What Is Ginger?

For thousands of years, herbalists have used the root of the ginger plant to relieve stomach troubles. With its natural anti-inflammatory effects, ginger is also a common remedy for inflammation-related health problems like rheumatoid arthritis.

Health Benefits of Ginger

A number of studies have supported ginger's stomach-soothing effects. In addition to easing post-surgery nausea and vomiting, the herb appears to reduce motion sickness and morning sickness. What's more, a 2009 study of 644 cancer patients found that taking ginger supplements decreased post-chemotherapy nausea by 40%.

Ginger may also help alleviate chronic pain, possibly by lowering your levels of hormones that induce inflammation. A study published in 2005, for instance, suggests that ginger could lessen pain more effectively than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

In lab tests, scientists have showed that ginger extract may slow the growth of colorectal and ovarian cancer cells, as well as protect against Alzheimer's disease. However, scientists have yet to confirm these findings in studies on humans.

Ginger Tea

Sipping ginger tea can help calm an upset stomach, as well as ease congestion when you've got a cold.

Learn how to make ginger tea.

More Ginger Recipes

You can also whip up your own crystallized ginger and ginger ale (both of which can treat nausea and motion sickness), or add fresh ginger to your soups and stir-fries.

Ginger in Supplement Form

If you're going to take ginger in supplement form, look for ginger capsules or powders at your health food store or an online shop that specializes in herbal remedies.

Side Effects

Since ginger acts as a blood thinner, it's important to discontinue use at least two weeks before surgery and let your doctor know you've been using the herb.

In some cases, ginger may cause heartburn.

Green Ginger Tea by Leslie Bilderback

You can also try this recipe with jasmine or lemon herbal tea. Be sure to pick the decaffeinated tea, or you’ll defeat the purpose, as caffeine is a diuretic.

INGREDIENTS

2 green tea bags (decaffeinated) 1 knuckle of fresh ginger root, sliced thin 2 tablespoons honey Juice of 1 lime 2 cups boiling water 2 quarts cold water

1. Combine tea bags, ginger, honey, and lime in a large, heat-proof bowl.

2. Add boiling water and steep for 15 minutes.

3. Strain into a large pitcher and add cold water. Serve over ice.

SERVES 4

35 calories 0 g fat 10 g carbohydrates 0 g protein 0 mg sodium 0 g fiber

Ginger Tea Recipe

How to Make Ginger Tea

Ginger tea has a spicy, invigorating taste. It's used as a home remedy for indigestion, nausea, and to ward off colds, flu, and sore throats.

Ginger tea is very easy to make. Here is a recipe for you to try.

Ginger Tea Recipe water, 4 cups 2-inch piece of fresh ginger root optional: honey and lemon slice

Peel the ginger root and slice it into thin slices. Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Once it is boiling, add the ginger. Cover it and reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea. Add honey and lemon to taste.

Note: Keep in mind that if you are making ginger tea as a home remedy during cold and flu season, sweeteners are not recommended.

Ginger for Nausea Relief Ginger has long been a popular remedy for nausea, a type of stomach upset that often results from morning sickness, motion sickness, chemotherapy, food poisoning, migraines, and the use of certain medications. Many people use ginger supplements when treating nausea, although fresh, dried, and crystallized ginger may also help soothe nausea when consumed as foods or spices.

While it's not known how ginger might ease nausea, some scientists suspect that certain chemicals found in ginger may influence the nervous system, stomach, and intestines to help reduce nausea.

The Science Behind Ginger and Nausea

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) lists ginger supplements as "possibly effective" for preventing morning sickness and controlling post-surgery nausea. Indeed, a 2005 report from Obstetrics and Gynecology analyzed six clinical trials (with a total of 675 participants) and found that ginger was superior to a placebo and similar to vitamin B6 in relieving nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

In addition, in a 2006 report from the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, investigators sized up five clinical trials (with a total of 363 patients) and concluded that taking ginger is more effective than placebo for post-surgery nausea and vomiting.

On the other hand, the NIH classifies ginger supplements as "possibly ineffective" for preventing motion sickness and seasickness. Although several small studies suggest that ginger supplements may prevent or treat motion sickness to some degree, other research shows that ginger supplements are of little value in protecting against motion sickness.

When Should You Use Ginger for Nausea?

While ginger is generally considered safe for most people, it may cause some mild side effects (including heartburn, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort). In addition, it's important to take caution when using ginger in combination with other medications. For instance, combining ginger supplements with blood-thinning drugs may increase risk of bleeding, while mixing ginger supplements with diabetes medications may decrease blood sugar.

If you're considering the use of ginger supplements in treatment of a chronic health problem (or during chemotherapy), make sure to consult your physician before starting your supplement regimen.

Ginger Ale Recipe

Ginger is a home remedy for nausea and motion sickness. This is a recipe for ginger ale.

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients: 1 cup peeled, thinly sliced ginger 3 cups water 1 cup sugar 2 cups club soda 1 teaspoon lime juice

Preparation:In a covered saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the ginger pieces and sugar and cover. Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for five minutes.

Remove from heat and allow it to sit for 20 minutes.

Strain the mixture and set aside the liquid. Once it has reached room temperature, cool it in the fridge. Although you don’t need the ginger pieces any more, you can keep them to make crystallized ginger.

Mix the ginger sugar water with two cups of cold club soda. Add the lime juice. Stir and serve.

Makes four servings.

Variation

If you do not want to use sugar in this recipe, boil the ginger in water without adding the sugar. After it has cooled, sweeten to taste with stevia or another sugar substitute.

Crystallized Ginger Recipe

Ginger is a home remedy for nausea and motion sickness. This is an easy recipe for crystallized ginger. You can pack some ginger pieces in an airtight sandwich bag and carry them around with you.

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients: 1 cup peeled, thinly sliced ginger 3 cups water 1 cup sugar Additional sugar to coat (optional)

Preparation:In a covered saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the ginger pieces and sugar and cover. Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for five minutes.

Remove from heat and allow it to sit for 20 minutes.

Although you don’t need the ginger water any more, you can keep it to make ginger ale.

Heat the oven to 200 degrees F. Place the ginger slices in a glass pan. Place the pan in the oven until the slices are almost dry but still chewy. Allow it to cool.

Toss the cooled ginger in sugar to lightly coat it, if desired.

Store the crystallized ginger in an airtight container for up to two months.

Variation

If you do not want to use sugar in this recipe, boil the ginger in water without adding the sugar.

Instead of tossing the cooled ginger in sugar to lightly coat it, sprinkle stevia or another sugar substitute over the ginger pieces to taste.