9 Benefits of ginger as a natural medicine: uses, side effects, interactions

The benefits of ginger have been proven in traditional Chinese medicine. Many use ginger, both original ginger and in cream form as an anti-inflammatory drug and wound healer. So, what are the benefits of ginger that have been scientifically proven? The following is the review.

What is ginger?

Temulawak is a native Indonesian plant whose shape is similar to turmeric. Plants that have Latin names Curcuma xanthorrhiza it is usually shaped like a cylinder with a diameter of 6 cm.

Generally, this plant has light yellow skin. As a monocot plant, this plant does not have a taproot. The root that is owned is the root of the rhizome.

The rhizome is the part of the stem that lies underground. Rhizomes are also referred to as root tubers or stem tubers. Among all the Curcuma rhizomes, this plant rhizome is the largest among other plants.

The ginger rhizome consists of the mother and tillers. The parent rhizome is round like an egg and has a dark yellow color, while the inside is brownish orange.

From this main rhizome comes a second, smaller rhizome that grows sideways. Usually the number is around 3 to 7 pieces.

At first, Curcuma xanthorrhiza Many grow in the forest, especially teak forests along with other types of meeting-finding. This plant usually grows a lot in reeds and dry land. However, nowadays ginger is widely cultivated in the highlands.

Chemical content and compounds in ginger

Temulawak rhizome contains curcuminoids, essential oils, starches, proteins, fats, cellulose, and minerals. Starch is the largest component in ginger rhizome. Starch is usually yellowish white because it contains curcuminoids.

Curcuminoids are substances that give yellow color to ginger and turmeric. In ginger contained:

• 0.37% ash
• 1.52% protein
• 1.35% fat
• 0.80% fiber
• 79.96% carbohydrates
• 15 ppm curcumin
• 11.45 ppm of potassium
• 6,38 ppm of sodium
• 19.07 ppm calcium
• 12.72 ppm magnesium
• 6.38 ppm of iron
• 0.82 ppm manganese
• 0.02 ppm cadmium

*) Ppm (parts per million) or parts per million, is a unit of concentration expressed in mg / Kg.

In addition, there are three active substances contained in ginger rhizome, namely:

• Germakron, anti-inflammatory and inhibits swelling.
• P-toluylmetylcarbinol and sesquiterpene d-camphor, increases production and bile.
• Tumeron, antimicrobial.

The difference between turmeric and ginger

At first glance, turmeric and ginger look very similar. Even the benefits of turmeric and ginger are quite similar. Therefore, it is not uncommon for many people to be mistaken when they recognize the two. In order not to make the wrong choice, here are the differences between turmeric and ginger that need to be known:

Leaf

Turmeric has a single leaf with an elongated shape of up to 20-40 cm with a leaf width of 8-12.5 cm. The leaves have a pinnate, bone-like shape with a pale green color. Turmeric leaves have a pointed tip and base with a flat leaf edge. Meanwhile, ginger has wide leaves connected with midribs and rather long petioles.

Trunk

Turmeric has a pseudo-stem with a height of 40-100 cm. Meanwhile, ginger has a pseudo-stem up to 2.5 meters high.

Rhizome

The turmeric rhizome has branches to form clumps. The rhizome is elliptical and forms branches in the form of stems that are in the ground.

Turmeric rhizome is usually covered with shoots that grow sideways, horizontally, and curved. The buds are short knuckles of a straight or curved shape. The skin color of the turmeric rhizome is usually brownish orange or light yellow-reddish in color.

Meanwhile, ginger rhizome usually has a larger size than turmeric. One other thing that is quite striking between ginger and turmeric is that the turmeric meat is more concentrated, aka reddish orange, while ginger is usually faded yellow. Temulawak also has a bitter taste compared to turmeric.

Flower

Turmeric has compound flowers, hair and scales. The crown is 3 cm long and 1.5 cm wide and is yellow with cylindrical petals.

