Ginger, folk medicine
The traditional medical form of ginger
historically was called Jamaica ginger; it was classified as a stimulant and
carminative and used frequently for dyspepsia, gastroparesis, slow motility
symptoms, constipation, and colic. It was also frequently employed to disguise
the taste of medicines.
Some studies indicate ginger may provide
short-term relief of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.[citation needed]
Studies are inconclusive about effects for other forms of nausea or in treating
pain from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or joint and muscle injury.
Side effects, mostly associated with powdered ginger, are gas, bloating,
heartburn, and nausea.
Tea brewed from ginger is a common folk remedy for
colds. Ginger ale and ginger beer are also drunk as stomach settlers in
countries where the beverages are made.
In Burma, ginger and a local sweetener made from
palm tree juice (htan nyat) are boiled together and taken to prevent the flu.