ginger, an herb native to the tropics of Asia and now cultivated in the tropics of South America, China, India, Africa, the Caribbean, and parts of the United States. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is considered safe when consumed in food. Medicinal amounts of the herb are used for nausea, motion sickness, indigestion, and inflammation. It does appear to be effective against motion sickness but does not help treat nausea from other causes (e.g., opioid analgesia, chemotherapy). Its efficacy as an antiinflammatory drug has not been established. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: It is not recommended during pregnancy (it may be an abortifacient when taken in large amounts) or lactation, in children, or in those with known hypersensitivity to this product. It should not be used in cholelithiasis unless directed by a physician. Safety when large amounts of ginger are ingested for medicinal purposes has not been established.
