Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Is a traditional medicinal plant used for nausea or motion sickness. According to reviews, it can also increase the volume of milk when you are breast-feeding a baby. But is it safe to use for nursing mothers and newborns? The answer to this question, as well as a detailed analysis of the properties of the plant, is further in the article.
Chemical and vitamin composition of ginger
Chemical analysis shows that the plant contains more than 400 different compounds. The main components of its rhizomes are carbohydrates (50–70%), lipids (3–8%), terpenes and phenolic compounds. Ginger is also rich in polyphenols, vitamin C, β-carotene, flavonoids and tannins.
Nutrition value of a plant in 100 g:
- calories - 80 kcal;
- carbohydrates - 17.77 g;
- fats - 0.75 g;
- proteins - 1.82 g.
Essential oils give the characteristic taste and aroma of ginger. There are about 3% of the total weight in them. In addition, it contains about 79% of the water. When dried to a powder state, moisture evaporates, and all other components remain unchanged. In this case, the powder is less sharp and spicy taste. The same substances that are responsible for the pungent taste, provide the product with high antioxidant properties.
Did you know? Before the appearance in the XIX century. synthetic drugs, herbs were the basis of all drug therapy. Today they are part of more than 50% of medicines.
Of the vitamins included:
- thiamine (B1) - 0.025 mg;
- riboflavin (B2) - 0.034 mg;
- niacin (B3) - 0.75 mg;
- pantothenic acid (B5) - 0.203 mg;
- folates (B9) - 11 mg;
- Vitamin C - 5 mg;
- Vitamin E - 0.26 mg.
Studies show that active ginger compounds are effective against a wide range of diseases, including cancer of the gastrointestinal tract. Its polyphenols provide the basis for use against multifactorial diseases.
The mineral composition of ginger:
- calcium - 16 mg;
- iron - 0.6 mg;
- magnesium - 43 mg;
- Manganese - 0.229 mg;
- phosphorus - 34 mg;
- potassium - 415 mg;
- sodium - 13 mg;
- zinc - 0.34 mg.
In addition, ginger is considered a spice. It is both a food seasoning and a natural medicine. Due to its excellent taste and beneficial properties, it is used in many main dishes, in baking and brewing tea.
In the Middle East cultural tradition, it is a remedy that can be drunk from many diseases, since it supports the immune system, reduces inflammation and helps with many diseases, which is why it is so appreciated in the East.
Effect on Lactation
In some regions of the world, women include ginger immediately after birth in their diets. It is believed that it helps restore the body. One of the easiest ways to use ginger during breastfeeding (HB) is boiling fresh root in 1 cup of water.
Important! You can safely consume fresh ginger while breastfeeding, and this will not create side effects. However, ginger supplements that are commercially available should be consumed only after consulting a doctor.
It is believed that the plant stimulates the production of breast milk, although studies that would accurately confirm this fact have not been conducted. The only scientific work on this issue was published in 2016. It concluded that the use of ginger as a natural method of increasing breast milk in the early postpartum period (1-3 months) is effective, but further research is needed in this direction.
Ginger is conditionally safe in a small amount for both a nursing woman and an infant. It practically does not cause side effects. Introducing it into the diet, follow the usual scheme: start gradually and do not exceed the norm of 20-50 g of product per day.
The product is best used in the form of ginger-honey tea during lactation, but also use dried powder from it. Whatever form you choose to use, they will be equally effective. The plant also has a calming effect and is used for colds, alleviating respiratory distress, sore throat and cough.
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For cooking, you need 1 tbsp. l a spoonful of honey, freshly chopped ginger root, one glass of boiling water and a slice of lemon. Add the root to boiling water and boil it until the color of the liquid turns red-brown. Strain, add lemon and honey and drink hot.
Influence on the child
A nursing mother should be aware that the taste of the foods consumed penetrates into breast milk and can change its taste, so the use of spices such as garlic and ginger is recommended to be dosed.
Some babies are more sensitive to change than others, and may refuse breastfeeding altogether. If the baby is anxious, takes the breast poorly - review your diet and remove foods from it that can cause anxiety in the baby.
The benefits and harms of the product
The effectiveness of drugs tends to decrease due to the development of resistance to them in bacteria. Antibiotics often cause complications and have side effects. The antimicrobial effectiveness of ginger in these conditions creates a wide field for its use.
- The use of the plant, its properties and use for various pathologies are as follows:
- Ginger root helps with nausea. It is used during pregnancy to relieve symptoms of toxicosis. It is also used for nausea and dizziness associated with motion sickness during transport. The root can relieve nausea and vomiting in cancer patients after chemotherapy.
- For digestive problems, ginger is also recommended. It relieves bloating, cramps and constipation.
- It promotes perspiration and lowers body temperature for colds, respiratory infections, tonsillitis and flu.
- It has an analgesic effect: relieves headaches, menstrual, muscle pains.
- Reduces swelling and relieves pain associated with arthritis due to anti-inflammatory properties.
- Gingerol contained in the plant is both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance. It can help eliminate certain types of cancer cells found in cancer of the breast, ovaries, and lungs.
- May lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It also lowers cholesterol, reducing the risk of developing heart disease, and improves blood flow throughout the body.
Harm from this product is also possible. It can irritate the intestinal mucosa, therefore, with gastrointestinal diseases in the acute phase, ulcer and gastritis, it should not be consumed. It also cannot be eaten by people with congenital intestinal pathologies.
Did you know? Ginger plant — this is grass. And what we call the root is actually a rhizome — underground part of the stem. Having acquired this rhizome in the store, you can well plant it in a pot on the windowsill and grow it all year round, regularly eating greens and parts of the rhizome.
Contraindications
When used as a flavoring, ginger is not harmful. But in large quantities, like any product, it can cause problems, and therefore there are contraindications.
- When consuming ginger in large quantities, the following factors should be taken into account:
- upset stomach, bloating, and diarrhea;
- the risk of bleeding increases: if you have lost a lot of blood during childbirth, then you should not consume ginger;
- the product is contraindicated with the simultaneous use of blood thinners, drugs for heart disorders, blood pressure or aspirin;
- be careful with diabetes: the plant can reduce blood sugar levels to dangerous levels;
- reception in the presence of an allergic reaction to ginger plants is contraindicated.
Important! It is forbidden to use ginger in case of vaginal bleeding, as well as if you have previously had a miscarriage.
Ginger is certainly a very healthy herb. In addition to the long list of useful properties that he has, ginger not only helps increase lactation in a nursing mother, but also helps to recover from childbirth. However, before using it, you need to consult your doctor, who will be able to determine whether this plant will be useful for you and your child.
