Is Ginger Safe for Babies?
Ginger is considered safe for babies, although there aren’t any studies suggesting a safe limit of its consumption by babies. The US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has marked ginger as GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe). For adults, the recommended intake is up to four grams a day.
Ginger’s use as a herbal medicine is not recommended for children below two years of age. Therefore, pediatric consultation is advised before you use ginger for any therapeutic purposes.
Health Benefits of Ginger
Chemical analysis of ginger shows that it contains different compounds associated with positive health benefits in humans:
- Antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and antiviral effects: Studies have shown that ginger has antimicrobial activity against E Coli, Salmonella typhi, and Bacillus subtilis. Babies are more vulnerable to bacterial attacks, and hence ginger could be used to prevent bacterial infections in babies, albeit under a pediatrician’s guidance. Also, ginger is known to have antifungal and antiviral properties that could help enhance the immune system function.
- Carminative effects: Ginger’s carminativeeffects may help mitigate gastrointestinal issues such as delayed gastric emptying leading to constipation and flatulence or bloating. It may also aid in relieving colic in babies when used in conjunction with other natural remedies. However, one should consult a doctor before using ginger to treat any ailments in babies.
- Antiemetic properties: Ginger’s antiemetic propertieswas found to reduce nausea in patients with postoperative nausea and vomiting. So under pediatric guidance, the same may work for babies as well.
- Expectorant: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications for cough and cold in children. So, if your child’s pediatrician approves, you can use ginger as an expectorant to treat cough. Ginger juice, combined with honey, is a common home remedy for cough and cold.But note that honey is not recommended for babies under one year of age.
- Certain other components: Some studies have indicated that certain compounds in ginger directly relax the lungs and help ease breathing. In the case of bronchitis too, ginger has been found useful as a treatment
- Various studies also indicate that ginger could help reduce pain. It generally inhibits the functioning of an enzyme that’s a significant component of the inflammatory response.Thus, if your baby is suffering from ear pain or stomach ache, ginger could be used.
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