Ginger

Ginger root is a popular and well-known herbaceous plant. Its rhizomes are commonly used not only in the kitchen as a spice, but also in herbal medicinal practice for the treatment of multiple health related conditions, with a common use in both traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine practices. Containing bioactive compounds such as gingerol, it is mainly used as a household remedy for gastrointestinal complaints, including bloating, stomach discomfort, reflux and nausea.

Studies have shown that ginger is effective in helping to increase gastrointestinal motility, with the consumption of ginger being associated with a significant increase in gastric emptying time. Not only does this aid in digestion but can also prevent feelings of discomfort associated with fullness, such as reflux, bloating and abdominal distention.

Furthermore, the consumption of ginger is commonly used to treat nausea and, in some cases, vomiting. Research points towards the direction that consuming ginger has a benefit in reducing nausea induced by a number of causes such as pregnancy, chemotherapy and surgery. Ginger may also help an irritated or inflamed gut, with research showing that consumption of ginger has helped to reduce inflammatory markers within the body. Additional studies have demonstrated promising results for ginger in the relief of abdominal pain through reducing intestinal hypersensitivity in IBS-D and exhibiting an anti-inflammatory response in rats.