Fermented Ginger By Dr. Mercola Overview & Drug Interactions

Ginger is a spice native to Asia and part of the Zingiberaceae family. It has a pungent, spicy flavor and is often used to add flavor to dishes and drinks. Ginger has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other medicinal properties. It is commonly used to treat nausea, motion sickness, and other digestive issues. Ginger is also sometimes used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Ginger supplements generally standardize several compounds found in the root, and are often labeled as containing a certain amount of 'ginger root extract'.

Perilla frutescens, an annual plant native to Asia, is valued for its diverse applications in cooking, manufacturing, and traditional medicine. Its leaves, stem, and seeds are utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for their rich content of flavones like apigenin, luteolin, shishonin, and vicenin-2, as well as beneficial compounds such as alpha-linolenic acid, rosmarinic acid, and policosanol. These components are purported to contribute to a range of health benefits, including potential anti-allergy properties that may alleviate symptoms like atopic dermatitis and airway inflammation, possibly by reducing inflammatory mediators and mast cell activity. Its anti-inflammatory effects, which may involve inhibiting cytokine production and modulating immune cell activity, align with its traditional uses for allergies, asthma, and gastrointestinal issues. Moreover, perilla is said to exhibit antimicrobial effects, with its seed extract, oil, and essential oil showing potential activity against bacteria and fungi. Laboratory research suggests potential nephroprotective effects, indicating that perilla may inhibit the proliferation of mesangial cells in kidney disorders.