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For centuries, ginger has been used as a home remedy, and by homeopathic doctors to help ease numerous health complaints. Ginger is very easy on the body, and does not cause unpleasant side effects like typical western prescription drugs. Although ginger should never replace an important medication your doctor has recommended, it can be extremely useful in treating some common every day problems.

1. Nausea

The most well known ailment that ginger is helpful for is nausea. Ginger has shown to be highly effective in easing nausea and motion sickness. Remember when you were young and your mom had you drink ginger ale for an upset tummy? That is because ginger is widely known to ease a sick stomach. Ginger is even good for nausea that is caused by morning sickness in pregnant women.

2. Migraines

Ginger helps to ease migraines by inhibiting platelet aggregation. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology cited a case where a woman took 500 mg of ginger at the onset of a migraine. The study reported the migraine began to subside shortly after the ginger was ingested. When taken regularly, the study also claimed ginger could reduce the frequency and intensity of the migraines.

3. Menstrual Cramps

Chinese medicine has used ginger tea with brown sugar to ease menstrual cramps for centuries. Ginger is a natural painkiller, helps to improve circulation, and relax the muscles. This calming tea is made by peeling a fresh ginger root, slicing into small pieces, and letting it simmer in hot water for about 20 minutes. After the tea is strained, you can add one teaspoon of brown sugar to make a delicious and relaxing warm tea.

4. Heartburn

Another benefit of ginger on the digestive system is the ability to rapidly ease heartburn pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help it to quickly tackle heartburn. Many people will add ginger to their food, or eat a small amount of ginger before each meal to prevent the onset of heartburn. If heartburn has already set in, however, making a warm cup of ginger tea can help to ease the heartburn pain in as little as 20 minutes.

5. Colds and Flu

Studies have shown that ginger extract cultured with a live flu virus helps inhibit viral growth. This not only means that ginger can help fight a cold and flu you already have, but when taken regularly, can also help prevent your body from catching the germs to begin with.

6. Ovarian Cancer

The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center has released findings that conclude ginger induces cell death when applied to cancerous cells. The researchers say ginger helps to control inflammation, which is a key factor in cancer growth.

No matter which of these health problems trouble you, adding ginger to your diet in the form of a spice, tea , or capsule , is a safe and effective way to gain extra relief.

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