Among the plants and roots most used for their multiple benefits, there is ginger. Its consumption has become popular as a complement to some ailments or to help alleviate mild discomfort.

However, there are cases in which the use of this natural product is not recommended. Let’s see which are the contraindications of ginger that is important to know .

The contraindications of ginger

Ginger is a plant whose root has been used for thousands of years mainly by Asian cultures for its medicinal and also culinary properties. It is commonly consumed in tea, but can also be eaten dry or ground to spread on food, but despite its many benefits, it is important to know that sometimes ginger is harmful.

To relieve nausea, as an anti-inflammatory, to counteract gastritis, flatulence or diarrhea, to accelerate the metabolism and increase libido, to improve circulation and fight migraines, to calm menstrual cramps, to strengthen defenses and to help sleep… ginger is very much in demand and is sometimes used indiscriminately without knowing the contraindications it has associated, either as an ingredient in food or in home remedies . Let’s see which are the cases in which it is recommended not to use it.

1. In case of hypertension

Hypertension is a disorder caused by calcium entering the heart and blood vessels because when this mineral enters, it increases the speed with which the blood travels causing an increase in blood pressure. It is a disease that requires medical examination for its correct diagnosis and treatment .

Ginger, like the drugs that control blood pressure, has the property of blocking calcium channels from entering the bloodstream, which alters blood pressure by lowering it. For this reason, it is said that ginger can help relieve hypertension. However, taking ginger is very rare if you have hypertension and even worse if combined with treatment for hypertension .

The reason for this contraindication of ginger is that combined with the drugs that treat hypertension, there is a potentiation of the blockage of calcium channels , causing a dangerous fall in blood pressure very harmful to health.

Another very important reason is that the consumption of ginger can be very irregular in quantities and times , so replacing this ingredient with medicine can cause significant alterations in blood pressure that far from helping, worsen.

As already mentioned, hypertension is a condition that must be controlled under medical supervision, and it is important to know that ginger is contraindicated for people suffering from this disease because it can seriously compromise health.

2. When combined with anticoagulant medication

In much the same way as in the use of medication for hypertension, the anticoagulant properties of ginger in combination with anticoagulant treatment enhance the reaction by increasing the possibility of bleeding .

For this reason, ginger is contraindicated when you are under anticoagulant treatment or when you take any medication with this property such as naproxen, ibuprofen, aspirin among others.

Knowing this, what is recommended is that when there is a medical prescription is consulted at that time about the consumption of ginger so that it is the health professional who explains if the drug being prescribed is anticoagulant and then should avoid the consumption of ginger during the time of treatment.

Likewise, if we are used to taking ginger and for some reason we have been prescribed an anticoagulant medication, we should not substitute it for its anticoagulant properties, because the quantities and time of consumption are inaccurate and could cause serious health problems .

3. Diabetes

Although ginger itself is not a problem for people with diabetes because of its low glycemic content, you should consult your doctor about its use.

The doctor may check the amounts and moderate them or if he considers it better, suspend its use as many warn about the contraindication of ginger in case of diabetes especially in high amounts.

Because of this it is important to know that the way to consume ginger when you have diabetes, should not be decided lightly and has to be accompanied by the treating physician , because among the properties of ginger is to increase insulin levels and decrease sugar levels, so there could be an overreaction with medical treatment so you have to check and adjust the amounts.

4. Pregnancy and lactation

The use of ginger during pregnancy is controversial. It is known that one of the properties of this plant is to relieve nausea , so many women consume it especially at the beginning.

On the other hand, as already mentioned here, one of the contraindications of ginger is due to its anticoagulant effect, which can be dangerous during the period of pregnancy.

Due to these reasons there is no definitive position regarding its use in pregnancy, and it is recommended that before consuming it you consult your doctor and preferably avoid its use especially near the date of birth .

This is also the case with its use in breastfeeding. For a long time it has been considered that ginger is contraindicated in breastfeeding; however, the e-lactation page that shows the result of the research made by APILAM (Association for the Promotion and Scientific and Cultural Research of Breastfeeding) considers that the consumption of ginger during breastfeeding is safe and that no problem has been shown either in the infant or in the mother’s use of this plant.

Bibliographic references:

  • E-lactation. Ginger and breastfeeding. Consulted on 23/11/218.