Using Ginger to Treat Nausea

Ginger is the stem, or underground root of the plant Zingiber officinale. It has been used in medicine in Chinese, Asian, Indian, and Arabic systems for thousands of years.This plant is native to Asia where it has been used in cooking for at least 4,400 years, ginger grows in fertile,tropical soil and likes plenty of moisture.

Several medical trials and tests have been carried out in US an UK, in an attempt to prove the benefits of ginger for all kinds of nausea,including post operative, post chemotherapy, motion sickness and morning sickness during pregnancy. Results have been inconclusive but many people swear by the efficacy of this remedy.

There are many ways of using ginger but the most pleasant is simply chewing crystallized ginger. This is pleasant and soon calms the stomach and is particularly good for children who may suffer from travel sickness.

Ground ginger, or small pieces of root can be put in the bottom of a cup with a standard teabag and made into an effective drink by adding boiling water. This should be sipped slowly until the nauseous feeling subsides.

This root is not suitable for everyone and professional medical advice should be taken by anyone who is taking heart, diabetes, or blood thinning medications.

Pregnant women should avoid taking ginger in any form because it may cause contractions of the uterus. Caution is advised here and medical advice should be sought before trying it.