Although officially recognized as a remedy for appetite
loss, indigestion and motion sickness, ginger root has
a proven ability to combat all forms of nausea and
vomiting. It has also been taken to loosen phlegm,
relieve gas, and tighten the tissues, although its
effectiveness for these purposes hasn't been proven.
Comparisons between ginger and prescription or
non-prescription drugs for motion sickness relief have
been conducted, but results were inconclusive.
However, in some of these studies, similar
effectiveness was seen between ginger and drugs.
Ginger has also been used in connection with minor gastrointestinal problems such as gas or heartburn. It
is thought to improve muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract. A few studies have provided preliminary
evidence suggesting that ginger may be also useful in relieving both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Other traditional uses for ginger, such as for relieving toothaches, have not been proven by clinical studies.
More research is needed for these and other possible uses of ginger.
