Ginger has been used for thousands of years as both a spice in cuisine and as a medicinal herb. Ginger is grown for its rhizomes, or underground root-like stems. Ginger root is probably most commonly known for its use in treating digestive problems, including nausea, vomiting and upset stomach. In addition to treating digestive problems and nausea, ginger root is also used to treat inflammation-related conditions like arthritis and even cardiovascular problems like atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Easing Morning Sickness
Several medical studies have found that taking ginger root may effectively and safely treat morning sickness, or pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Women can take up to 1 g of ginger root daily to treat pregnancy-related nausea, but only when symptoms arise and not every day regardless of symptoms, recommends the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS).
Treating Motion Sickness
Taking ginger root may alleviate symptoms of motion sickness, the UMMC says. One clinical trial that studied a group of novice sailors who were prone to motion sickness discovered that the sailors who took powdered ginger experienced reduced vomiting and cold sweats, according to the UMMC. Some studies, however, have determined that ginger root isn't as effective in treating motion sickness as commonly prescribed medications like scopolamine. The UMHS recommends taking 500 mg of dried ginger powder about a half-hour to one hour prior to travel to treat motion sickness, and then taking 500 mg every two to four hours as needed during travel. Children younger than 6 should take half of this dosage, the UMHS says.
Boosting Post-Surgical Health
Although studies have yielded mixed results, taking ginger root after surgery may reduce nausea and vomiting, the common side effects of anesthesia. In two controlled clinical trials, researchers found that ginger root was equally effective in treating post-operative nausea and vomiting as an anti-nausea medication, the UMHS says. Some studies have found that taking 1 g of ginger root prior to surgery reduced nausea as well as leading medications, but other studies haven't found the same effects, points out the UMMC. Some studies have also found that taking ginger root reduces the duration and severity of nausea during chemotherapy, the UMMC adds.
Treating Inflammation
Ginger root can help to treat inflammation-related health conditions, such as arthritis and ulcerative colitis. A study of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee discovered that those who took ginger root extract twice daily experienced less pain and needed to take fewer painkiller medications than those who took the placebo, the UMMC notes. Ginger root is used in alternative medicine to treat arthritis and rheumatism, the UMHS says. Taking powdered ginger supplements can relieve pain and swelling in people with arthritis, according to a preliminary clinical trial cited by the UMHS.
Treating Heart Disease
Ginger root can also support cardiovascular health by making blood platelets less sticky and less apt to form clots, the UMHS says. Preliminary studies have indicated that taking ginger root may lower cholesterol as well, the UMMC adds. "Each of these effects may protect the blood vessels from blockage and the damaging effects of blockage, such as atherosclerosis, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke," the UMMC notes.
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