Digestive Health
Ginger Root Background and Benefits

Zingiber officinale or Ginger is a flowering plant in the Zingiberaceae family. Cardamom, galangal, and turmeric are other plants in this family. Plants in the genus Asarum are commonly called wild ginger because of their flavour, although they are not closely related to true ginger. Ginger originated in southern China, but also grows wild in other parts of Asia, West Africa, and the Caribbean.
Ginger is a perennial plant, but it produces new stems each year that can grow up to one metre tall. Its flower buds are pink and white, from which yellow flowers develop in the spring. Ginger is also easily propagated, making it a popular landscape plant in subtropical climates.
 
The rhizome of the ginger plant is commonly known as ginger root, although this name is botanically incorrect. It is the most commercially valuable part of the plant, often used in cooking and herbal medicine. Most rhizomes are harvested after the stem withers in the fall. Washing the harvest with hot water and scraping prevents them from sprouting during storage. Ginger root contains many active constituents, including gingerols, shogaols, and zingerone.
 

Use of ginger root

The use of ginger root as a dietary supplement is usually related to the digestive system. Other uses of ginger include treating nausea and malaise, and supporting healthy inflammation management.

Signs that you need ginger root

Digestive issues are some of the most common signs that you need ginger root extract. These signs include irritation of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and difficulty moving food through the GI tract. Ginger prevents morning sickness in pregnant women. Ginger root may also be helpful for severe menstrual cramps and muscle soreness after exercise. Unhealthy inflammatory conditions are other signs that you should take ginger root.