Research on the treatment of headaches by
ginger is limited but promising. the best evidence is ginger supplements, but
other forms may also help reduce headaches and migraine-related nausea.
Ginger, like its counterpart, is widely
concerned for its numerous health benefits. in fact, it is one of the top 10
best-selling herbal supplements in the united states.
While ginger is known for relieving
indigestion, nausea, and stomach upset, this spicy, aromatic root can also be
used to relieve headaches and migraines.
Read on to learn how to use ginger to relieve
headache symptoms, and what is the most effective form.
What does ginger do?
Ginger contains a naturally occurring oil that
is responsible for its flavor and health benefits. The compounds in this oil —
including gingerol and gingerol — have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
these compounds are also effective in treating nausea and vomiting, two
symptoms associated with migraine attacks.
Ginger extract may also increase serotonin, a
chemical messenger associated with migraine attacks. Increasing serotonin
levels in the brain may help stop migraines by reducing inflammation and
limiting blood vessels. a class of prescription drugs called triptans treats
migraines similarly.
Research on how to say
Several clinical studies have tested the
effects of ginger on migraine sufferers. a 2018 study found that taking 400 mg
of ginger extract supplements and ketoprofen ( a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ) reduced migraine
symptoms more than ketoprofen alone.
a 2014 study found that taking a 250 mg ginger
powder supplement reduced migraine symptoms in the same way as the prescription
drug sumatriptan.
Other studies have shown that placing a gel
containing ginger and feverfew under the tongue at the beginning of migraine
can reduce the intensity and duration of symptoms.
What is the most effective form of ginger for headache
treatment?
Ginger comes in many forms, including:
- capsule
- gel
- powder
- essential oils
- tea
- drink
- lozenges
so far, only ginger capsules and gels have
been studied and proven to be helpful for migraine sufferers. Other forms have
not been studied, but may be worth trying.
The type of ginger you take may also depend on
your condition. for example, if your migraine symptoms include nausea and
vomiting, you may not want to take ginger capsules orally. instead, you can try
applying essential oils to your temples or sucking on ginger lozenges.
Read on to learn about the different ways
ginger can be used to relieve headache symptoms.
Take ginger supplements
Most promising studies on ginger's beneficial
effects on migraines have used supplements containing ginger extract or dried
ginger powder. Therefore, ginger supplements are the most likely form of ginger
to relieve headaches and migraine symptoms.
the typical dose is to take 550 mg capsules at
the first signs of headache. this dose can be repeated once or twice. you can
find pharmacies, food stores.
while this is not common, some people who take
ginger supplements may experience mild side effects, including:
- heartburn
- gas
- throat or oral irritation
- diarrhea
- reddened skin
- rash
these side effects are more likely to occur
when taking higher doses.
Apply ginger oil to the temples
Massaging ginger oil into the skin can relieve
pain in people with arthritis and back pain, and may help reduce pain caused by
headaches.
For migraines or tension headaches, try
massaging a few drops of diluted ginger oil once or twice a day into the
temples, forehead, and back of the neck.
The aroma in the oil also reduces the nausea
common to migraines. Try a drop of ginger oil on a tissue, gauze pad, or cotton
ball and inhale. You can also try adding one or two drops of oil or a steam
diffuser to the warm water bath.
Pure ginger essential oil can be purchased at
pharmacies, grocery stores or online. Avoid oils that are fragrant or
ginger-scented. before applying to the skin, place one or two drops of ginger
oil into a tablespoon of carrier oil to dilute the oil.
Side
effects and risks of essential oils
Never apply ginger oil to the skin without
first diluting it. the use of undiluted oil can cause skin irritation. in some
cases, skin irritation can be severe.
Some people may also experience skin reactions
when using ginger oil, even if they are diluted. if you have reacted to
essential oils in the past, be sure to do a patch test on the essential oils.
also, if you are allergic to ginger spices, you may also be allergic to ginger
oil.
How
to perform an essential oil patch test
to perform patch testing, follow these steps:
- place 1 to 2 drops of diluted
oil on the inside of the forearm. never use undiluted oil.
- Apply a bandage to the area and
wait.
- If you feel any irritation,
remove the bandage immediately and gently wash the area with soap and
water.
- If no reaction occurs after 48
hours, the diluted oil may be safe to use.
