Ginger may help prevent allergic reactions Native to China and India, ginger (Zingiber officinale) is an important medicinal drug in traditional Japanese Kampo medicine and has been used in cooking for more than 4,000 years. Ginger root helps relieve the dizziness, sweating, nausea, and vomiting associated with motion sickness or seasickness. It can also ease sore throats, headaches, fevers, and aches caused by colds and flu. Furthermore, ginger is known to relieve inflammation caused by injuries or arthritis. Because ginger is commonly used for its medicinal properties, extensive research has been conducted to determine its active components. In one of these studies, researchers isolated components derived from seven herbs that are known to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Results demonstrated that gingerols from ginger not only possessed among the highest activity in inhibiting prostaglandins (compounds that cause painful inflammation), but also inhibited the production of leukotrienes (compounds associated with allergic reactions). F. Kiuchi and colleagues concluded in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin that "The results obtained so far in our works may be another indication of possible functions of [plant components] in the efficacy of medicinal drugs used in Kampo medicine." SOURCE: Chem Pharm Bull 1992;40(2):387-91. Advanced Nutrition Publications ©2002
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