The 8 contraindications of ginger (that you should know)

Are you a regular ginger consumer? Although ginger is a plant widely used to treat different symptoms and ailments, it is also true that it has a series of contraindications that we must know.

In this article We bring you the 8 contraindications of ginger, and we explain in detail why in these cases it is contraindicated their consumption. Before, but, we tell you more details about this plant (characteristics, benefits, uses and adverse effects).

• We recommend you read: "The 8 benefits of ginger for your health and well-being"

Ginger: characteristics and uses

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) It is a plant that belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, and that can measure up to 90 cm in height. Its underground stem is a horizontal rhizome, which is highly appreciated for its aromatic properties and spicy flavor. Thus, what is typically used from ginger for cooking or other purposes is its stem or roots.

In traditional Chinese medicine, for example, ginger has been used - and is used a lot -; in fact, for more than 2,000 years. It is used to treat different symptoms or pathologies, such as: migraine, arthritis, diarrhea, colic, nausea ...

Regarding its use or consumption format, ginger can be taken dry, fresh or in tea. You can also simply take advantage of its extract. Orally, ginger is well tolerated if we take doses below 5g / day. If we take higher doses, there is a risk of certain adverse effects (in addition, their tolerability decreases).

Adverse effects

Thus, orally, if we “go over” the recommended dose, some adverse effects that ginger can cause are: diarrhea, itchy mouth and throat, vomiting and abdominal pain.

If the route of administration has been topical, ginger can cause dermatitis. In addition to the adverse effects, there are certain contraindications of ginger, even more important, that we must know.

Ginger benefits and properties

Before explaining the contraindications of ginger, we tell you some of the most outstanding benefits of the root of this plant. Thus, ginger has anti-inflammatory effects, facilitates digestion, prevents colds, strengthens our immune system, helps lose weight, reduces muscle pain, fights sickness…

And these are just some of its benefits (there are more!) That explain why it is such a widely consumed and valued plant.

• We recommend you: "Ginger tea: properties and health benefits"

The 8 contraindications of ginger

Under normal conditions (in healthy people, without relevant health problems), ginger does not present contraindications (in adequate quantities, which are not excessive).

However, when there is some underlying pathology or some particular condition in the person who take, its use is contraindicated, as it could harm your health or cause any complications medical.

Thus, although ginger is used to treat different types of symptoms, It is also true that it presents a series of contraindications that we must take into account. The main contraindications of ginger are:

1. Pregnancy

While it is true that some believe that ginger can also be consumed while pregnant (it is said that it prevents morning sickness of pregnancy), there is another line of opinion that goes in exactly the opposite direction. In this second line, we talk about possible hormonal alterations caused by ginger, as well as the possibility that it causes premature contractions.

On the other hand, in these cases ginger can also cause anticoagulant effects, which would increase the possibility of bleeding. It is for these reasons that ginger is often contraindicated in cases of pregnancy.

2. Diabetes

Another contraindication for ginger is diabetes. Although it is true that ginger does not alter blood sugar levels, due to its low glycemic index, in cases of patients who are under treatment with insulin, it should be avoided. The ideal will always be to go to the family doctor, or specialist doctor, to inform us about it.

3. Hemophilia

The next of ginger's contraindications is suffering from hemophilia. Remember that this disease prevents our blood from clotting properly. These people bleed for long periods of time. If ginger is taken in these cases, it could happen that by stimulating blood circulation, a "shock" occurs in our body.

That is, ginger has blood-thinning effects, so if ingested, it has the same effect as the disease, which could cause bleeding, bruising, and other complications. That is why ginger should not be taken if you have hemophilia.

4. Hypertension

Hypertension is also a contraindication for ginger, since consuming it could damage our blood pressure, through the blockade of calcium channels. What exactly happens?

When we consume calcium, it enters the blood vessels and accelerates the speed of the blood, raising our blood pressure. So if we have hypertension and we treat ourselves for it (with drugs that reduce blood pressure arterial), consuming the ginger would be causing just the same effect, which is totally irrecommendable.

5. Take blood thinners

Taking blood thinners is another of ginger's contraindications. Thus, ginger is not recommended in these cases, since it has the same effect as anticoagulant drugs (delays blood clotting).

Some drugs with anticoagulant effects are aspirin and ibuprofen. Beyond these, anticoagulant drugs are prescribed to prevent the formation of blood clots in people who are prone to them.

6. If you are underweight

The next of ginger's contraindications is being underweight. This is because one of the effects of ginger is its slimming effect, through suppressing the appetite, accelerating our digestive system and eliminating excess fat. That is why, if we already have a low weight, the consumption of ginger is not recommended, since it could harm our health.

7. If you want to increase muscle mass

Related to the above contraindication, The consumption of ginger is also not recommended in cases of people who want to increase their muscle mass, since, as we have seen, this plant has a slimming effect, which would make this difficult. So, in this case, more than a contraindication, it is a non-recommendation.

8. Heart problems

The next of ginger's contraindications is suffering from cardiac (heart) problems. Although ginger is beneficial in unblocking blood vessels, it is also true that too high a dose could cause the opposite effects.

In case of having a heart problem and wanting to consume ginger, a suitable dose / pattern of the same would be to take it maximum 4 days, rested for a week. However, you should always go to a specialist doctor to dispel these doubts.

Bibliographic references

• Herráiz, E.M. (2009). 14. Ginger. Monographs of each plant. Quaderns de la Fundació Dr. Antoni Esteve, 56-59.

• Salgado, F. (2011). Ginger (Zingiber officinale). International Journal of Acupuncture, 5 (4): 167-173.

• Siedentopp, U. Ginger. (2008). International Journal of Acupuncture, 188-192.