I have always been intrigued by ginger and recently did some self-experimentation with two forms:
ginger powder
crystallized ginger
I am not aware whether either of these above forms of ginger are in any way superior to the raw version. However, these two kinds are far easier and more convenient to use than, for example, boiling the raw plant. So I went with those...
First of all, ginger is potent stuff IMO. Too much of it causes an unmistakable nausea. When I first tried the powder, I took one and a half heaping teaspoon and got so nauseous and lightheaded that I had to pull over the car and recollect myself for a moment; very seriously I felt that driving in that condition could be unsafe.
Smaller doses of either the powder or the crystallized form also cause mild nausea and, more importantly, almost completely eliminate the sensation of hunger.
Does anyone know why this might be? I vaguely recall some research indicating the potential weight loss benefits from ginger and the MOA was a reduction in hunger. But through what mechanism does ginger reduce hunger? I was under the impression that ginger and curcumin were close cousins and exerted most of their cognitive effects by way of MOA inhibition. But I also thought that curcumin was quite a bit stronger. However, I never had either appetite reduction or nausea from curcumin, even some large doses combined with pepper never did so (but curcumin gives intense focus and nice libido boost). So there is some difference it appears in what ginger vs cucrumin do.
Could ginger's effects be through peripheral dopaminergic stimulation? It appears some of the effects are very similar to the side effects of old-fashioned dopamine agonists, such as Cabergoline and Bromociptine. Those drugs too, cause a very similar type of nausea and appetite loss. Could ginger also do something similar?
And of course, much more importantly, what influence on health and well-being can be expected from long term ginger use?
Any input is much appreciated....