Ginger is more than a spice, and very safe for general use in the diet. It has found usefulness in many conditions.
- Nausea: Ginger is often used to ease nausea caused by motion sickness, pregnancy or other causes. It is sold as a safe alternative to over-the-counter motion sickness remedies.
- Digestion: It has the ability to calm the stomach, promote the flow of bile, and improve the appetite. It is a digestive stimulant, useful when appetite may be low.
- Stomach and Intestinal cramps from gas: It can relieve these, often quicker than any other herbal medicine.
- Circulation: It helps to support a healthy cardiovascular system by making platelets less sticky, therefore reducing the likelihood of clots. For this reason, self-medication is advised against, especially if you are taking anticoagulant drugs or are using aspirin. Much recent work has focused on the use of ginger in circulatory disorders such as cold extremities and Raynaud’s disease. Ginger may lower blood pressure for several hours. There may also be a pulse-lowering effect.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: It has traditionally been used to help inflammatory joint diseases such as arthritis. It is also valued for its analgesic action, which may help arthritic conditions.
- For women: It may be of use in ovarian and menstrual pain.
- Cholesterol: Studies have suggested that ginger may be useful in keeping cholesterol levels under control, although the mechanism for this is not yet understood.
- Respiratory infections: It is well known for its warming expectorant action on the upper respiratory tract, and this is why Chinese herbalists have traditionally used ginger to treat colds and influenza.