26 Jul
By WorkSaverSystems- 1Comment
Natural Medicine Tip
Daily intake of baby aspirin is commonly recommended to help prevent heart disease and even reduce the risk of cancer. Although aspirin is one of the safest over-the-counter drugs, it still has potential side effects such as GI bleeding, ulcers, kidney and liver damage, tinnitus, and even hemorrhagic stroke if utilized too much. If you are concerned about the side effects of aspirin or if you are aspirin sensitive, you may want to consider the common spice, ginger, as a healthy alternative.
Ginger is derived from a perennial plant that bears narrow green leaves and yellow flowers. Although many people think of the therapeutic effect of ginger being related to treating an upset stomach, it actually has several other therapeutic effects. Ginger’s therapeutic benefits are derived primarily from its content of antioxidants. In fact, ginger contains at least 12 types of antioxidants more powerful than vitamin E.1 Antioxidants combat harmful free radicals in the body by reducing oxidation that can inflame the lining of arteries. There are various antioxidants in Ginger known as flavonoids that are very good for cardiac health.
Two research studies that were conducted on the impact of flavonoids and ginger on heart health are worthy of mention. One study looked at the dietary flavonoid intake of 1,400 men. Researchers found that the men in this study who got the least amount of flavonoids exhibited the worst carotid artery diameter and demonstrated the highest risk of heart disease.2 In another study, researchers divided 40 participants into two groups. One group was classified as healthy and the other group was classified with a history of coronary artery disease. Members of both groups received 5 grams of ginger powder each day or a placebo. After only four weeks, those receiving ginger powder demonstrated a significantly greater reduction of harmful oxidation than those taking the placebo by as much as 18% in the healthy group and 23% in the heart disease group.3
So how does ginger affect the body like aspirin? Like aspirin, ginger works as a blood thinner which can prevent the formation of clots that can lead to heart attack or stroke. Ginger also reduces inflammation in the same way as aspirin by blocking COX-2 — the enzyme that promotes inflammation.4 This is very beneficial since it is inflammation that leads to heart disease and other chronic illnesses (including cancer).
So what is the best way to take ginger? Ginger, of course, can be used in cooking as a spice by using fresh ginger root or by drinking ginger tea*. If you prefer to take a ginger supplement, take it in a capsule or pill that contains 5% gingerols with a recommended dose of 100 mg per day.5 Ginger supplements can be purchased online, in some drug stores, and in most health food stores.
* Home Ginger Tea remedy:
- Boil 4 cups of water in a saucepan.
- Peel a 2-inch piece of fresh ginger root and slice it into thin slices.
- Add the ginger to the boiling water.
- Cover it, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Strain the tea. Add honey and lemon to taste… and enjoy!
If your medical physician has prescribed daily baby aspirin intake, do not stop taking baby aspirin in in lieu of ginger without consulting him or her first. If baby aspirin has not been prescribed for you but you are taking it proactively, you may consider taking ginger daily as an alternative. That being said, please realize that although ginger is a natural plant substance and considered safe, it can thin your blood and slow clotting time. Therefore, you should always talk to your doctor before taking ginger, especially if you are already taking baby aspirin, taking any blood-thinning medications, or have a bleeding disorder.
References:
- Kikuzaki H and Nakatani N. “Antioxidant Effects of Some Ginger Constituents.” Journal of Food Science. 2006;Volume 58 Issue 6, Pages 1407 – 1410.
- Mursu J et al (2007) The intake of flavonoids and carotid atherosclerosis: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study. British Journal of Nutrition, Apr 30, 1-5
- Verma, SK et al. “Antioxidant property of ginger in patients with coronary artery disease.” South Asian J Prev Cardiology. 2004;8(4).
- Dugasani S, et al. “Comparative antioxidant . . .effects of [6]-gingerol, [8]-gingerol, [10]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol.” J Ethnopharmacol. 2010;127(2):515-20.
- Sears Health Newsletter by Al Sears, MD, CNS
FAQs
So how does ginger affect the body like aspirin? Like aspirin, ginger works as a blood thinner which can prevent the formation of clots that can lead to heart attack or stroke. Ginger also reduces inflammation in the same way as aspirin by blocking COX-2 — the enzyme that promotes inflammation.
