Ginger, Zingiber officinale
Photo by ritirene · CC BY 4.0
SpiceMedicinal

Ginger

Zingiber officinale

A perennial herb grown for its aromatic, knobby rhizome, used fresh or dried as both a kitchen spice and a long-standing traditional medicine across Ayurvedic, Chinese, and African systems. Nigeria is among the countries where it is cultivated at scale.

Categories
Spice, Medicinal
Found in
West, Central, East and Southern Africa
Data sources
NMPPDB, Dr. Duke's, other literature

Local names

Known in 6 languages across 2 regions

Say it in

Yoruba · West Africa

Ata-ile

Spot a wrong name, or know another one?Tell us here ↗

Traditional & Common Uses

Important medical disclaimer

The information below is for educational reference only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

  • India

    Rhizome used in India to relieve arthritis pain.

  • General

    Used in China for oxidative stress; gingerols show free-radical-scavenging activity in lab tests.

  • General

    Used in Thailand for morning sickness; shown in a clinical trial to reduce nausea in pregnancy at about 1 g/day.

  • Nigeria

    Used in Nigeria as a digestive aid; shown to enhance gastric motility.

  • General

    Used in Malaysia for muscle pain; shown to reduce pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

  • Ghana

    Used in Ghana for infections; shown to inhibit E. coli growth in lab tests.

  • Burkina Faso

    Used in Burkina Faso as an aphrodisiac.

  • Egypt

    Used in Egypt for indigestion, flatulence, gout and rheumatism, and as a stimulant.

  • Egypt

    Used in Egypt against head lice and to flavor liqueurs.

Known Phytochemicals

Cautions & Contraindications

  • moderatePotential risk; caution advised
  • moderate

    Safe at typical culinary doses (up to about 4 g/day). Higher doses (over 5 g/day) may cause heartburn or diarrhea. Ginger may strengthen the effect of blood-thinning medication or lower blood sugar too much, so caution is advised alongside such medicines and in pregnancy beyond ordinary food amounts.

Sources & Citations

  1. 1NMPPDB (nmppdb.com.ng)
  2. 2Mao, Q.Q. et al. (2019). Bioactive compounds and bioactivities of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). Foods, 8(6), 185.
  3. 3Vutyavanich, T., Kraisarin, T., & Ruangsri, R. (2001). Obstetrics & Gynecology, 97(4), 577–582.
  4. 4Giacosa, A. et al. (2015). European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 19(7), 1291–1296.
  5. 5Altman, R.D., & Marcussen, K.C. (2001). Arthritis & Rheumatism, 44(11), 2531–2538.
  6. 6Akoachere, J.F. et al. (2002). East African Medical Journal, 79(11), 588–592.
  7. 7Ayensu, E.S. (1978). Medicinal Plants of West Africa. Reference Publications, Inc. — via Duke's Ethnobotanical Database
  8. 8Täckholm, V. & Täckholm, G. (1973 reprint). Flora of Egypt, Vols. 1–4 — via Duke's Ethnobotanical Database
  9. 9Pan, M.H. et al. (2008). Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 52(5), 527–537.
  10. 10Ali, B.H., Blunden, G., Tanira, M.O., & Nemmar, A. (2008). Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): A review of recent research. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 46(2), 409–420.
  11. 11Brook (2022), "Which Arabic Dialect Are Swahili Words From?", Studia Orientalia Electronica 10(1), p. 8
  12. 12Akan (Twi) Dictionary, akandictionary.com: Akekaduro (ginger)

You Might Also Like

View all