Ginger

Primary Uses

Ginger is a common ingredient in Asian and Indian cuisine. However, ginger has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries among many cultures.

Ginger is commonly used to treat various types of “stomach problems,” including motion sickness, morning sickness, colic, upset stomach, gas, diarrhea and nause.

Digestive issues: The phenolic compounds in ginger are known to help relieve gastrointestinal irritation, stimulate saliva and bile production and suppress gastric contractions and movement of food and fluids through the gastrointestinal tract.

Nausea: Chewing raw ginger or drinking ginger tea is a common home remedy for nausea during cancer treatment. Pregnant women experiencing morning sickness can safely use ginger to relieve nausea and vomiting, often in the form of ginger lozenges or candies.

Inflammation: Ginger has been used for centuries to reduce inflammation and treat inflammatory conditions.

Safety Issues

Natural ginger is safe for most people and causes little to no known side effects. It may exacerbate symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn in some people. The effectiveness and side effects from ginger supplements will vary by brand and formulation.