Scientific Name: Zingiber officinale
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Zingiberaceae
The rhizomes (modified stems) of ginger are used to season foods and add flavor to beverages. Ginger is also used medicinally to treat osteoarthritis/joint pain and relieve nausea. A study found that increasing the amount of ginger in the diet of chemotherapy patients can reduce nausea [Levine et al. 2008]. Although the evidence is conflicting, researchers have investigated how ginger affects platelet thromboxane production (a lipid that aids in blood clot formation) in people [Srivastava 1989].
Safety:
Ginger and ginger spice can cause irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), especially in women. Zingerone, a compound present in ginger is a slight irritant. Ginger may increase the risk of bleeding; therefore, it should be avoided at least 2 weeks before surgery. According to a large study in Europe, the use of ginger during pregnancy did NOT increase the risk of congenital malformations, stillbirth/perinatal death, preterm birth, low birth weight, or low Apgar score (a measure of the physical status of a newborn). Minor side effects from consuming ginger while pregnant include allergic reactions, heartburn, and sedation. Safety information was derived from the following sources: [Borrelli et al. 2005]; [Dante et al. 2013]; [Ding et al. 2013]; [Esmaillzadeh et al. 2013]; [Futrell et al. 1993]; [Heitmann et al. 2012]; [Prescott et al. 1996]; [Prescott et al. 1996]; [Setty et al. 2005].