Gan Jiang

The root of this herb is used. It contains oleoresin and essential oil along with sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and spicy substances (gingeroles and shogaols). Attributed properties: digestive, carminative, antiemetic and anti-inflammatory. Indications according to Commission E of the German Ministry of Health: motion sickness, vomiting (pregnancy, post surgery), anorexia, dyspepsia.

Since the last update we have not found any published data on its excretion in breast milk.

No problems were seen in an infant whose mother took ginger for 1 month while breastfeeding.^{(Bumrungpert 2018)}

Plant widely used in many countries as a condiment and as a medicine. In some cultures its consumption increases during pregnancy ^{(Ozgoli 2009, Boone 2005, Westfall 2004)} or lactation without reported complications. ^{(Nordeng 2004, Chen 2013, Kennedy 2013)}

It is used as a galactogogue by cultures from several continents ^{(Raven 2007, Lamxay 2011, Sim 2103)}. A study with few participants shown an increase of milk production within the first 6 days postpartum but not later; there was no change on prolactin levels ^{(Paritakul 2016)}. Increased milk production was found in mothers who, after vaginal delivery, but not after cesarean section, took ginger alone or mixed with fenugreek, ginger, turmeric, pandam or Xiong-gui-tiao-xue-yin ^{(Dilokthornsakul 2021, Bumrungpert 2018)} . The results cannot be considered conclusive due to methodological problems of the studies ^{(Foong 2020)}.

The best galactogogue result is achieved by a frequent on demand suckling and using a correct technique. ^{(ABM Protocol No. 9 2011)}.

Topical application of ginger, alone or together with camphor and turmeric or other plants in the form of compresses to the breast has been used to relieve postpartum breast engorgement pain ^{(Monazzami 2021, Ketsuwan 2018)}. The results cannot be considered conclusive due to methodological problems of the studies. ^{(Zakarija 2020)}

Its consumption can be considered compatible with breastfeeding ^{(Dennehy 2011)}. Abuse may be a cause of clotting issues (bleeding) and heartburn.