nausea and vomiting after surgery, dizziness, menstrual pain, arthritis, preventing morning sickness.

Ginger has also been used for weight loss and to prevent motion sickness and seasickness. However, research has shown that ginger may not be effective in treating these conditions.

Other uses not proven with research have included sudden respiratory failure, alcohol hangover, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, upset stomach, high cholesterol, migraines, muscle pains after exercise, rheumatoid arthritis, trouble swallowing, loss of appetite, colds, and other conditions.

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

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ginger?

Before using ginger, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use ginger if you have certain medical conditions.

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

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

It is not known whether ginger will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether ginger passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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

How should I take ginger?

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use ginger, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Do not use different formulations of ginger (such as tablets, liquids, and others) at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with ginger does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.

Ginger can affect blood-clotting and may increase your risk of bleeding.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra ginger to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid while taking ginger?

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Avoid using ginger together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting. This includes angelica (dong quai), capsicum, clove, danshen, 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, devil's claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others.

What are the possible side effects of ginger?

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

Although not all side effects are known, ginger is thought to be likely safe for most people.

Stop using ginger and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:

  • easy bruising or bleeding; or
  • any bleeding that will not stop.

Common side effects may include:

  • heartburn, diarrhea, stomach discomfort;
  • heavier menstrual periods; and
  • 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.

What other drugs will affect ginger?

Other drugs may interact with ginger, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

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

  • nifedipine;
  • medications that slow blood clotting such as aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others;
  • Phenprocoumon (used in Europe to slow blood clotting);
  • any diabetes medication;
  • any medication for high blood pressure; or
  • metronidazole (Flagyl).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with ginger, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.

Where can I get more information?

Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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