Ginger

Ginger is an herb native to Asia. For thousands of years it has been used as an herbal medicine in Arabia and India, as well as Asia. Ginger is a bulky root that grows partly underground and protrudes as much as a foot above the ground's surface. It has narrow, ribbed green leaves, with yellow-green flowers.

Main uses

Ginger can be dried, powdered, used in its natural form, converted into an oil or juice. It has been used to treat:

1. Motion sickness

2. Upset stomach

3. Morning sickness

4. Cold and flu

5. Flatulence

6. Diarrhea

7. Nausea and vomiting following surgery

8. Appetite loss

Other uses

Some other uses for ginger include:

• Pain relief (arthritis, menstruation, joint, and muscle)

• Bronchitis

• Cough

• Upper respiratory infection

• Laxative

• Antacid

Migraines

A double-blind, non-placedbo controlled study released in May 2013 compared two types of migraine treatments in 100 acute migraine patients.^[5] Participants were given ginger powder or sumatriptan, a common migraine drug, to take at migraine onset. After two hours, both groups experienced significantly reduced head pain.

Ginger powder may significantly reduce head pain.

The researchers concluded that ginger worked just as well as sumatriptan with fewerside effects.

While this study shows promise, migraine patients should always consult their healthcare provider before taking a new supplement.

Safety concerns and side effects

Ginger root

Ginger is safe for most people if consumed in normal amounts.