NUR 151

Amber Parks, Sara Parks, and Jessica Rogers

Historical Background Gingerbread was the staple for both American and British soldiers during the American Revolution Powdered ginger was combined with whiskey to alleviate pain Ginger tea was all the rage for afternoon tea dances during the early 1900s. Source of superstition: growing ginger root in water is said to bring health and prosperity. Is a stimulant and warms hands and feet when its frigid outside. How It Works Ginger contains a chemical that helps reduce nausea and inflammation. It is believed that the chemical mainly works in the stomach and the intestines, but may also work in the brain and nervous system to control nausea. It can be used fresh, dried and powdered, or as a juice or oil. What it is used for: It is mainly used to treat different types of stomach problems such as motion sickness, colic, upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, nausea caused by cancer treatment, nausea and vomiting after surgery, as well as loss of appetite. Some other uses are pain relief from arthritis or muscle soreness, menstrual pain, upper respiratory tract infections, cough, and bronchitis. Ginger is also sometimes used for chest pain, and lower back pain. How much to take? Morning Sickness: 250 mg ginger, 4 times a day PO Postoperative nausea & vomiting: 1-2 grams powdered ginger root one hour before induction of anesthesia Chemotherapy nausea: 2-4 g/day PO Migraine headache: 500 mg Q 4 hrs PO Osteoarthritis: 170 mg tid PO Tincture: .25-3 mL PO Interactions and Contraindications Drugs: Anticoagulant, Phenprocoumon, Antiplatelets, Aspirin, Coumadin, Antidiabetics, and Calcium Channel blockers Herbs: Angelica, Clove, Danshen, Garlic, Ginko, Ginseng, Red Clover, Turmeric CAUTION: Ginger is likely safe for most people and may of mild side effects such as heartburn, diarrhea and general stomach discomfort. It is not suggested to take ginger while pregnant due to reports of miscarrying during the first 12 weeks and risk of bleeding. People with bleeding disorders should avoid using ginger because it might increase your risk of bleeding.

NUR 151

Amber Parks, Sara Parks, and Jessica Rogers

Ginger is also known to lower blood sugar so it is important for diabetics to watch their sugars. High doses of ginger may worsen some heart conditions. NOTE: Ginger acts as an abortifactant in large qauantities and should be used very cautiously in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Nursing Considerations Assess, assess, assess for signs of: Abdominal Discomfort Heartburn Diarrhea Hypersensitivity Reaction Nausea Depression Arrythmias Abnormal or Excessive Bleeding Teaching and Awareness: To safely consume ginger: Capsules Cooking seasoning Herbal teas Tinctures Topical oil Tea compresses Foot soaks NOTE: Ginger is not proven effective in treating or curing cancer, heart disease, flu, or anorexia nervosa. Easy Recipes to Prepare Ginger Ginger tea: Grate 2 teaspoons of fresh gingerroot in 1 1/2 cups of room-temperature water. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes, then drink. Candied ginger: Slice fresh gingerroot into 1/2-inch-thick pieces and dip the slices in honey. In a skillet over low heat, cook in a little butter for 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer ginger slices to a cookie sheet and allow them to cool and harden (30 to 40 minutes). To clear the sinuses: In a blender, mix to taste vegetable juice (such as V8), grated ginger, powdered cayenne pepper, garlic, horseradish, and lemon. Drink. To make a tincture: Slice organic ginger roots into quarter inch chunks and fill a glass jar 3/4 full. Top with 100 proof organic grain alcohol (non-organic will do if you can't get your hands on or make organic) and seal tightly. Leave it sit and mature for at least 2 weeks before using, shaking jar everyday.