What is the best natural substitute for aspirin? ›
Natural alternatives to aspirin
Fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) is a natural blood thinner and may reduce cholesterol. White willow bark, curcumin (turmeric), and green tea are other natural alternatives. As mentioned previously, aspirin is derived from the white willow bark.
How to use ginger for pain relief? ›
Experts say that consuming up to 4 g of ginger a day may help manage pain and inflammation and is likely safe. A person might consume ginger in foods and drinks, take ginger capsules, or use a cream that contains it. However, speak with a healthcare professional first.
How much ginger should I take daily for inflammation? ›
One study in 120 people with osteoarthritis found that taking 1 gram of ginger extract per day for 3 months effectively reduced inflammation and decreased levels of nitric oxide, a molecule that plays a key role in the inflammatory process ( 6 ).
Can ginger help with erectile dysfunction? ›
In animal and test-tube studies, ginger has increased blood flow and levels of sexual hormones while lowering oxidative stress — all of which can help reduce sexual dysfunction issues like erectile dysfunction.
Can I take ginger instead of aspirin? ›
If baby aspirin has not been prescribed for you but you are taking it proactively, you may consider taking ginger daily as an alternative. That being said, please realize that although ginger is a natural plant substance and considered safe, it can thin your blood and slow clotting time.
What herbs mimic aspirin? ›
The bark of white willow contains salicin, which is a chemical similar to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). In combination with the herb's powerful anti-inflammatory plant compounds (called flavonoids), salicin is thought to be responsible for the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of the herb.
Is too much ginger bad for the liver? ›
Fortunately, ginger is a food that has all the elements needed to prevent and treat liver problems. Experts suggest that ginger supplementation represents a new treatment strategy for NAFLD by improving the body's antioxidant activity, reducing inflammation and insulin resistance.
Who should avoid ginger? ›
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with heart conditions, and people with diabetes should not take ginger without talking to their doctors. DO NOT take ginger if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking blood-thinning medications, including aspirin.
What happens to your body when you eat ginger every day for a month? ›
Eating ginger can cut down on fermentation, constipation and other causes of bloating and intestinal gas. Wear and tear on cells. Ginger contains antioxidants. These molecules help manage free radicals, which are compounds that can damage cells when their numbers grow too high.
Studies show that ginger was found to reduce intense muscle pain and soreness that come after a good workout. But, it's important to remember that the effects of ginger won't be immediate; it takes about 2 grams of ginger each day for a minimum of 11 days before effects are felt.
What are the side effects of too much ginger? ›
It can cause mild side effects including heartburn, diarrhea, burping, and general stomach discomfort. Taking higher doses of 5 grams daily increases the risk for side effects. When applied to the skin: Ginger is possibly safe when used short-term. It might cause skin irritation for some people.
How much ginger is too much in one day? ›
How much ginger should you take daily? Ginger is safe to eat daily, but experts recommend limiting yourself to 3 to 4 grams a day — stick to 1 gram daily if you're pregnant. Taking more than 6 grams of ginger a day has been proven to cause gastrointestinal issues such as reflux, heartburn and diarrhea.
What can I take to thin my blood besides aspirin? ›
Natural Blood Thinners: A Research-Based Guide
- Turmeric. Turmeric is a yellow spice used a lot in Asian food. ...
- Ginger. Ginger is a root related to turmeric. ...
- Cinnamon. Cinnamon holds a chemical named coumarin known for anticoagulant properties. ...
- Cayenne peppers. ...
- Vitamin E. ...
- Garlic. ...
- Ginkgo biloba. ...
- Grape seed extract.
Like ginger and cayenne pepper, aloe contains salicylates, which may have blood-thinning effects. One 2020 laboratory study found that adding aloe vera gel to blood produced an antiplatelet effect similar to aspirin.
What is a good over the counter substitute for aspirin? ›
Ibuprofen is an NSAID that is now available without a prescription for control of aches, pains, fever, and menstrual cramps. (Some brand-name examples are Advil and Nuprin.) The benefits of this drug are similar to those of aspirin, but overdoses are less likely to cause serious illness than are overdoses of aspirin.
What is the new alternative to aspirin? ›
Clopidogrel: new preparation. An alternative to aspirin.
