(NaturalNews) According MedlinePlus, taking 1 gram of ginger before surgery may help reduce nausea and vomiting post-surgery. Widely known for its ability to reduce nausea and vomiting, ginger has many more uses than one may think. In China, ginger has been used for over 2,000 years to help treat nausea, stomach problems, arthritis and heart conditions.

This spicy herb also helps reduce chronic inflammation, pain and migraines. Ginger has been shown to help treat ulcers, gout and diabetes complications. It's a fantastic aid for those with digestive issues and has even been shown to beat several kinds of cancer cells. Gingerol and shogaol, two compounds found in ginger, are thought to be the active compounds responsible for ginger's many health benefits.

Ginger improves digestion

Ginger is a great post-meal treat that cleanses your palate and your sinuses. It's also an excellent aid to the digestive system. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center online, this spicy herb aids digestion by stimulating saliva and digestive juices. A 2008 study published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology showed that ginger helps the muscles of the stomach contract. This aids digestion by moving the contents of the stomach into the small intestine, a great help to sufferers of indigestion.

Ginger reduces inflammation

According to experts, inflammation of the colon is a precursor to colon cancer. A study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research revealed that a ginger root supplement administered to participants reduced inflammation markers in the colon within 30 days. This study was performed at the University of Michigan Medical School.

Suzanna M. Zick, N.D., M.P.H., co-researcher on the study, explained that the risk of developing colon cancer can be reduced by eliminating inflammation in the colon. Zick stated, "We need to apply the same rigor to the sorts of questions about the effect of ginger root that we apply to other clinical trial research. Interest in this is only going to increase as people look for ways to prevent cancer that are nontoxic, and improve their quality of life in a cost-effective way."

Ginger alleviates pain

Research shows that osteoarthritis pain can be relieved by taking ginger. One particular study revealed that taking 500 mg of ginger extract twice a day worked as well as taking 400 mg of ibuprofen three times a day for knee and hip pain related to arthritis. Research has also indicated that ginger and orange oil used in massage therapy can help reduce stiffness and pain in the knee.

Ginger reduces nausea & vomiting

Human studies indicate that 1 gram of ginger a day can help reduce vomiting and nausea in pregnant women. Another study found that nausea and vomiting were reduced by 38% when using ginger. Ginger can also help reduce dizziness. For nausea and vomiting, try drinking tea made with fresh ginger slices and a bit of honey. When traveling, remember to carry ginger capsules and take them beforehand to help prevent nausea and vomiting. Some ginger capsules, that contain pure ginger without additives, can be opened and sprinkled into hot water to make tea.

Other uses for ginger

Some studies indicate that ginger can help prevent blood clots and possibly lower cholesterol. Other uses include:

• Menstrual cramps
• Morning sickness
• Cough
• Colic
• Flatulence
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Muscle soreness
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Bronchitis
• Chest pain
• Back pain
• Stomach pain

Click here to read about more benefits of ginger written by the author, Jeanette Padilla.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com

http://www.bastyrcenter.org

http://www.livestrong.com

http://umm.edu

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://truthwiki.org/Natural_Help_for_Diabet...

About the author:
Jeanette Padilla is an experienced herbalist, writer, and co-creator of Sunshine Natural Healing. Read more of her work at Sunshine Natural Healing, or follow her on Facebook