Ginger Root

The ginger root is from the plant zingiber officonate. It is from the same plant family as tumeric, a commonly used cooking spice. It has many uses in cooking and homeopathic medicine. Ginger root is grown in warmer climates, and used in landscaping as well as harvested in bulk. Ginger root is an herb. Ginger root is also known as several other names including amomum zingiber, ardraka, cochin ginger, gingembre, gan-jiang, sheng-jiang, and black ginger. First cultivated in South Asia and has spread worldwide for its spicy addition to cooking as well as medicinal purposes. Ginger root can be boiled, crushed, or dried. Ginger root is used in many different geographic regions for many different ailments. Its gastrointestinal uses include dyspepsia, nausea, constipation, and colic. Pleasant to the tongue, it is also used to disguise the taste of some bitter medications. The natural anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in arthritis treatment and as a preventative in colon cancer as well as a preventative of influenza. Ginger root in considered to be a good use of antioxidants and can help with cell restoration and help ward off pre mature aging. Side effects of ginger root are mainly from the concentrated powdered form. Ginger has natural blood thinning properties and should not be used before surgery or on people that take anticoagulants. Although used for nausea, ginger must be used with caution in pregnant women because of its potential to cause uterine contractions. Ginger root should not be used by individuals taking medications for diabetes, and hypertension. Ginger root may increase the effects of anticoagulants, barbiturates, beta blockers, and diabetes medications. Used in low doses, ginger root has few side effects and is a spicy aromatic root. It is even believed to have aphrodisiac powers. This root is very versatile, and can be used for pain, nausea, and to remove toxins from the body. If being treated for a chronic