A lot of people buy motion sickness pills to take while
traveling. What most people don't know is that taking a
simple, inexpensive ginger capsule works just as well and
has some extra health benefits that motion sickness pills
don't.
Known as the Sailor's Secret, ginger pills have been used
for years by sailors, fishermen, and even flight attendants
to ward off an upset stomach.
Clinical trials suggest that ginger supplements can relieve
the nausea associated with motion sickness, chemotherapy,
the aftermath of surgery, and the first trimester of
pregnancy.
The American Phytotherapy Research Laboratory
in Salt Lake City has conducted a classic study on motion
sickness. By spinning motion sickness-prone students in two
groups-one group was given Dramamine, the other group ginger.
It was discovered that the group given the ginger was able to
withstand the full 6 minute "spin" with less nausea and
dizziness, while the other group stopped the ride within
4 1/2 minutes.
For over 5000 years ginger was revered as the "universal
medicine" by the ancient Orientals of China and India and
highly sought after by spice traders.
In Asian societies, ginger has always been known for its
healing powers. Japanese researchers believe the gingerols
found in ginger, may be responsible for blocking the body's
reflex to vomit.
Denmark researchers have discovered that ginger can block the
effects of prostaglandins. These are substances that cause
inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain, which leads
to migraines.
Ginger is considered a useful aid to digestion,
a good circulatory stimulant and has been shown to be effective
in helping to lower blood pressure and reduce blood clotting.
The main active ingredient is thought to be a compound called
gingerol, which helps to relax blood vessels and stimulate blood
flow. Ginger tea is a warming and soothing remedy for coughs and
colds, acting as an expectorant, loosening catarrh and phlegm.
In fact, it could be said to be a great all round revitalizing
health tonic.
Ginger is reputed to have qualities that may prevent heart attacks,
arthritis pain, aid digestion, prevent colds and flu, skin cancers
and aid weight loss.
The best example of ginger's anti-inflammatory potential is
in the treatment of arthritis. "According to Paul
Schullick's in 'Ginger, Common Spice or Wonder Drug', "
trials in Denmark showed that more than three quarters of
those tested experienced relief in pain and swelling" Other
conditions associated with inflammation are asthma, painful
menstruation and migraines.
Many women claim that ginger tea helps rid them of menstrual
cramps. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can lessen
the pain of rheumatoid arthritis.
Respiratory infections - it is well known for its warming
action on the upper respiratory tract, so it has been used
to treat colds and flu.
It has been found to be effective in cramps caused by
stomach gas. Ginger also stimulates digestion.
It has a wholesome effect on the circulatory system as it
makes the platelets less sticky and is of great benefit in
case of circulatory disorders.
As a mood enhancer, ginger's cineole content may help
contribute to stress relief.
It is a great mouth freshener and ginger tea has vastly
refreshing properties.
Ginger speeds up your metabolic rate and is an effective
aid to weight loss.
So there you have it. Instead of buying motion sickness pills
for your next trip, why not try inexpensive ginger pills
instead. They work just as well and give you a whole lot more
for your money.
CITATIONS
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists?
Committee on Practice Bulletins. ?Nausea and vomiting
during pregnancy,? Clinical Management Guidelines for
Obstetricians-Gynecologists, no. 52, April 2004
Smith, C, et al. ?A randomized controlled trial of ginger
to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy,? Obstetrics and
Gynecology, April 2004, pp. 639-45
About the author:
About the author: Brad Bahr is the author of many health
related articles and websites. He has been testing and
reviewing health supplements for many years. Try his new
health article search engine at http://www.findustuff.com
where you can browse and search by keyword over 6,000
interesting health related articles.
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