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Pregnant? Say Good-bye to Morning Sickness With Ginger
Posted by: Dr. Mercola
April 23 2005 | 3,771 views

Ginger

As much as 80 percent of pregnant women suffer from morning sickness in their first trimester. However, expecting mothers need not fear, for research may have discovered a natural way to help ease these queasy, wrenching feelings: Ginger.

Ginger proved to be more effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in pregnant women than a placebo, and worked just as well as vitamin B6 (found to improve morning sickness symptoms in pregnant women), according to studies. None of the women who took ginger had experienced problems with their pregnancies.

Opting For Natural Alternatives to Cure Morning Sickness

These findings most likely come as a relief to expecting mothers. While there are numerous medications specifically designed to ease symptoms of morning sickness, many soon-to-be mothers withdraw from using drugs for fear of causing negative side effects in their unborn children. Instead, they turn to alternative treatments:

  • Vitamins
  • Acupuncture
  • Herbal products
  • Homeopathic remedies

Yet among natural options, ginger has long been used to treat nausea. In fact, ginger has become one of the top 20 best-selling herbal supplements in the United States [text in blue]. Additional natural products used to treat morning sickness include chamomile, peppermint and raspberry leaf.

Obstetrics & Gynecology April 2005;105(4):849-856

Reuters April 4, 2005



Dr. Mercola's Comments:
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Any of you who have either experienced morning sickness, or been around someone who was experiencing it, know that it can be a very unpleasant experience. Although it ranges in severity, even the mildest cases can result in a nasty memory for new moms and dads.

I wrote a review on the options for morning sickness five years ago, but I neglected to include ginger as an option. It's always great to add another non-drug, natural, inexpensive and effective solution for a common problem.

The results of this most recent study on ginger and morning sickness are important because they support the use of a completely natural solution that causes no side effects to mom or baby.

Ginger is safe for consumption during pregnancy, and can be ingested in a variety of ways including:

  • Cooking with it: Tastes great lightly sautéed with other vegetables, meat, sesame oil and a little sea salt.

  • As a tea, with a little raw honey added.

  • As a syrup: Ginger syrup can be found in most health food stores and on the Internet.

There are a number of other helpful options to consider if you are dealing with morning sickness. They include:

  • Regular consumption of high-quality meats for a good source of protein
  • Eating regular meals and not letting yourself get too hungry-- this can trigger a bout of nausea in some women
  • Vitamin K taken along with vitamin C.
  • Vitamin B6
  • Acupressure
  • Homeopathic remedies including:
    • Cocculus
    • Colchicum
    • Ipecacuanha
    • Lactinum acidum
    • Nux vomica
    • Sepia
    • Tabaccum

Related Articles:

Withdrawn 'Morning Sickness' Drug May Return

Morning Sickness and Mom Avoiding Grains May Be Good For Fetus Along With Solutions for Morning Sickness

Bacteria Linked to Severe Morning Sickness and How to Really Treat Ulcers






 
 
 
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.