Ginger is considered an extremely popular and healthy spice, which is used as an additive in all kinds of dishes and pastries, and also use pickled root in Japanese dishes. Tea with fresh ginger root and honey is considered the best way to prevent colds. Confectionery with ginger have a unique, perfect taste. Also, in addition to baking, it is actively used in cosmetic products and traditional medicine is not without it.

Ginger is a natural allergen

Many people benefit from the ginger root and tolerate it well. However, there are people who do not tolerate this spice. According to statistics, the degree of allergenicity of spices is low - 80% of people tolerate spice in any form, and the remaining 20% ​​are hypersensitive.

Chemical characteristics

The composition of the root is rich in many useful elements:

• fiber;
• vitamins C and B1, B2, B3;
• choline;
• linoleic, caprylic and oleic acids;
• mineral complex (silicon, aluminum, iron, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, magnesium, potassium);
• amino acids.

Ginger contains essential oil, it is in turn rich in complex pharmacologically active compounds:

• beta carotene;
• curcumin;
• capsaicin;
• gingerols;
• cineol.

Essential oils with a specific aroma are present in all seeds and vegetative organs of the root.

Taste and smell

The taste and smell of the product is determined by the fact that it contains essential oil. Fresh ginger is characterized by a pleasant aroma that resembles citrus, with pronounced peppers and so fresh, even sharp, notes.

Due to the fact that the spice is rich in essential oils, its aroma is preserved for a long time. The ginger taste has a pronounced burning bitterness and also, even a small piece, nibbles the tongue and helps to warm the mouth.

Causes of Allergies

Any manifestations of an allergy to spice lead to quite serious consequences. Sure, there are people who have intolerance to this spice, but there are few of them. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account the capabilities of your body and take into account the likelihood of a negative reaction before consuming ginger root. Also, ginger can act as an allergen and will be completely contraindicated.

Individual intolerance

The most important contraindication for the ingestion of this spice is individual intolerance. It is characterized by the fact that the body itself does not "take" the spice and induces the appearance of allergies.

A clear symptom of ginger intolerance is redness, irritation, and itching of the skin. It is recommended to listen to the body and refuse spice, in order to avoid undesirable consequences.

Cross reaction with other plants

It is extremely rare that an allergy to the root takes on a cross character. This reaction means that when ginger acts as an allergen, then allergy symptoms will appear after eating another irritant.

Did you know? Scientists still can not establish which specific protein in the ginger root acts as an allergen.

Plants that may cause an allergic reaction in the company of ginger

When the root is an allergen, it is likely that the body will respond to plants such as wormwood or mustard.The whole point is that the whole protein that is in these three products is similar in structure. Therefore, when these proteins enter the human body, the immune system considers them to be foreign.

Spices, seasonings, honey: which can cause allergies in combination with ginger

Other allergens that cause a negative reaction are the usual spices, for example, galangal or turmeric. Allergy occurs after the use of these spices due to the fact that they belong to the ginger family and are similar in composition.

In addition, cardamom can be included in this list, since this spice also contains concentrated essential oil, which contains the same pharmacologically active compounds.

Everyone who is allergic to this spice is advised to test before eating honey. It contains pollen, which may also contain ginger. Also, carefully treat the use of various citrus fruits and seasonings. They may contain similar or identical components that may be an allergen.

Signs of an Allergy

After an allergenic product has been eaten, an allergic reaction may begin either immediately or after some time. Often, symptoms occur gradually, usually within one day after consumption.

Epidermis

An adult after eating the spice after a couple of minutes or hours, can observe on the skin the manifestation of small acne or large blisters, which are accompanied by reddening of the skin around them. In a severe allergic reaction, large edema forms, which spread to the upper half of the body or limbs. As a result, there is swelling of the mucous membranes, which can cause suffocation.

In a child, first of all, allergy gives its reaction on the cheeks. One of the most unpleasant manifestations of allergies is severe itching, which is unrealistic to endure. If you comb the skin, it is injured, and bacterial infections begin to develop on the resulting wounds.

Respiratory

After spice enters the oral mucosa, the first manifestations of respiratory symptoms begin.

Symptoms that characterize an allergy:

• copious discharge of tears;
• sore throat;
• dry cough;
• stuffy nose due to swelling;
• frequent sneezing
• secretion of liquid mucus from the nasal passages.

The manifestation of these signs means a protective reaction of the body to quickly remove the allergen from the respiratory tract. The above symptoms in the complex cause the feeling that there is not enough air. Therefore, following respiratory symptoms, a sense of fright, panic and anxiety is connected.

From the digestive tract

After an hour, after the spice has been consumed, allergies begin digestive upset.

There is a strong gas formation in the gastrointestinal tract, and for it characteristic symptoms are the manifestation:

• nausea
• diarrhea
• vomiting or vomiting;
• epigastric pain;
• rumbling in the stomach.

The same symptoms are observed during food poisoning or intestinal infection. To establish the correct diagnosis, differential diagnosis is necessary.

Generalized reactions

Generalized reactions include:

• generalized urticaria;
• Quincke's edema;
• anaphylactic shock.

Blisters appear on the dermis during hives, accompanied by intolerable itching, merging with each other. They cover the entire body, but when they pass, then there are no scars and there are no signs for a second rash.

With Quincke's edema, dense swelling of the skin and all mucous membranes is observed due to which the larynx swells. If the edema has spread to the upper respiratory tract, then breathing is disturbed, which is most dangerous for the body.

