Ginger for Pain

Ginger and Pain

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine for pain and inflammation. Modern research has begun to validate some of these traditional uses, showing that ginger contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.¹

Active Compounds²

• Gingerols (fresh ginger)
• Shogaols (dried ginger)
• Paradols
• These inhibit inflammatory pathways
• Similar mechanism to NSAIDs

Research Evidence

Osteoarthritis

• Most studied use for pain
• Meta-analyses show modest benefit
• May reduce pain and improve function
• Effects may be subtle

Muscle Pain

• May reduce delayed onset muscle soreness
• Studies show mixed results

Menstrual Pain

• Some evidence for dysmenorrhea
• May be comparable to NSAIDs

How to Use³

Fresh Ginger

• Add to cooking
• Grate into stir-fries, soups
• Make ginger tea
• Amount in food may be insufficient

Supplements

• Standardized extracts available
• Capsules, tablets
• Look for quality products

Ginger Tea

• Steep fresh slices in hot water
• 10-15 minutes steeping
• Can add honey, lemon

Dosing

• No standard established dose
• Studies use 500-2000 mg/day
• Divided doses often used
• Start with lower amount
• Allow several weeks for effect

Safety

• Generally well tolerated
• May cause heartburn or GI upset
• Can interact with blood thinners
• May lower blood sugar
• Discuss with healthcare provider

Who Should Be Cautious

• On blood-thinning medications
• Before surgery
• With gallbladder disease
• Pregnant women (high doses)
• Diabetes (monitor blood sugar)

Realistic Expectations

• Effects likely modest
• Not a replacement for medical treatment
• May complement other approaches
• Part of anti-inflammatory lifestyle
• Safe for most people

References

1. Bartels EM, Folmer VN, Bliddal H, et al. Efficacy and safety of ginger in osteoarthritis patients: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2015;23(1):13-21.
2. Grzanna R, Lindmark L, Frondoza CG. Ginger—an herbal medicinal product with broad anti-inflammatory actions. J Med Food. 2005;8(2):125-132.
3. Terry R, Posadzki P, Watson LK, Ernst E. The use of ginger (Zingiber officinale) for the treatment of pain: a systematic review of clinical trials. Pain Med. 2011;12(12):1808-1818.