Background Info
Ginger is a knotted, thick, beige underground stem (rhizome). The stem extends roughly 12 inches above ground with long, narrow, ribbed, green leaves, and white or yellowish-green flowers.
Ginger has been used as a medicine in Asian, Indian, Chinese and Arabic herbal traditions since ancient times. In addition to medicinal uses, ginger continues to be valued around the world as an important cooking spice.
Benefits
Commonly recommended to help prevent or treat nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness, pregnancy, and cancer chemotherapy. It is also used as a digestive aid for mild stomach upset, as support in inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, and may even be used in heart disease or cancer.
- Gastrointestinal Relief
- Safe and Effective Relief of Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy
- Helps treat arthritis, colic, diarrhea, and heart conditions
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects
- Protection against Colorectal Cancer / Induces Cell Death in Ovarian Cancer Cells
- Immune Boosting Action
- believed to help treat the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches, and painful menstrual periods
Note: Whenever possible, choose fresh ginger over the dried form of the spice since it is not only superior in flavor but contains higher levels of gingerol as well as ginger's active protease (it's anti-inflammatory compound).
References
Ginger Product Monograph (Health Canada)
Ginger - encyclopedia of spices