Meanwhile, ginger usually has reddish or yellowish white flowers. The length of the flower stalk is about 1.5 to 3 cm with the flowers coming straight out of the rhizome. The main flower is red with light green petals and the base of the flower is purple.

Benefits of ginger for health

Curcuma xanthorrhiza can be used as medicine, food flavoring, drinks, and natural dyes for food and cosmetics. The benefits of ginger as medicine have been known and known for a long time, both domestically and abroad. Here are the various benefits of ginger for health:

1. Overcoming digestive system problems

The first benefit of ginger is that it stimulates the production of bile in the gallbladder. Of course this helps digestion and metabolism of food in the body.

Not only that, according to experts, ginger is also useful for overcoming flatulence, helping digestion is not smooth, and increasing appetite.

A study published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology asked patients with intestinal inflammation to consume ginger every day. The result, this group of patients experienced a faster healing process than the group of patients who did not consume curcuma.

2. Overcoming osteoarthritis

Another benefit of ginger is that it helps patients with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, in which the joints become painful and stiff.

This is also proven in a journal published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. In the journal shows that the effect of ginger is almost the same as the effect of ibuprofen (a painkiller) given to osteoarthritis patients.

3. Prevent and help treat cancer

Although there is still very little research available regarding the benefits of ginger with cancer treatment, some experts believe in the properties of this plant. Temulawak can be used to help treat prostate cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer.

The benefits of ginger are supported by a study conducted in 2001, which stated that ginger can inhibit the growth and development of prostate cancer.

Researchers from the University of Maryland Medical Center explain that herbal ingredients may help stop cancer growth thanks to the antioxidants contained in herbal medicines, including ginger.

4. Anti-inflammatory drugs

Temulawak contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can inhibit the production of prostaglandin E2 which triggers inflammation. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory content in it helps to deal with diseases caused by inflammation in the body such as arthritis.

5. Antibacterial and antifungal

Temulawak contains various antibacterial and antifungal compounds. The antibacterial content in ginger has benefits, especially it is quite effective in eradicating Staphylococcus and Salmonella bacteria. While the antifungal compounds are powerful enough to remove fungi from the dermatophyte group.

6. Acne medication

In the world of beauty, ginger can also be used as an acne medication. This is because ginger has astringent properties. Astringent is useful for reducing oil production from the gland. In addition, the antiseptic content in it can also help clean the skin from acne-causing bacteria. That way, inflamed pimples will gradually get better and heal.

7. Maintain liver health

Reporting from the Scientific Research Journal, ginger extract has been shown to have benefits in protecting the liver from hepatotoxins, such as carbon tetrachloride and acetaminophen. Hepatotoxins are chemicals that cause adverse effects on the liver. That way, ginger becomes one of the natural ingredients that can be used as an option to help maintain the health of your liver.

8. Diuretic drugs

Other benefits of ginger that are a pity if overlooked, namely as a natural diuretic drug. Diuretics are substances that help rid the body of salt (sodium) and water, so there is no buildup of fluids in the body. This substance stimulates the kidneys to release more sodium into the urine.

The diuretic benefits in ginger will also take excess fluid from the blood vessels. This process helps reduce pressure on the walls of your vessels. Usually diuretics are needed to help prevent, treat, and correct problems such as:

• Heart failure
• Liver failure
• Swelling of tissue (edema)
• Kidney problems

9. Antispasmodic

Oil Curcuma xanthorrhiza it also has benefits as an antispasmodic. Reporting from the national drug information center, antispasmodics are a class of drugs that have properties as smooth muscle relaxants. This means that this drug can relax the smooth muscles in the intestines and prevent them from spasms.

Antispasmodic drugs are usually useful for treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a condition when the colon is disrupted due to abnormal muscle contractions. As a result, people with IBS will experience various symptoms such as:

• Stomach ache
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Constipation

With its antispasmodic content, ginger can be a natural remedy that can help relieve IBS symptoms. Usually, as medicine, antispasmodics are taken 30 to 60 minutes before meals.

