by Shannon Farlouis

Created on: February 28, 2010

Ginger is sometimes called root ginger. The root is used whole as a spice, medicine, or delicacy. Ginger is a herb.

In a study ginger oil has been shown to prevent skin cancer and kill ovarian cancer cells. Ginger has a pungent taste. It is known to stimulate the production of saliva which makes swallowing easier. The root ginger can be boiled in water to make a tea. Honey, orange, or lemon can be added to the tea for flavoring. Ginger can be used in many ways and it can act as a preservative in food. Ginger has been proven to kill certain bacteria called salmonella. Old ginger roots are very potent and they are used as a spice in Chinese and Indian dishes. Ginger decreases pain in arthritis. It is also very useful in treating heart disease. This is because of it's cholesterol lowering and blood thinning properties. At one time ginger was classified as a stimulant. It was often used in treating colic. Be careful and always seek the advice of a doctor before adding ginger to your diet or taking ginger as a supplement. This is because ginger has been known to interact with some medications such as warfarin. Ginger can be used in the treatment of diarrhea and nausea. In old folk remedies ginger was often used in treating cold, congestion, and coughs. Ginger ale was used to settle an upset stomach. In the United States ginger was used in treating heat cramps. Ginger has been known throughout history in the treatment of inflammation. Today it is being researched and studied in treating diabetes. In some countries ginger is dried and made into capsules and sold in pharmacies as a medicine. Today in the United States ginger is used in the prevention of morning sickness and motion sickness. The Food and Drug Administration has listed ginger to be safe and allows it to be sold as a dietary supplement.

You must always seek the advice of your doctor first before using any supplement especially if combined with any medications due to reactions that can occur. Some people may be allergic to ginger. Allergic reactions that can occur from using ginger are rashes, heartburns, bloating, and gas. Although ginger is safe it will not agree with everyone. Sometimes when ginger is eaten fresh it can case an intestinal blockage. Ginger can affect people who have gallstones.

In the world the leading producer of ginger is India. Other countries that produce ginger is China, Indonesia, Nepal, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Japan, Thailand, Philippines, and Sri Lanka.

Learn more about this author, Shannon Farlouis.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.