You're probably already familiar with ginger as a cooking ingredient, but you may be surprised to find out that it's also a commonly used medicinal herb as well. Ginger originates from tropical Asia, but is now cultivated in tropical areas all over the world. The roots of the ginger plant are used to make a culinary spice and medicinal treatments, says Medicinal Herb Info. Before starting to take ginger as a medicinal herb, seek the advice of your health-care provider.
Motion Sickness Facts
Motion sickness can occur on any form of transportation, not just while at sea. The symptoms can range from a simple feeling of queasiness to full-blown sweating, dizziness and vomiting. The good news is that the more often you travel, the more your body gets used to the motion and the less reaction you should have. MayoClinic.com suggests that people planning a trip at sea should try to book a cabin near the front or middle of the ship, the closer to the upper deck, the better.
Ginger Uses
Ginger has long been used to help alleviate nausea and upset stomach, so it's natural for it to come to mind when you are suffering from seasickness. The National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, website says that ginger is commonly used as a treatment for nausea and diarrhea. In fact, the site adds that many anti-nausea and digestive supplements sold today contain ginger extract as one of their ingredients. The U.S. National Library of Medicine, or USNLM, website adds that ginger is often used to treat migraine headaches, nausea caused by chemotherapy, nausea and vomiting after surgery, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Research
The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, website describes clinical tests where novice sailors, who would be the most likely to have seasickness, were studied to see if ginger helped their symptoms. Compared to those taking placebos, the people taking ginger had far fewer symptoms. NCCAM is currently funding several studies on the effects of ginger in treating a number of conditions, including nausea, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Forms Available
Taking ginger to relieve seasickness should be rather simple. Ginger should be available in the ship's kitchen and can be eaten, added to foods or used in a tea. If you are able to plan ahead, try packing some ginger tea bags or some tablets, capsules or extracts made with ginger recommends the NCCAM site.
Possible Side Effects
The NCCAM website reports there are few side effects to taking ginger in small doses. However, a few people do complain of bloating, gas or heartburn when taking it. The site explains that most of the side effects occur when taking the powdered form of ginger.
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