Trivia

There is evidence to suggest that ginger root is effective against motion sickness and nausea when taken in powdered form.

Ginger is the rhizome of the perennial herb Zingiber Officionale found in the Southwest coast of India and the Malabar Coast. Ginger was always known as a medicinal plant and a spice in India and China for thousands of years. Ginger has been used by many as a remedy for the common cold. Additionally, it has also been used as an effective analgesic, anti-pyretic, anti-viral, in the treatment of hypertension, and in the prevention of atherosclerosis. Other benefits of ginger include its ability to cleanse the colon, reduce spasms and cramps, stimulate circulation, and aid metabolism. Many have used it to treat colitis, nausea, gas, indigestion, bowel disorders, morning sickness, motion sickness, vomiting, congestion, fever, and headaches. Asian medicine still uses it as a treatment for asthma, shortness of breath, water retention, earache, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Homeopathic practitioners even recommend it for sexual disorders. An added benefit to Ginger is that it is a strong antioxidant and effective microbial agent for sores and wounds.

How does Ginger work in the digestive system? It helps protect the gastric system by increasing the pH of stomach acid, reducing its acidity, thereby lower the rate of gastric secretions, and increasing digestive enzyme activity. Rather than blocking the feelings of nausea in the brain, it acts directly on the stomach and liver to reduce nausea and vomiting.