SINCE ancient times, Ginger, an underground stem (rhizome) of the plant Zingiber officinale has been used as a medicine. The potency of ginger in aiding digestion and treating stomach upset, diarrhea, arthritis, colic and heart conditions and nausea is legendary. The important active components of the ginger root are believed to be volatile oils and pungent phenol compounds (such as gingerols and shogaols).Presently, in addition to its medicinal uses, ginger continues to be valued as an important cooking spice and is believed to help the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches, and even painful menstual periods. Today, ginger root is widely used as a digestive aid for mild stomach upset and is commonly recommended by professional herbalists to help prevent or treat nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness, pregnancy, and, sometimes, chemotherapy for cancer (although the latter has not been studied).Several studies suggest that ginger may be effective in reducing symptoms associated with motion sickness. While these results are promising, other studies suggest that ginger may not be as effective as medications in reducing symptoms associated with motion sickness.But given its safety many people find it a welcome alternative to medications if it relieves their motion sickness.For pregnancy related nausea and vomiting,at least two studies have found that ginger is effective in relieving nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy. Research has produced mixed results regarding the use of ginger in the treatment of nausea and vomiting following surgery. In two studies, 1 gram of ginger root before surgery reduced nausea as effectively as a leading medication.In addition to providing relief from nausea and vomiting, ginger extract has long been used in traditional medical practices to decrease inflammation. In fact, many herbalists today use ginger to help treat health problems associated with inflammation, such as arthritis, bronchitis, and ulcerative colitis.A few preliminary studies suggest that ginger may lower cholesterol and prevent the blood from clotting.Each of these effects may protect the blood vessels from blockage and the damaging effects of blockage such as atherosclerosis, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke although it is still too early too know if these initial study results will ultimately prove helpful for people.•Next Tuesday: How to take ginger.