Ginger is a rhizome of the plant known as zingiber officinale. It is consumed as a spice, used for medicinal purposes or as a delicacy. The main active ingredients for this rhizome are pungent phenol compounds and volatile oils. The key phenol compounds are such as shogaols and gingerols.

Due to its history as a medicinal plant, it is currently recommended for the treatment or prevention of nausea and vomiting linked to certain ailments and conditions such as pregnancy, chemotherapy and motion sickness. Its key components which are shogaols and gingerols are very effective in neutralizing stomach acids, toning the digestive tract’s muscles and enhancing secretion of digestive juices so as to stimulate appetite. In connection to digestion, ginger is said to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginger is also known to limit flatulence as it soothes the digestive tract, control chronic pain especially when ingested in standardized extract form. It also calms muscles and reduces the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. This is achieved by massaging oil into the aching or sore muscles. Alternatively, it can be taken in as a standardized form which reduces prostaglandins (compounds which cause pain) levels.

One thing to note is that while using ginger for medicinal purposes, you should consider the dosage in place.