How healthy is ginger’?

Ginger adds a zesty kick to weeknight curries and holiday cookies.

- Alexandra Pattillo

It is also a botanical remedy with a range of health benefits.It is not a cure-all, said Dr Megan Crichton, a researcher and dietitian at the Queensland University of Technology in Australia who has studied ginger. But it can be helpful for addressing certain symptoms, especially nausea and pain, she said.

Here is a closer look.

IT CAN EASE DIGESTIVE ISSUES

Ginger has been used for millennia to target a multitude of issues: colds, headaches, stomach problems, joint pain, muscle soreness and fatigue.

It is particularly popular in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine as a warming spice to stimulate digestion, improve circulation and contribute to overall vitality. Some of these remedies have been studied in labs, to varying degrees.

One of the most evidence-backed uses of ginger is to treat nausea, said Dr Kalgi Modi, an interventional cardiologist at Louisiana State University Health, who provides guidance on using ginger for therapeutic purposes.