Ginger
(Zingiber Officinale)
What is it?
Highly valued as a spice, ginger has been used medicinally for thousands of years by Chinese physicians. Ginger acts as an antioxidant and has has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting and pain-killing properties. It also improves liver function and lowers cholesterol as well as having beneficial effects on the heart. Ginger has anti-ulcer activity and improves the function of the muscles in the gut while helping to relieve spasm. Ginger is also valued for its warming properties.
What it does in the body
Ginger is used to treat motion sickness, nausea and vomiting; inflammatory conditions such as arthritis; and to improve digestion.
Cautions
Large doses on an empty stomach may cause irritation and with long-term use may lead to ulcers.