Urticaria and Quincke's edema are pathologies that may indicate the occurrence of anaphylactic shock.During this, a drop in blood pressure occurs, which leads to poor performance of the body as a result of impaired blood circulation.

Important! If there is a strong development of allergies, it is important to immediately call an ambulance. And a small child should be immediately taken to the hospital, even if there are no pronounced symptoms.

Hypoxia also occurs - the development of seizures, oxygen starvation, bronchospasm and other signs that are life-threatening. Generalized reactions to ginger in any form are very rare, but the risk of their development should not be excluded.

First aid

As soon as the first symptoms of allergy appear, it is important to take the necessary measures in a timely manner to avoid the worst consequences. If allergies are treated with mild symptoms, then antihistamines should be taken, and in severe cases, call an ambulance.

For adults

The presence of qualified medical personnel is mandatory to assist with the development of urticaria, Quincke's edema or anaphylactic shock. It will not work to help an adult patient without using special medications.

But before the Ambulance arrives, it’s important:

• stop eating the root or a dish with it;
• give an antihistamine;
• control breathing in case of loss of consciousness. Turn the person’s head to one side to avoid dropping the tongue
• raise your legs, placing a pillow under them, so that the blood is more redistributed to the head.

For children

If the child was susceptible to allergies, then at the slightest manifestation of symptoms, he must be immediately taken to a hospital or an ambulance must be called.

Before her arrival:

• give an anti-allergic drug to eliminate the allergen, for example, Diazolin, Loratodin, Zodak;
• to lay the child without a pillow and raise his legs;
• in the absence of breathing, immediately do indirect heart massage and mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration.

Treatment

Allergy treatment should be comprehensive. To start the correct treatment, the first thing you need is a mandatory visit to a doctor, he will select the necessary medications. But with a mild form of allergy, you can treat with folk remedies.

Important! Ginger root is prohibited for use by young children under two years of age.

Doctors in India say that the introduction of ginger can begin a couple of months after the start of complementary foods. They argue that infants who have constipation, colic, must have ginger juice in their diet to prevent these disorders.

Domestic doctors categorically prohibit the use of ginger in young children, since this root gives a strong effect of irritation of the mucous membranes and skin.

Medication

It is necessary to treat allergies with medications using a variety of antihistamines. They are divided into 3 generations.

First-generation drugs are characterized by the following adverse reactions:

• pain in the abdomen;
• constipation;
• problem urination;
• lethargy.

Means of the second and third generation of antihistamines practically do not have adverse reactions, when prescribing such drugs, the doctor should take into account the period of pregnancy, lactation, and concomitant diseases.

The most common drugs are:

1. The first generation - Diazolin, Diphenhydramine.
2. The second generation - Claridol, Claritin, Rupafin.
3. The third generation - Treksil, Zirtek.

Did you know? Antihistamines affect the result of a blood test, so you can’t take medication for at least a couple of days before taking it.

When there is abundant secretion of tears and a runny nose, first-generation drops, for example, Taleum, Kromoglin or Intal, are used. These drugs contain cromoglycetic acid and are able to quickly suppress allergic symptoms that relate to inflammation of the mucous membranes.

Folk remedies

The first step for a successful treatment is the complete exclusion of spices and dishes with its addition. People who are allergic to ginger root should forget about eating it for life. Mild symptoms of allergies can be treated with the best folk remedies for years.

To cure allergic dermatitis, an decoction of oak bark will be an effective medicine. This broth washed the affected areas of the skin and make lotions. To prepare the broth, you need to add 1 tsp to a glass of boiled water. oak bark and 30 minutes to cook it in a water bath. This broth can be stored for 2 days in a dark and cool place.

Also, the treatment of affected skin helps the application of an oil extract of rose hips, and celery juice will perfectly help with hives (0.5 hours half an hour before eating) .To cure allergic eczema, apply cabbage leaves. Apply the washed fresh leaf to the affected skin and attach for two days, then replace with fresh. The first result is noticeable after the second application. Lotions with fresh birch sap also help.

During inflammatory processes of the mucous membrane of the eyes, it is necessary to rinse them with chamomile broth. To cook it, you need to pour 1 hour of chamomile in a glass of boiling water and insist for a quarter of an hour. To cure allergic rhinitis, you need to drip nose with juice from raw beets, 2-3 drops in each nostril.

Important! Self-treatment of allergies can be dangerous to your health and life.

Before you apply any of these folk remedies, be sure to check if you are allergic to it by consulting your doctor.

Contraindications for the use of ginger

• It is forbidden to use ginger:
• With a stroke, myocardial infarction and with a previous condition.
• With high blood pressure.
• With hemorrhoids, especially when it is accompanied by bleeding.
• With liver disease.
• If there are stones in the biliary tract.
• With ulcers, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Allergy Prevention

The best prevention of allergic reactions is considered to be a complete exclusion from the diet of the root. It is forbidden to eat it in any form, both fresh, powder, and in dishes containing this spice.If the root is your confirmed allergen, you should definitely pay attention to the composition of hygiene products so that they do not have this ingredient.

Undoubtedly, ginger root is useful, tasty and often gets only positive reviews, but there are still contraindications in the form of allergic reactions. An allergy will be a good reason to refrain from using this product, otherwise you will be susceptible to negative symptoms that can cause irreversible effects.