Benefits of Ginger

If someone tried to sell Benefits of Ginger

you a potion that could get rid of headaches, ease stomach upset, quiet a cough, soothe menstrual cramps, and even help in cancer treatment, you'd probably be quite skeptical. But there may be such a remedy, and chances are its right in your spice rack. Ginger, the dried rhizome (underground stem) of Zingiber officinal, has indeed been recommended for just about every condition except hair loss. What's interesting is that not all of these claims are hype.

Ginger - as a spice and medicine - had been around for thousands of years before your first sip. Indian Ayurveds used it to treat a range of ailments. Ancient Greeks warded off the effects of gluttonous feasts by eating ginger wrapped in bread. Chinese sailors chewed ginger to prevent seasickness, for which it has again become popular. So what are its best uses today?

Nausea & motion sickness: Ginger's effects on these problems are the best established of its healing benefits. Studies in 1982 found that about 1 gram of ginger was better than 100 milligrams of Dramamine for reducing symptoms of motion sickness. Since then, similar studies have shown generally positive results, and the board of German herbal experts known as Commission E has ruled that ginger is effective in preventing motion sickness. Two groups of compounds known as shogaols and gingerols appear to be responsible for ginger's antinausea activity. But unlike most common motion sickness remedies, including antihistamines and scopolamine patches, ginger appears to act directly on the stomach, instead of the central nervous system.

The result: No side effects such as Benefits of Ginger

drowsiness or dry mouth.

Ginger may also help alleviate nausea resulting from surgery and chemotherapy, but you have to balance its beneficial effects with its potential to inhibit blood clotting, which may be undesirable. The use of ginger to prevent morning sickness however is not recommended.

TIP

Take ginger 20 to 25 minutes before you travel if you suffer from motion sickness. It can be repeated every few hours as necessary. To reap ginger's digestive benefits, take before a meal to prevent symptoms or after a meal to treat discomfort.

Cough: If a dry, scratchy cough is keeping you awake at night, try brewing a cup of ginger tea. The ginger will stimulate the secretion of mucus to help quiet the cough, and the hot liquid will soothe the scratchiness.

Digestion help: Ginger is an effective carminative (helps relieve gas and its pain) and digestive aid. It also has a muscle relaxing action that can help relieve indigestion and menstrual cramps. This botanical herb has been used throughout history for these conditions, but it must be noted that not many studies have been done to verify these claims. Ginger also acts to stimulate the flow of bile from the gallbladder, which helps digestion.

Cancer: There is some preliminary evidence hinting that ginger may play a role in preventing or treating cancer. A study showed that mice treated with a ginger extract developed significantly fewer skin tumors than mice who received no treatment. It's far too early to say that ginger may help humans in this way, but it is reason enough to do more studies.

WHEN GINGER MAY NOT HELP

Although ginger has gained a reputation as a headache remedy, there's not much reason to believe it works.

THE HERB AT A GLANCE

Common name: Ginger, often designated according to geographical origin: Jamaican, African, Cochin ginger

Scientific name: Zingiber officinal

Beneficial uses: Prevents nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness; aids digestion and relieves gas and bloating; quiets coughs; eases menstrual cramps

Possible side effects: May prolong clotting time of blood.