About this ingredient
inger Root is the rhizome of Zingiber officinale, a flowering plant in the Zingiberaceae family. Although commonly called a root, the part used commercially is botanically a rhizome, or underground stem. Ginger has been used as a food and traditional herbal ingredient for centuries and is now available as fresh ginger, dried powder, extracts, capsules, teas and other preparations.
Ginger contains several biologically active compounds, including gingerols and shogaols. Fresh ginger is particularly associated with gingerols, while processing and drying can alter the composition and increase the relative presence of shogaols.
Modern research has investigated ginger for several applications. Evidence suggests that ginger supplements may help with nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy and may help reduce the severity of menstrual cramps. Research into motion sickness has generally been less convincing, while evidence for chemotherapy- and postoperative nausea remains uncertain.
Ginger has also been studied for digestive wellness, osteoarthritis symptoms and other applications, although evidence varies considerably by condition and preparation.