We\u2019ve all experienced unrelenting nausea at some point or another. At these times, you\u2019re first instinct may be to turn to over the counter medications; however, ginger works as a simple, effective antidote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For thousands of years, Arabic, Indian, and Asian healers prized ginger as food and medicine. This tropical plant, in the same bo\u00adtanical family as turmeric and cardamom, was effectively used to relieve nausea and vomiting caused by illness and seasickness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanks to the spice trade, the tradition caught on in Europe. As one sixteenth-century physician put it: \u201cGinger does good for a bad stomach.\u201d In The Family Herbal from 1814, English physician Robert Thornton noted that \u201ctwo or three cupfuls for breakfast\u201d will relieve \u201cdyspepsia due to hard drinking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Modern research later confirmed that ginger reduces nausea and vomiting from multi\u00adple causes: morning sickness, postoperative upset, chemotherapy treatments, and motion sickness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The studies on whether or not ginger prevents motion sickness are mixed. One study found ginger to be as effective, with fewer side effects, as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). Other studies indicate that, when added to antinausea medications, it further reduces nau\u00adsea and vomiting from chemotherapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the best-researched use of ginger is in combating nausea and vomiting, studies have shown that ginger is a multi-faceted remedy with at least six more healing effects:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1.It reduces pain and inflammation, making it valuable in managing arthritis, headaches, and menstrual cramps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2.It has a warming effect and stimulates circulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3.It inhibits rhinovirus, which can cause the common cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4.It inhibits such bacteria as Salmonella, which cause diarrhea, and protozoa, such as Trichomonas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5.In the intestinal tract, it reduces gas and painful spasms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6.It may prevent stomach ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n