Ginger

Description: Ginger is a plant native to Southeast Asia that is also grown in the United States, China, India, and various tropical regions. The root is usually the part of the plant used in herbal remedies. 
Overview: Ginger has a long history as an herbal remedy for upset stomach, motion sickness, and loss of appetite and as a pungent spice for cooking. Some controlled studies in humans show ginger reduces nausea and vomiting from some causes. Most clinical studies of ginger have tested the use of this herb for nausea associated with pregnancy or following surgery. Tests of how well it might relieve nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy are still going on. There are a number of conventional medicines for the nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Available scientific evidence does not support claims that ginger can add to the effectiveness of these medicines. But some people with cancer find that the taste or aroma of beverages and foods with ginger helps soothe their nausea. Ginger may interfere with blood clotting and should only be used by cancer patients after talking about it with their doctors. This concern applies mostly to people whose clotting function is already weakened by their cancer or its treatment or to people having surgery.