The root of the ginger plant, Zingiber officinale, is used as a spice and as an ingredient in a variety of foods, drinks and even in perfumes and soaps as a fragrance enhancer.It is also widely used as a medicinal, and has been for over 2,000 years in both the Ayurveda and Chinese medicine traditions. Ginger root is a relatively safe herb, according to MedlinePlus, but it is best to consult with a qualified health practitioner before using it for medicinal purposes2.

Ginger Root

The ginger plant is native to the tropical parts of Asia, but it can be cultivated in other tropical environments, such as Jamaica, according to the website Medical Herb Info2.

Medicinal Uses

Can Ginger Make You More Nauseous?

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The most common use of ginger root as a medicinal is for problems with the stomach, such as:

• the nausea from motion sickness
  
• gas
  
• diarrhea
  
• colic
  
• morning sickness

It is also used for the nausea caused by chemotherapy or as the result of surgery. Ginger root is also used to treat pain, such as the joint pain caused by arthritis, menstrual pain, and general muscle soreness.

Scientific Research

The majority of studies have focused on ginger's potential to relieve nausea and its causes. The results have been mixed, but motion sickness seems to have had the most promising results, according to UMMC.A study reported in "Acta Oto-Laryngologica" in 1988 found that sailors who took powdered ginger root had significantly fewer symptoms of vomiting and sweating than sailors who took a placebo, but did not have statistically fewer symptoms of nausea and vertigo -- both are common symptoms of motion sickness.More research is needed on other ailments that ginger purports to help.Those include:

• nausea from chemotherapy
  
• colds
  
• flu
  
• muscle pain
  
• loss of appetite
  
• heart disease
  
• migraines,

Possible Complications

Health Benefits of Crystallized Ginger

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Ginger root is considered relatively safe, but taking too much can cause irritation of the mouth, mild heartburn, diarrhea or excess menstrual flow in women. The UMMC suggests taking no more than 4 grams of ginger a day for adults and children over 2 years old. Pregnant women should take no more than 1 gram a day, while children under 2 years old should not take ginger at all.Consult your doctor or a qualified health professional before taking ginger root for medicinal purposes, particularly if you have gallstones, heart disease, diabetes or are pregnant.Ginger root may also cause problems if you are taking blood-thinners or high-blood pressure medications.