Ginger Root and Its Benefits

In India, an old proverb states, "Every good quality is contained in ginger." Known by the botanical name Zingiber officinale, ginger plays a dual role both as an herbal remedy and a spice. Ginger "root" is actually a rhizome, an underground stem that puts out both shoots and roots. Native to Southeast Asia, ginger enhances the flavor of savory dishes and curries, as well as gingersnap cookies and gingerbread.

Discussing ginger's medicinal properties, The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, notes that ginger contains phenols such as gingerols and shogaols. Phenols are plant compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Naturopathic medicine promotes a holistic approach to health with minimal use of surgeries and drugs. Please make sure to consult your physician before attempting naturopathic remedies at home.

The American Cancer Society says that for hundreds of years, sailors have taken ginger to prevent seasickness. As an herbal remedy, ginger has a history going back thousands of years, according to UMMC.

The American Cancer Society says that German Commission E, which regulates herbal medicines, has approved ginger for preventing motion sickness as well as indigestion. According to the Mayo Clinic, ginger may also help alleviate nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy and pregnancy, as well as after surgery, but evidence has not fully proved its effectiveness. UMMC notes that while conventional medications for nausea work better than ginger for motion sickness, they can cause unwanted drowsiness and dry mouth. Ginger does not have these side effects.

Health care providers use ginger as an anti-inflammatory to treat both arthritis and ulcerative colitis, according to UMMC. The Mayo Clinic notes that while ginger may help treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, trial results are mixed, indicating the need for more studies.

Although there is no scientific evidence that it helps, Barb Vittum of the Cornell University Cooperative Extension recommends ginger tea as a remedy for the common cold. She goes on to suggest adding a drop of ginger oil to massage lotion to relieve sore muscles.

Ginger root comes in several forms, including fresh or dried whole root as well as oils, extracts, tinctures and capsules. Medline Plus notes that dosage instructions vary, with some publications recommending a dose of 1 to 5 g daily, while others say 4 g is the maximum dose.

To make ginger tea, Barb Vittum recommends steeping 2 tsp. of grated fresh ginger in a cup of boiling water