Ginger is the rhizomes of the perennial herb Zingiber Officionale that is indigenous to the South west coast of India and the Malabar coast of the state of Kerala. Ginger was described as a medicinal plant and a spice in India and China long ago. It has long been part of folk medicine in many parts of the world as a carminative digestant. Ginger acts as an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiotonic. It has also been used to help reduce blood pressure and to help prevent atherosclerosis, the common heart disease.

Gingerols, the main compound in ginger is valued for its therapeutic properties. It is an aromatic stimulant that improves digestion and appetite, aids absorption and distribution of nutrients and medicines into the body, powerful natural anti-emetic for morning, motion and postanesthesia sickness and reduces the side effects of drugs. It is more effective than dramamine for motion sickness. Rather than blocking the feelings of nausea in the brain, it acts directly on the stomach and liver to reduce nausea and vomiting. Ginger also stimulates the circulatory system. A study has shown that ginger can prevent the onset of migraine headaches, especially if they start with strong nausea or vertigo. Another study showed that a moderate amount of ginger is a safe remedy for morning sickness during pregnancy; it helps about 2 out of 3 sufferers. All these properties have been proven by systematic research on ginger and gingerol published in different international journals.