Ginger: safety, contraindications and maximum dosage

Ginger is considered safe by the WHO in doses of 2-4g per day. But like any bioactive compound, there are precautions to be aware of.

Recommended dosage (WHO)

Population	Maximum dose/day	Source
Healthy adult	2-4g fresh ginger	WHO Monograph (2003)
Pregnant woman (1st trimester)	1g maximum	Viljoen et al., 2014
Pregnant woman (2nd-3rd trimester)	1-1.5g	Viljoen et al., 2014
Child >6 years	0.5-1g	Pediatric consensus

15-20ml of INTI Essence corresponds to approximately 2-3g of fresh ginger — within the WHO range.

Contraindications

• Gallstones: ginger and turmeric stimulate bile production. If you have gallstones, consult your doctor before consuming ginger regularly.
• Scheduled surgery: stop taking ginger 7 days before surgery (mild antiplatelet effect).
• Ginger allergy: rare but possible (hives, breathing difficulties). Test a small dose initially.

Drug interactions

Medicine	Interaction	Risque	Recommendation
Anticoagulants (warfarin)	Potentiation	↑ Hemorrhagic risk	INR monitoring + medical advice
Antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel)	Additive	↑ Risk of bleeding	Medical advice
Antidiabetics (metformin)	Hypoglycemic potentiation	↓ Excessive blood sugar	Blood sugar monitoring
Antihypertensives	Light additive	↓ Excessive tension (rare)	Blood pressure monitoring

Possible side effects

• Common (>5%): feeling of stomach heat, belching
• Occasional (1-5%): mild heartburn, diarrhea (if excessive dose)
• Rare (<1%): allergic reaction, contact dermatitis

Tip: if heartburn, dilute further in water and take with a little food.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• 1st trimester: max 1g/day, effective against morning sickness (12 RCTs)
• 2nd-3rd trimester: 1-1.5g/day considered safe
• High dose turmeric: not recommended during pregnancy (potential uterotonic effect)
• Breastfeeding: dietary doses considered safe
• Always: consult your gynecologist

When to see a doctor

• Before you start if you are taking anticoagulants or antidiabetics
• If you have gallstones
• If you are pregnant
• If you notice unusual bleeding
• If heartburn persists despite dose reduction

TheINTI Essence at 15-20ml/day respects WHO recommendations. No alcohol, no preservatives, 100% organic.