| Used for at least two thousand years in China as a | | | | nausea. It acts as a very mild, natural supplement to |
| remedy for upset stomachs, Ginger's history in Asian | | | | the medication that motion sickness sufferers are |
| cuisine actually goes back at least five thousand | | | | already taking. |
| years! | | | | Researchers have also found that ginger can alleviate |
| In more modern times, it was believed by Europeans | | | | the aches and pains of chemotherapy treatment, |
| to have come directly from the Garden of Eden, | | | | although this is still unproven. It also acts as an |
| while the first American settlers used it to make | | | | anti-inflammatory, easing the symptoms of arthritis |
| beer. | | | | and other joint conditions. |
| These days, Ginger is still used by many herbologists | | | | Ginger increases bile secretion, helping to prevent liver |
| to cure digestive problems, but it has also had | | | | toxicity. It is also packed full of flavonoids, powerful |
| success in treating the common cold, motion sickness | | | | antioxidants that will keep you looking fresh and slow |
| and arthritis. | | | | the effects of aging. |
| What is Ginger? | | | | Other Uses for Ginger |
| Ginger is a herbaceous, perennial plant native to | | | | Ginger is used as flavouring for candy, cakes, sweet |
| South Eastern Asia. It is commonly called Ginger root | | | | carbonated drinks (e.g. ginger-ale) and used as a spice |
| but it's actually a rhizome, or a horizontal underground | | | | added to coffee. It is also used for cooking an array |
| stem that gives rise to shoots above the ground. | | | | of sweet and spicy dishes in cuisines throughout the |
| This aromatic herb has a spicy, pungent, and | | | | world, but especially in Asia. |
| citrus-like taste that has made it popular in Asian | | | | A mixture of ginger tea and lemon can be |
| cuisine. It is grown in large quantities in Jamaica, but is | | | | substituted for coffee as an invigorating alternative. |
| also cultivated in many Asian countries and around | | | | Ginger is used in aromatherapy as an essential oil. This |
| the world. | | | | strong, aromatic, warm and spicy concoction is used |
| Medicinal Uses for Ginger | | | | to treat back pain, arthritis, nausea, and poor |
| Ginger has a powerful antiviral action, due to the | | | | circulation. Ginger essential oil is also effective to |
| twelve separate antiviral agents that have been | | | | relieve itchiness from insect bites. |
| identified in it. As such, it is a great remedy for colds | | | | How Do You Take Ginger? |
| and flu. Additionally, its gentle sedative effects help | | | | If pregnant, don't take large quantities of ginger. Also |
| patients to rest, while its pain relieving action helps to | | | | avoid if you have gallstones or a bleeding disorder. |
| alleviate symptoms like sore throats and headaches. | | | | Stop taking it immediately if you feel any allergic |
| Ginger is most commonly used to treat mild digestive | | | | reactions. |
| complaints. It can help with nausea and vomiting from | | | | Always consult your doctor before starting a course |
| motion sickness, pregnancy and post-operative | | | | of herbal medicine. |