Side effects of ginger

Besides having benefits, ginger can also cause side effects. In general, ginger is safe if used as medicine in a short time, which is up to a maximum of about 18 weeks. However, if used more than that, this natural ingredient can also bring various side effects, especially stomach irritation and nausea.

For that, you also need to consult your doctor before taking ginger as medicine. The reason is, even though it comes from natural ingredients, it does not rule out that ginger can have negative effects on the body.

In addition, for those of you who have liver disease and bile problems, you should avoid consuming this natural ingredient. The problem is, ginger can increase bile production which will worsen your health condition. If you have gallstones, consult your doctor first before consuming ginger.

Recipe for herbal ginger

To get the benefits of ginger, this one herb is usually processed as a herbal medicine or drink. Now there may be some practical packaged curcuma available.

However, if you want to try to make it yourself, you don't need to be confused. Here are various recipes for herbal ginger that you can try at home:

Recipe 1

Materials

• 50 gr ginger
• 20 grams of kawak tamarind without seeds
• 25 gr kencur
• 10 gr cumin
• 100 ml of boiled water
• 100 gr palm sugar
• 2 pandan leaves
• 1 liter of water

How to make

1. Slice curcuma and kencur, roast in a skillet.
2. Mix ginger, tamarind, kencur, cumin, and 100 ml of boiled water using a blender, set aside.
3. Boil water with sugar and pandan leaves until the sugar dissolves.
4. Combine the ginger mixture with boiled sugar water, stir well then strain.
5. Serve warm or cold to taste.

Recipe 2

Materials

• 30 gr ginger
• 2 fingers tamarind
• 7 cloves of garlic
• 30 gr bitter
• 500 ml of water

How to make

1. Wash all ingredients thoroughly.
2. Grated ginger and garlic grated or use a blender.
3. Place the mashed ingredients in a saucepan filled with water.
4. Bring to a boil then strain.
5. Serve warm.

Recipe 3

Materials

• 2 fingers fresh ginger rhizome
• 1 tablespoon honey

How to make

1. Peel the skin of the ginger rhizome.
2. Wash thoroughly with boiled water.
3. Grate the ginger rhizome and set aside the grated results in a glass.
4. Add 1/2 cup hot water.
5. Filter the dregs.
6. Add honey and mix well.
7. Serve warm.

Dosage for using ginger

The right dosage of curcuma usually depends on several factors, starting from the age of the person who wants to consume it, health, and other conditions. For this reason, the dosage of ginger for each person cannot be generalized. In addition, there is actually no definite dose for consuming herbs, in this case, of course, ginger.

Remember, not all natural products are safe. For that, you must first consult a doctor before consuming it. If you are using ginger extract that is already in supplement form, be sure to read the instructions for use first.

Temulawak is not a substitute for doctor's medicine

Even though it has a myriad of benefits, ginger cannot replace medicine and treatment from a doctor. The reason is, further research is still needed to prove the benefits of this one herb. Medicinal plants are usually used only for supporting therapy, not to cure disease.

Moreover, jamu made from herbal plants also does not have a fixed dosage standard. Therefore, the effect will be different for each person. Although some of the benefits of ginger have been proven through research, it is not certain that it will work effectively for everyone. Again, this is because the dosage, prescription, and how to use it varies from person to person.

You must first consult a doctor if you want to use ginger as a companion treatment. Even though it is made from natural ingredients, ginger can also have negative interactions with the drugs you are currently taking.

In addition, also make sure that you are not allergic to ginger or plants that are included in its family, such as turmeric. A severe allergic reaction can cause anaphylactic shock.

Anaphylactic shock is a medical condition that requires prompt medical attention. That is why, knowing your allergy history is very important to prevent and avoid allergic reactions.

For that, consult your doctor before taking other herbs, supplements and curcuma extracts. The doctor will check first to see if this one herbal plant is good for you or not.

If the doctor does not allow you to drink it, obey these rules and do not break them. Entrust your treatment to a specialist doctor for a much better health condition.