Is Ginger Safe To Consume Children?

Illustration of ginger (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Ginger has long been known as one of the herbal plants with various health benefits, such as easing nausea, warming the body, and increasing endurance. However, many parents wonder, is it safe to give ginger to children?

According to dr. Nadia Bunga, M.Si (Herbal), who is also a member of the Education Team of the Indonesian Traditional Medicine and Herbal Medicine Development Doctors Association (PDPOTJI), ginger can be given to children, as long as it is in the right dose and with care.

One way to introduce ginger to children is through food, such as porridge. "Jahe elephants can be used as cooking spices to introduce their taste to children. For example, add a little ginger to the team porridge to give children a new taste experience," explained dr. Nadia in a live broadcast on the @pdpotji_official Instagram account on Saturday, January 25.

He also suggested that ginger be given in stages and in small portions. Children over the age of one can be introduced to ginger water drinks.

"Take a ginger of a quarter of the child's finger, mash, then filter the water. This ginger water can be given to children. If you want to give sweet taste, add a little honey or turmeric," said dr. Nadia.

For babies who still receive breast milk, ginger can be mixed in milk bottles containing breast milk. In addition, ginger can also be put into formula milk that is usually consumed by children.

"If you want to introduce the taste of ginger, you can add one tablespoon of ginger water to milk or formula milk. This aims to make children slowly get used to the taste of ginger," he added.

Bigger children, such as the age of 10, can consume ginger in a larger dose.

"Use a ginger of half to one child's thumb to make a glass of ginger water. Start with a small dose, especially if this is the first time children have tried it," said dr. Nadia.

The benefits of ginger for children are very diverse, some of which are:

1. Warm the body

Suitable when the weather is cold or when the child shows signs of windfall.

2. Relax nausea and digestive disorders

ginger water can help deal with bloating and nauseated stomachs.

3. Increase endurance

Ginger contains antioxidants that can help protect the child's body from disease attacks. By giving wisely and according to the dose, ginger can be a natural solution to support children's health.