Ginger for Nausea and Motion Sickness
The spice known as ginger has had a very long tradition of being used as a medicine. In China, the long history has led to a multitude of uses. Less commonly known as a medicine in western countries, it is widely used as a spice in cooking.
Almost everyone has heard about the benefits of chicken noodle soup, eating it while we are feeling ill or nauseous. The benefits of chicken noodle soup are, in part, famous because large amounts of ginger were commonly used in this soup. In addition to the benefits of the fluid, warmth, and broth, it is likely the ginger had a strong effect.
Gingers wide use has also resulted in its being studied extensively by scientists. It can be used with a high degree of safety as a spice, as well as in home treatments, though it is always best to check with your physician if you have a medical condition.
Nausea
Ginger is very effective in treating and reducing nausea. Research has shown it to help stop vomiting, reduce morning sickness during pregnancy, and to treat the nausea effect of chemotherapy. Useful in mild nausea as well, ginger may help prevent more intense feelings of sickness.
Ginger may be eaten in a variety of forms, but is most easily taken in liquids in cases of nausea. Ginger beer is a great source, while ginger ale is often weaker, but creates a great cocktail if mixed with cranberry juice. Ginger ale should be checked to make sure it has ‘natural’ flavors. Lemonade and teas can be spiked with a little ginger.
Motion Sickness
Clinical trials have demonstrated that ginger is more effective than the most commonly sold medications that are recommended for motion sickness. It is best to take some ginger 20 to 30 minutes prior to the activity that may induce motion sickness, including driving, boating, or carnival rides.
Good sources of the ginger include the naturally flavored ginger ales (easy to find while driving), ginger beer, candied ginger, or ginger snaps. Ginger snaps can be homemade to suit individual tastes, and the ginger amount can often be doubled or tripled to improve their usefulness as a medicine.
Antibacterial
Ginger has antibacterial qualities that make it a good spice to use in foods that are touched by the hands as part of the preparation. For example, cutting up chicken for chicken salad or potatoes for potato salad. When these foods stay warm for awhile on the dinner or picnic table, the spice can substanially reduce the bacterial growth.
Foods with high levels of ginger added are less likely to spoil as leftovers. This is part of the reason why ginger was added to the large pots of chicken noodle soup in the days before refrigeration.
Simple Recipe Ideas
Ginger is a great spice to add to your chicken noodle soup, whether it is homemade or comes from a can. Many canned varieties now contain little or no ginger. Adding ginger to many other types of soups can be tasty, but also stews, chutneys, marinades, vegetables, and puddings can be very appetizing with added ginger.
For dessert recipes using ginger, the quantity can often be increased with tasty results. This is true for the ginger snaps mentioned above, but also in cakes, muffins, and some pies. Ginger snaps are so easy to bring along on road trips or on visits to carnivals and theme parks.
Fresh gingerroot is readily available and can be used in cooking. Bottles of dried ginger are easy to find and use, and it works very well in the suggested dishes. Ginger may also be purchased and used in a variety of forms such as candied, pickled, and dried. The candied form may be chopped finer and used in many recipes, including those calling for candied fruit. Adding this to ginger snaps before baking can increase their effectiveness.
Leave a Comment