Four randomized controlled trials (Ozgoli 2009, Rahnama 2012, Jenabi 2013, Shirvani 2015) on 462 women found ginger equally effective as ibuprofen for menstrual cramps.
How Period Pain Works
Dysmenorrhea = excess prostaglandins (PGF2α, PGE2) in the endometrium → uterine contractions → ischemia → pain. Ibuprofen blocks COX-1/COX-2 → fewer prostaglandins. Ginger does the same thing, naturally.
The Evidence
- Ozgoli 2009: 150 women, double-blind. Ginger (250mg×4/day) vs ibuprofen (400mg×4/day). No significant difference (p>0.05).
- Rahnama 2012: 120 women. 71% reported improvement with ginger vs placebo.
- Jenabi 2013: 70 women. Pain reduced 62% (ginger) vs 36% (placebo).
- Shirvani 2015: 122 women. Ginger = ibuprofen efficacy, fewer GI side effects.
The Sugar Paradox
Excess sugar increases systemic inflammation → more prostaglandin production → worse cramps. A "ginger shot" with 33g sugar/100ml fights inflammation with one hand and feeds it with the other.
INTI — 1.1g sugar. The anti-inflammatory ginger works without the pro-inflammatory sugar.
⚠️ See your gynecologist for severe or worsening menstrual pain. Ginger complements, it doesn't replace medical care.
When a spice matches a billion-unit drug in 4 clinical trials, maybe we should fund more research.
