Besides being absolutely delicious and used in the cuisines of Asia and teas throughout the world, ginger has medicinal uses and properties. Doctors throughout Asia used gingerroot to cure colic dyspepsia, or indigestion. But most commonly however, it was used to disguise the taste of medicine because of its strong taste but also because it does not counteract any medicines except warfarin (an anticoagulant).
Ginger has been advertised to relieve arthritis pain, lower cholesterol and thin blood. Because of this it has been used by people who are trying to reduce the risk of heart disease. It has prevented skin and ovarian cancer in mice though it has no known properties that will reduce your risk of developing Breast Tumors.
Ginger extract and ginger root are used by some to cure the effects of nausea caused by chemotherapy, seasickness and motion sickness. It is also a natural and safe way to relieve nausea brought on by pregnancy.
Ginger was commonly used in folk medicine as a remedy for upset stomachs and colds. Ginger ale and ginger beer were first created as remedies against colds and coughs. Ginger was also used by folk doctors to curediabetes and osteoarthritis. Overdoses of ginger can cause heartburn, bloating and gas.