Precautions in Using Ginger

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Herbs, because they are all-natural, are generally regarded as safe and the use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. However, herbs contain active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements or medications. As such, herbs should be taken with care, under the strict supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine.

One such herb, the fresh ginger root, has been given a class 1 safety rating by the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA). This rating indicates that it is a safe herb with a wide dosage range. Side effects associated with ginger are rare, but if taken in excessive doses, the herb may cause mild heartburn.

Dried ginger root, on the other hand, has been given a class 2b rating, indicating that it should not be ingested during pregnancy. People suffering from gallstones should consult a physician before taking ginger.

Patients currently being treated with any of the medications listed below should not use ginger without first talking to a health professional.

Blood-thinning medications: Ginger may interfere with blood clotting; however, there have been no scientific or case reports of interactions between ginger and blood-thinning medications. Nonetheless, people taking such medication with ginger should be monitored closely by a healthcare practitioner for risk of bleeding.

Cyclophosphamide: There is a possibility that ginger may reduce the toxic side effects of cyclophosphamide (a medication used to treat a variety of cancers). However, more research is needed in this area.

(Source: The University of Maryland Medical Center, http://www.umm.edu)