Ginger-Top 7 Herbs for Colds and Flu (HerbladyMarilyn)
posted Thu January 12th 2012 @ 1:47 AM

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) –the herb for nausea

Ginger is a beautiful tropical plant which is prized for its root that is commonly found in the produce aisle of the supermarket. While pickled ginger is popular with sushi and candied ginger is used in baking, this root of this herb is best known medicinally for reducing nausea and improving digestion.

Ginger is a stimulant that warms the blood and increases circulation. It helps improve digestion and is often brewed in a cup of honey-sweetened tea with mint to relieve nausea, motion sickness or morning sickness in pregnant women. Ginger is also useful for cramps and nausea associated with PMS.

Scientists now know that ginger contains digestion-enhancing enzymes very similar to those found in papaya fruit, another well known digestive aid.

Ginger enhances gastrointestinal motility while reducing spasms, dispels flatulence and promotes secretion of digestive juices such as bile.

For the circulatory system, ginger inhibits platelet-activating factor (PAF). While some of this naturally occurring substance in the body is essential for blood clotting and inflammatory processes, too much can lead to the development of conditions such as heart disease, allergies, asthma and inflammatory disorders.

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