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Ginger or Zingiber officinalis is commonly referred to as a root, used as a spice in cuisines throughout the world but it is actually the rhizome of the monocotyledonous perennial plant Zingiber officinale plant with a firm, striated texture. Originating in southern China, cultivation of ginger spread to India, Southeast Asia, West Africa, and the Caribbean. Aromatic, pungent and spicy, ginger adds a special flavor and zest to Asian stir fries and many fruit and vegetable dishes. Fresh Ginger root is available year round in the produce section of the local market. The flesh of the Ginger rhizome can be yellow, white or red in color, depending upon the variety. Ginger is covered with a brownish skin that may either be thick or thin, depending upon whether the plant was harvested when it was mature or young. The medical form of Ginger historically was called "Jamaica ginger"; it was classified as a stimulant and carminative, and used frequently for dyspepsia and colic. There are a variety of uses suggested for Ginger . Tea brewed from Ginger is a folk remedy for colds. Three to four leaves of Tulsi taken along with a piece of Ginger on an empty stomach is an effective cure for congestion, cough and cold. Ginger ale and Ginger beer have been recommended as "stomach settlers" for generations in countries where the beverages are made, and ginger water was commonly used to avoid heat cramps in the US. Ginger has also been historically used to treat inflammation which several scientific studies support, though one arthritis trial showed ginger to be no better than a placebo or ibuprofen.Research on rats suggests that Ginger may be useful for treating diabetes.
Some more medical uses of Ginger.
Motion sickness / seasickness
There is mixed evidence in this area, with some studies reporting that ginger has no effect on motion sickness, and other research noting that ginger may reduce vomiting (but not nausea). Before a recommendation can be made, more studies are needed comparing ginger to other drugs used for this purpose.
Nausea (due to chemotherapy)
Initial human research reports that Ginger may reduce the severity and length of time that cancer patients feel nauseous after chemotherapy. Other studies show no effects. Additional studies are needed to confirm these results and to determine safety and dosing. Numerous prescription drugs are highly effective at controlling nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and the available options should be discussed with the patient's medical oncologist.
Nausea and vomiting (after surgery)
Some human studies report improvement in nausea or vomiting after surgery if patients take Ginger before surgery. However, other research shows no difference. Additional studies are needed before the use of Ginger before surgery to help with nausea and vomiting can be recommended.
Osteoarthritis
Ginger has been studied as a possible treatment for osteoarthritis. However, results of these studies are mixed. More research is needed in this area.
Rheumatoid arthritis
There is limited scientific evidence in this area, and it is not clear if Ginger is beneficial.
Urinary disorders (post-stroke)
It is unclear if Ginger can help treat urinary disorders in patients recovering from strokes.
Shortening labor
There is not enough available scientific evidence in this area.
Weight loss
Ginger has been suggested as a possible weight loss aid, but more study is needed to a make a firm recommendation.
Added by Shristi 30 days ago
Conditions Treated: Blood
Specific Conditions Treated: Lymphedema
Ingredients Participating: Ginger
A disorder in the lymphatic system gives rise to the condition known as lymphedema. This disease is characterized by the development of a swelling in the lymph nodes; the lymph is ... more
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Added by Annette 12 months ago
Conditions Treated: Immune
Specific Conditions Treated: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Ingredients Participating: Ginger
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus commonly known as SLE or lupus also called Discoid lupus, Subacute cutaneous lupus or Discoid lupus is an immune disorder that can be fatal; however, w... more
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Added by Lesliehhp 14 months ago
Conditions Treated: Respiratory
Specific Conditions Treated: Croup, Bronchitis
Ingredients Participating: Ginger
A deeply warm (as hot as is tolerable) soak in a ginger tisane (an herbal "tea") is a wonderful remedy for croup, bronchitis, any troubles lung related. It breaks up mucus, stimula... more
Added by Arushi 14 months ago
Conditions Treated: Musculoskeletal
Specific Conditions Treated: Tennis Elbow
Ingredients Participating: Ginger
Tennis Elbow is a condition caused by inflammation of the tendons on the outside (lateral side) of the elbow at a bony prominence (lateral epicondyle) of the upper arm. Certain rep... more
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Added by Arushi 14 months ago
Conditions Treated: Musculoskeletal
Specific Conditions Treated: Stiff Neck
Ingredients Participating: Ginger
A Stiff Neck with pain and difficulty with moving is often the result of strain of one particular neck muscle. The muscle most often involved with a stiff neck is the levator scapu... more
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