Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines, where it adds a spicy-sweet zing to stir-fries, casseroles, beverages and more. Ginger has also been used medicinally for thousands of years, mostly to treat digestive upset, as explained by The George Mateljan Foundation at TheWorld'sHealthiestFoods.com. Medicinal ginger may be taken as a tea or capsule; ginger candy may even offer healing benefits, provided it is made with real ginger root. Ginger is generally considered safe for both children and adults; although, ginger may interact with some prescription medications. Talk to your doctor or naturopath before taking ginger.
Nausea
Ginger is most prized as a natural treatment for nausea, and it may be used in a variety of situations. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) notes that a study conducted on novice sailors found that those who took powdered ginger were far less likely to experience motion sickness than those who took a placebo. Ginger has also been used to settle nausea following chemotherapy or surgery. The UMMC also reports that, in multiple studies, pregnant women with extreme morning sickness often found relief by taking regular doses of ginger. Ginger is also used for other digestive issues, such as diarrhea, heartburn or ulcers.
Anti-Inflammatory
Ginger is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, and many people take ginger to lessen the pain of arthritis or sore muscles and to increase mobility. Although the UMMC reports that some studies suggest that ginger is no more effective than ibuprofen in reducing muscle or joint pain, ginger can be a natural alternative to those who cannot take or do not respond to conventional drugs. Ginger capsules may be taken orally for joint or muscle pain, or you can make a poultice with ginger to apply directly to the affected area.
Immune System
Ginger often makes an appearance in herb teas used to treat respiratory infections. The spicy heat of ginger works to clear your sinuses and also soothes sore throats. Consuming ginger may also induce sweating. The George Mateljan Foundation says that some researchers in Germany believe that sweating works to detoxify your body and helps push out the disease that is making you sick.
Cancer
The George Mateljan Foundation reports that several recent animal studies suggest that gingerols, the medicinally active component of ginger, may be effective in slowing the growth or prevent the emergence of certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer and ovarian cancer. More research is needed, and scientists are currently working to find ways to use gingerols in the most beneficial manner.
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