Ginger is a very well-known spice. It has aromatic, spicy and pungent taste. It is a very effective remedy for the digestive and respiratory diseases. We all use this medicinal herb daily in our food in one form or other. It is taken in juice form for getting relief from symptoms of gas, motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, cold, cough and fever. Ginger is also taken in pregnancy for getting effective relief from nausea, vomiting or morning sickness. Any other taken for treating morning sickness can cause birth defects in foetus but ginger is extremely safe and can be taken without any fear.
Ginger is a warming herb and well tolerated in all individuals. But it should not be taken orally in amount greater than five grams in a day by a person. As this results in many side-effects. In excess ginger, causes increased Pitta inside the body. This results in derangement of Pitta dosha and causes hyperacidity, heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea, irritation in the mouth and throat, burning sensation, burning micturition.
Ginger use in patients of gallstone and ulcers should be avoided. As it increases bile/pitta inside the body so that may cause gallbladder obstruction and thus colic.
Ginger should be used in moderation during the summer seasons.
The safe dosage of ginger is as follows
- Dry ginger in the form of tablet, capsule: 1 gms
- For motion sickenss: 1 gms, before journey
- For morning sickness: 250 mg, 4 times a day.
- In any case, it is recommended that dose of ginger should not exceed 5 grams/day.