Ginger Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects

Introduction:  

We all enjoy a cup of piping hot ginger tea during a cold, don’t we? Indian cooking often uses ginger everyday meals to add the characteristic sharp flavour. But did you know that ginger is also known as srngaveram in Sanskrit, which translates to ”horn root”? This is quite interesting because ginger is a horizontal stem (and not a root!) from which roots grow. Ginger belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and is related to other common spices cardamom and turmeric, all of which belong to the same family. Ginger is one of the most commonly consumed condiments in the world. Ginger was used as a tonic root for more than 5000 years to treat many conditions In India and China. The actual origin of ginger is uncertain because it does not grow in the wild. Nowadays, it is grown in humid tropical regions, India being its largest producer. Over 2000 years ago, it was one of the most important articles of trade that was exported to the Roman Empire from India. It has been one of the most sought-after spices since ages. It was held in high regard because of its potential medicinal properties.

The scientific name of ginger is Zingiber officinale.  It can be utilised fresh, preserved, crystallised, dried, pickled, candied or ground, adding a different flavour to the dish in each of these forms. The juice of ginger is also used to make tea or in other health juices. Ginger juice might have many health benefits, some of them are described in the following sections.

Nutritional Value of Ginger Juice: 

The following nutrients are present in ginger: 

Table 1: Nutrients present in 100g of ginger and their percentage content² 

The following vitamins and minerals are present in ginger: 

Properties of Ginger Juice: 

Ginger juice might have the following properties: 

1. It might be an antioxidant    
2. It might help relieve inflammation (anti-inflammatory)  
3. It might help relieve nausea    
4. It might have an anti-cancer potential    
5. It might help protect against heart diseases (cardio-protective)¹    

Potential Uses of Ginger Juice for Overall Health: 

Ginger is a spice that adds pungent flavour to the food, therefore, it is used in many regions. Moreover, it is a natural herb which might of use as a herbal medicine for various ailments with more research on humans.¹ Ginger juice might have the following potential uses for human health. 

1. Potential use of ginger juice for nausea and vomiting  

Various clinical trials were conducted to explore the anti-emetic (nausea and vomiting reducing) potential of ginger. In one of the studies conducted by Sannati et al., it was observed that ginger juice might have the potential to help overcome the nausea and vomiting that is experienced by patients during cancer treatment. This potential effect of ginger juice was seen in both adults and children. Furthermore, in another clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of various antiemetic agents, it was observed that ginger might be more helpful than vitamin B6 (a known anti-emetic agent) in reducing the severity of pregnancy induced nausea and vomiting.³ 

2. Potential use of ginger juice for inflammation  

Several studies have shown that ginger might have a potential to reduce inflammation (exaggerated response of body to injury) which is known to be responsible for many diseases like osteoarthritis (OA). It was seen that ginger might help reduce certain inflammatory components (cytokines) and might also encourage the expression of certain genes (FOXP3) which might result in the reduction of inflammation. Therefore, ginger juice might have the potential to reduce inflammation.

3. Potential use of ginger juice for pain  

Pain caused due to various conditions like migraine, lower back pain, muscle pain, etc. and the potential effect of ginger in lowering has been observed in a variety of studies. One study reported that ginger might potentially be able to reduce muscle pain. Studies conducted by Maghbooli et al. and Martin et al. showed that ginger might also help alleviate the symptoms of migraine and headaches. Furthermore, it was also assessed for its potential in lowering lower back pain and chest pain. Therefore, it might be said that ginger juice may have the potential to lower pain. However, its exact mechanism and mode of action is yet to be proven by further research.³ 

4. Potential use of ginger juice for stomach  

Ginger juice might have the potential to help enhance the emptying of stomach. It might also be helpful in regulating the irregular frequency of stomach emptying (dysrhythmia). Many studies concluded that ginger might have this potential to help with stomach troubles. However, more studies are required to prove these effects.³  

5. Potential use of ginger juice for cancer  

Ginger might have a potential to exhibit anti-cancer properties. It was seen in a few studies and clinical trials that ginger juice might have the potential to help against colorectal cancer and may help in reducing the levels of cancer markers. However, more research is required to ascertain these possible effects. Moreover, a serious condition such as cancer must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Therefore, kindly ensure that you consult a doctor.³  

6. Potential uses of ginger juice for blood pressure  

In a study, it was seen that the extracts of ginger might have the potential to lower elevated blood pressure. Therefore, ginger juice might help in hypertension. These effects, however, need to be confirmed by more research. Therefore, kindly consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.¹ 

Though there are studies that show the benefits of ginger juice in various conditions, but these are insufficient and there is a need of further studies to establish the true extent of benefits of ginger juice on human health.   

How to Use Ginger Juice? 

You Ayurvedic physician might recommend that you drink ginger juice for certain conditions. The exact dosage and best way of use will be advised by your doctor and you must follow their advice as they are tailored to your health needs. However, you can make ginger juice by following these steps 

1. Take a few inches of ginger stem and wash it thoroughly to get rid of the mud usually attached. 
2. Peel the ginger and cut it into smaller pieces. 
3. Blend the ginger or crush it to obtain its juice. 
4. Then mix it with some water 
5. You can add a little bit of sugar or honey to taste 
6. You can also squeeze in a bit of lime or add a few crushed mint leaves to it. 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.   

Side Effects of Ginger Juice: 

Most of the side effects that were reported seemed to reverse the positive effects that ginger juice might have on the stomach. Ginger juice might have the following side effects: 

1. Heartburn 
2. Gas  
3. Epigastric distress (pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen or ribs area) 
4. Bloating 
5. Stomach pain  
6. Nausea 
7. Diarrhoea  

Precautions to Take with Ginger Juice:  

Precaution should be taken, and you should discuss with your doctor whether if it safe to drink ginger juice if you are taking any anti-coagulant medicines prescribed by your doctor. Moreover, general precaution should be taken by breastfeeding mothers, pregnant women, elderly individuals and children.¹ 

Interactions with Other Drugs: 

Ginger might interact with the following drugs and might affect their properties, the way that they act, etc. which might affect the human health in a negative way. Ginger might react with the following drugs: 

1. Metronidazole
2. Warfarin