Suck ginger lozenges
Ginger lozenges usually contain small amounts
of ginger powder or ginger extract. Studies have shown that ginger can
alleviate symptoms of nausea after surgery or due to pregnancy or other
reasons. it also avoids the nausea symptoms caused by migraines.
When you don't want to take medicine or drink
tea or other liquids, ginger lozenges are a particularly good choice. When your
migraines start to make you feel nauseous, try sucking on ginger lozenges.
Usually one to two lozenges are taken two to
three times a day to relieve stomach upset. however, be sure to follow the
dosage instructions on the product packaging.
Side
effects and risks of ginger lozenges
Most people who use ginger lozenges don't have
any side effects, but some people may experience an upset stomach or symptoms
of irritation, burning, or numbness in the mouth or tongue.
Rarely, people may be allergic to ginger and
develop an allergic reaction. if you have had an allergic reaction to ginger in
the past, do not use ginger lozenges.
Drink ginger soda
if you have a headache or migraine, try
drinking ginger soda. it may relieve your headaches and help relieve stomach
upset associated with migraines. Drink one or two cups a day.
You can buy ginger soda, but please read the
label carefully. Brands purchased at many stores contain a lot of sugar and a
small amount of ginger. you can also make ginger soda at home. there are many
ways to do it. Here's one way:
- Bring 2 to 4 cups of water to a
boil in a saucepan.
- Add 1/4 to 1 cup chopped or
grated ginger and sweeteners such as sugar or honey to taste.
- Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes,
then filter.
- Mix the ginger solution with
carbonated water. you can add the flavor of mint or fresh lime or lemon
juice.
Side
effects and risks of ginger soda
Most people who drink ginger soda have no side
effects. but some people, especially if they drink a lot of ginger soda, may
have mild side effects. these include:
- pyrosis
- belch
- irritation or burning sensation
in the mouth and throat
- diarrhoea
- reddened skin
- rash
Brew ginger tea
Drinking ginger tea is another delicious way
to help soothe headaches or reduce nausea caused by migraine attacks. try
drinking tea when the headache starts. if needed, drink another drink after an
hour or two.
Ready-to-eat tea bags can be purchased at food
stores. you can also prepare at home:
- add sliced or chopped ginger to
4 cups of boiling water.
- steep for 5 to 10 minutes. the
longer the steeping time, the stronger the taste.
- turn off heat and flavor with
lemon juice, honey or sugar. it can be eaten hot or cold.
Possible
side effects and risks
like ginger soda, drinking ginger tea usually
does not cause side effects, but may produce a number of side effects,
including:
- pyrosis
- gas
- irritation or burning sensation
in the mouth and throat
- diarrhoea
- reddened skin
- rash
if your tea tastes stronger or is drunk in
large quantities, you are more likely to experience these side effects.
Add ginger while eating
Adding ginger to the diet is another way to
benefit from ginger's anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. You can add
fresh ginger or dried ginger powder to flavor dishes, but keep in mind that
they taste slightly different.
Interestingly, fresh ginger and dried ginger
also have slightly different chemical compositions, but both contain compounds
that reduce inflammation and nausea.
Try adding fresh ginger to the salad or mixing
it in a garlic shrimp stir-fry. Ginger can also be used as a delicious addition
to chicken soup, grilled salmon and even certain cookies (such as gingerbread)
or cakes.
Side
effects and risks of fresh ginger
Eating ginger rarely causes side effects
unless you eat too much. if you do this, you may experience stomach upset accompanied
by symptoms of heartburn and gas. some people may also have a burning sensation
in their mouth.
If you have nausea associated with migraines,
you may find that eating can make your symptoms worse. drinking other options
such as ginger soda or ginger lozenges may be a better option.
Conclusion
Research on the treatment of headaches by
ginger is limited but promising. the best evidence is ginger supplements, but
other forms may also help reduce headaches and migraine-related nausea.
When it comes to ginger, eating more isn't
necessarily better. taking too much increases the chance of minor side effects
such as heartburn and stomach upset.
If you notice that your headaches are becoming
more frequent or severe, be sure to see a doctor. your doctor can evaluate your
symptoms and recommend the most effective treatment.
Also, before taking ginger, consult your
doctor or pharmacist to make sure it doesn't interact with any other
medications you may be taking. if taken with other blood thinners, ginger may
dilute your blood and increase your risk of bleeding.