Zingiber officinale – What are the indications, contraindications, drug interactions?

Zingiber officinale (ginger) is an aromatic digestive stimulant, carminative, ani-emetic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.

Indications:

• General infections
• Intestinal parasites
• Inflammatory conditions (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dyspepsia, hypochlorhydria, anorexia
• Biliary insufficiency, biliary dyskinesia
• Atonic constipation
• Gas, flatulence

Contraindications:

• Gastritis, hyperchlorhydria, peptic ulcer disease, GERD
• Acute cholelithiasis
• Biliary obstruction
• Acute diarrhea

Interactions:

• As with all herbs that affect intestinal transit time, Zingiber can alter absorption of drugs and should not be taken simultaneously (especially with cardiac glycosides, diuretics, antiarrhythmics, corticosteroids, etc.)

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This post was written by Omar Rifai