Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a nutritive, herbal supplement considered safe by the Food and Drug Administration. It has been used for thousands of years in many countries such as Rome, Greece, India, and Arabia for digestive disorders. It is listed in the pharmacopoeias of the United Kingdom, Thailand, and China as effective treatment for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.
The components of ginger are gingetol and shogaol appear to have only local effects on the gastrointestinal system in comparison to prescription anti-nausea medications which effect the central nervous system.
Beaute de Maman Morning Sickness Supplement
Nausea complicating pregnancy occurs in over 80% of women and therefore finding a natural, herbal remedy as first line therapy that health care providers can offer safely is highly desirable. Many articles are now being published that point to the safety and effectiveness of ginger in pregnancy.
One of the most recent articles confirming these findings was an article published in March 2009 by Ozgoli where 67 pregnant women were part of a clinical trial that showed that 1000 mg a day of ginger decreased the intensity of the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy with no side effects. Other articles confirming these findings are found in the American J Obstet Gynecol 2006 and 2003, European J Obstet. Gynecol Reproductive Biolo 1991, and in Obstet/Gynecol article in 2001.
Of brand new interest is also a study that was just released (May 2009) from the University of Rochester showing that cancer patients had a decrease in nausea after chemotherapy by 40% if ginger is taken prior to the chemotherapy.
Other studies have shown ginger to be helpful for postoperative nausea and vomiting and also with treatment of motion sickness. The American College of OB/Gyn Practice Bulletin Guidelines (April 2004) lists ginger with beneficial effects and could be considered as a non-pharmacologic option for treating the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.
In conclusion:
Ginger is a non-medicinal, safe option for women who have nausea in pregnancy.
Capsule form of approximately 1000 mg /day appears to be the most effective way of taking this remedy.
Be aware of any interaction with other medications (in particular anticoagulants.)
Beauté de Maman, LLC is the first obstetrician designed company that has created an herbal supplement for pregnancy related nausea. The product contains ginger root (zingiber officinalis)
