Ginger is an edible root, spice, and medicinal plant (Zingiber officinale). It’s been used to relieve nausea and stomach pain since ancient times. It’s also a natural remedy against indigestion and motion sickness.

Ginger also has antibacterial properties. It helps ward off germs that cause infections, including gum disease.

Antioxidants

Ginger root is loaded with antioxidants, which help prevent stress and damage to our DNA. This helps keep our body strong so it can fight off disease and slow down aging.

In addition to fighting free radicals, ginger can improve digestion, alleviate nausea and reduce bloating and gas. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe inflammation due to autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

The bioactive compounds in ginger, such as 6-gingerol and shogaol, can inhibit tumor growth in test-tube studies and promote cellular regeneration in damaged cells. Additionally, ginger essential oil has hepatoprotective properties and may inhibit oxidative stress-induced alterations in hepatic tissue. Ginger can also ease functional dyspepsia, including acid reflux and heartburn, and soothe chemotherapy-related nausea. It can also reduce pain caused by dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps) in women.

Antibacterial

The antibacterial compounds in ginger (Zingiber officinale) help fight bacteria that can cause infections. One of these, gingerol, is also an antioxidant. It reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that increase inflammatory reactions in the body.

Ginger helps reduce gasses that form during digestion, and can relieve indigestion and heartburn. It has also been shown to encourage movement of the bowels, which can help prevent constipation.

Ginger can also treat fungal infections, including yeast infections like jock itch and athlete’s foot. Its powerful antifungal properties are the result of a number of bioactive components that have been shown in test-tube studies to have fungicidal activity. These include zingerones, shogaols, gingerdiones and hexahydrocurcumin. This makes it a safe and effective natural alternative to pharmaceutical drugs for treating fungal infections.

Anti-inflammatory

Adding ginger to meals may help reduce chronic inflammation that can cause heart disease, arthritis and other conditions. Ginger’s powerful antioxidants quell free radicals, which are a common cause of inflammatory conditions in the body.

A compound in ginger called 6-shogaol and another phenol compound, zingerone, inhibit the growth of cancer cells and may also protect against some forms of dementia. Studies indicate that ginger can prevent inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

A small amount of ginger can improve digestion and empty the stomach faster. It’s also an effective remedy for indigestion, especially for those suffering from a condition called dyspepsia. It can also ease nausea from pregnancy and chemotherapy treatments for cancer patients. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can even relieve some symptoms of arthritis, such as pain and swelling in the joints.

Anti-nausea

The spicy root may help ease an upset tummy. That’s because ginger acts on parts of the GI tract that cause nausea and stomach upset. It can also boost digestion and speed up the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine.

It’s also been shown to reduce nausea related to motion sickness, morning sickness, pregnancy and chemotherapy. In fact, some research suggests that ginger is more effective than conventional medications for nausea.

Eat fresh or juicing ginger, add it to your smoothie or sprinkle some on your salad to reap its anti-nausea benefits. You can also take ginger supplements in capsule or tablet form. But before trying any new supplement, talk to your doctor. They can recommend an appropriate dose based on your health history and what you’re hoping to treat.

Pain relief

The anti-inflammatory properties of Zingiber officinale, the root commonly known as ginger, have been studied since ancient times. In fact, one study showed that ginger reduced the inflammatory markers in rheumatoid arthritis patients by blocking an enzyme called arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase.

It also helps relieve gastrointestinal issues such as acid reflux and heartburn. It can even help with mouth infections as two types of bacteria that cause gum disease have been shown to be inhibited by ginger.

Ginger may interfere with a few medications like blood thinners and high-blood pressure drugs, so it’s best to talk to your doctor before including it in your diet. You may want to start with a small amount and increase it slowly. Try adding ginger powder to hot water or making a tea.