Consumption of ginger has shown promising effects in reducing the severity and duration of menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) in women. Multiple studies indicate that ginger can significantly alleviate menstrual pain, making it a viable alternative for managing menstrual cramps.
In a review, scientists indicated that ginger could be a viable alternative for those who prefer natural remedies or cannot tolerate conventional medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for alleviating menstrual pain.
The researchers investigated the use of ginger and its effects on dysmenorrhoea to offer a clearer understanding of ginger’s role in pain relief, compared to traditional medications like NSAIDs and other complementary therapies.
During their menstruation cycle, women may experience pain known as dysmenorrhoea with or without symptoms of abdominal cramps, nausea, fatigue, headache, backache, general discomfort, and emotional and psychological effects.
Many women do not seek medical treatment for primary dysmenorrhea. Instead, they rely on over-the-counter pain relievers, oral contraceptives and alternative remedies.
While these treatments can be effective, they may also have undesirable side effects. This has led to an interest in alternative treatments, such as herbal supplements, which have shown promise in alleviating menstrual pain.
For individuals with certain health issues, such as those with a history of gastrointestinal problems like stomach ulcers, ginger may be a safer alternative.
Before the scientific evidence that supports ginger’s properties, ginger has been used as a traditional medicinal herb in Chinese and Asia for various purposes. It is used for relieving pain from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual pain, migraines and reducing nausea from pregnancy and chemotherapy. It also has a vital role in cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders and diabetes type II as it has anti-oxidative properties.
Various studies have compared ginger’s analgesic effectiveness with different doses of ginger with paracetamol, mefenamic acid, and transdermal iron chip and found it to produce the same analgesic effect as drugs with the rare side-effect for primary dysmenorrhoea.
The researchers in this study employed a systematic review approach, which involves collecting and analysing data from various studies that have investigated the use of ginger and its effects on dysmenorrhoea. It was also to suggest an effective dose of ginger in oral form that can be taken during dysmenorrhoea.
The electronic database identified 394 studies, of which 11 met the eligibility criteria; seven were randomised controlled trials, and four were quasi-experimental studies.
The review, which also discusses the role of ginger as a complementary therapy, suggested that when used alongside other treatments, ginger may enhance overall pain management strategies for individuals suffering from dysmenorrhoea.
Also, there was no significant difference between ginger and NSAIDs in decreasing pain intensity during menstruation. Ginger and exercises like muscle relaxation techniques, stretching, and sub-maximal aerobic exercise also effectively reduce pain when combined.
According to the researchers, the effective dosage of ginger for alleviating menstrual pain typically ranges from 750 mg to 2,000 mg per day. This dosage is often administered in divided doses in powder or dietary form for three days from the start of the menstrual cycles to maximise its pain-relieving effects.
“The use of ginger up to two grammes per day in divided doses of powder or dietary form for three days from the first day of the menstrual cycle can be used safely for primary dysmenorrhoea. Ginger can be combined with complementary therapies like exercise for increased effectiveness in relieving menstrual pain. The alternative therapy can reduce dependency on synthetic drugs for controlling dysmenorrhoea,” they declared.
In contrast, common NSAIDs used for treating primary dysmenorrhoea, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, usually have recommended dosages that vary based on the specific medication.
For example, ibuprofen is often prescribed at doses of 400 mg to 800 mg every six to eight hours, with a maximum daily limit that can reach up to 3,200 mg depending on the severity of pain and individual tolerance.
In the study published in Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, ginger’s effectiveness is comparable to that of NSAIDs in managing primary dysmenorrhoea, and this is particularly noteworthy given that ginger could serve as a natural alternative to NSAIDs, which are often associated with side effects.
They advocated for a holistic approach to managing primary dysmenorrhoea, which may include ginger as part of a broader treatment strategy.
“This could involve combining ginger with other therapies or lifestyle changes, which may enhance its long-term effectiveness and overall management of menstrual pain,” they added.
The researchers, however, recommended further studies to explore the optimal dosage and formulation of ginger for dysmenorrhoea and to investigate its long-term effects and mechanisms of action. This could help solidify ginger’s role in clinical practice for managing menstrual pain.