Side Effects of Ginger Supplements

The ginger supplement is an underground stem (a rhizome) of a plant used for more than 2,000 years in Indian, Arabic and Asian medicines, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The plant has been used for many ailments and diseases including nausea from motion, pregnancy or chemotherapy; inflamed joints; and cancer.

Allergic Reaction

• Some patients have had allergic reactions to ginger supplements. These reactions have included contact rashes and eye reactions. These have most often occurred with people who work with ginger directly or apply ginger to their skin, or those who have been diagnosed as allergic to Balsam of Peru, according to Medline Plus. An allergic reaction with ginger may occur if a patient is allergic to red ginger, shell ginger, green cardamom or plants of the Costus family.

Blood Medication

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the components of ginger are thought to have an anti-platelet effect on blood. If this is true, that would mean that ginger has a similar action to aspirin, and it may even be more potent. If this is the case, patients who need to undergo surgery or who are taking medications to slow blood clotting should avoid taking ginger supplements. Additionally, ginger may reduce blood sugar levels as well. This means that patients who are taking diabetic medicine or insulin may want to consult a doctor before using ginger.

Gastrointestinal Problems

• Ginger may cause occasional gastrointestinal comfort. Some individuals have reported belching, heartburn, bloating, gas, nausea and a bad taste in the mouth. This has occurred more with powdered ginger than any other kind. According to Medline Plus, a few cases have occurred in which a patient swallowed ginger without chewing it, causing an intestinal block. Because of these potential side effects, patients with blocked intestines, ulcers, gallstones and inflammatory bowel disease should talk to a doctor before using ginger.

Blood Pressure and Heart

• The Mayo Clinic mentions that ginger has caused abnormal heart rates in lab tests, but these results have not yet been corroborated in humans. As a precaution, it may be best to avoid ginger if you have experienced any type of heart defect. By the same token, ginger has been thought to both raise and lower blood pressure by different sources. If you are taking blood pressure medication for either raising or lowering your blood pressure, talk to a doctor before using ginger.