Evidence supporting the use of: Ginger
For the health condition: Cramps and Spasms
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has a longstanding history in traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, for addressing various gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal complaints, including cramps and spasms. Modern scientific research provides some, but not robust, support for these traditional uses. The active constituents in ginger, including gingerols and shogaols, exhibit anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties in laboratory studies. These compounds are thought to modulate calcium channels and neurotransmitter activity in smooth muscle, which could theoretically reduce spasms and cramping.
Clinical evidence for ginger’s effectiveness in treating cramps and muscle spasms is limited but suggestive. Some randomized controlled trials have found ginger to be modestly effective in reducing menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), with results comparable to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in certain cases. However, evidence for ginger’s effect on other types of muscle cramps or spasms (such as those associated with exercise or neurological conditions) is sparse or lacking.
Overall, while ginger has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects in experimental models, and some clinical evidence supports its use for menstrual cramps, broader claims regarding general cramp and spasm relief require further investigation. Thus, its use is supported by both tradition and a limited but growing body of scientific evidence, meriting a moderate rating.
Other ingredients used for Cramps and Spasms
calciumturmeric
ginger
magnesium
parsley
Peppermint
pomegranate
potassium
spearmint leaf
vitamin D
Wild yam
catnip
gastrodia
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
anise
trace minerals
angel\'s trumpet
Angelica
Anserina
Anemone
Actaea spicata
bugbane
bogbean
bethroot
cramp bark
chuchuhuasi
Cymbopogon martini
cowslip
Corydalis
false unicorn root
Hempnettle
long pepper
Ignatius bean
jungli-bean
Khella
lemon balm
Marjoram
Meadowsweet
Nutmeg
Pulsatilla
Polygonatum
Tetrahydropalmatine
Viburnum
Wormseed
Other health conditions supported by ginger
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Adenitis
Afterbirth Pain
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Amenorrhea
Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Athlete's Foot
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Belching
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Bunions
Bursitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cellulite
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chest Pain
Chicken Pox
Chills
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Hands and Feet
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Corns
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (leg)
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Crohn's Disease
Cystic Breast Disease
Cysts
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
Denture Sores
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Diphtheria
Dizziness
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Emphysema
Endometriosis
Enteritis
Epstein Barr Virus
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Foot Odor
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Gout
Halitosis
Headache (cluster)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Hiatal Hernia
Hiccups
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Influenza
Injuries
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Laryngitis
Leprosy
Leukemia
Liver Detoxification
Lupus
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Ménière’s Disease
Malaria
Mastitis
Measles
Melanoma
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Mononucleosis
Morning Sickness
Motion Sickness
Mumps
Nausea and Vomiting
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Nursing
Ovarian Pain
Overacidity
Pain (general remedies for)
Parasites (general)
Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Perspiration (excessive)
Perspiration (deficient)
Pertussis
Pleurisy
PMS Type P
Pneumonia
Poisoning (food)
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Protein Digestion (poor)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sweat Baths (herbs for)
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Inflavonoid Intensive Care®
Vitabase
Life's Essentials Plus
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Liquid Multivitamin
Integrative Therapeutics
Motility Activator
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MotilPro
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Phyto-4
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PhytoGanix® Tropical Fruit
Designs For Health
Pulmonary Revive™
Thorne
Stress Balance Phytisone
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Th1 Support
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Ultra Pure Pack
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UltraInflamX Plus 360°® Chocolate/Orange
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UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
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UltraInflamX Plus 360° Orange
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UltraInflamX Plus 360° Original Spice
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UltraMeal® Daily Support Dutch Chocolate
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UltraNutrient®
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UltraNutrient®