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Join today<\/a><\/p>\n \n Already a member? Your support helps us to tell the story<\/p>\n From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.<\/p>\n At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.<\/p>\n The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.<\/p>\n Your support makes all the difference.Read more<\/p>\n From warming winter teas to zesty stir-fries, ginger<\/a> (Zingiber officinale) has long been a kitchen staple. But beyond its culinary charm, this spicy root has a rich history in traditional medicine \u2013 and modern science is catching up. <\/p>\n Studies now show that ginger<\/a> may offer a wide range of health benefits, from easing nausea and relieving colds to reducing inflammation<\/a> and supporting heart health.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what you need to know:<\/p>\n 1. Nausea relief<\/p>\n Multiple clinical trials have shown consistent evidence that ginger<\/a> can reduce nausea and vomiting, particularly when compared to a placebo. The NHS<\/a> even recommends ginger-containing foods or teas for easing nausea.<\/p>\n Ginger seems especially effective for nausea during pregnancy<\/a>. In small doses, it\u2019s considered a safe and effective option for people who don\u2019t respond well to standard anti-nausea treatments.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also promising evidence that ginger can help with chemotherapy-induced nausea, though results are mixed when it comes to motion sickness and post-surgery nausea.<\/p>\n Researchers believe ginger\u2019s anti-nausea effects may work by blocking serotonin receptors and acting on both the gut and brain. It may also help by reducing gas and bloating in the digestive tract.<\/p>\n 2. Anti-inflammatory benefits<\/p>\n Ginger is rich in bioactive compounds, such as gingerol and shogaol, which have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.<\/p>\n Recent research suggests ginger supplements may help regulate inflammation<\/a>, especially in autoimmune conditions. One study found that ginger reduced the activity of neutrophils \u2014 white blood cells that often become overactive in diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis<\/a> and antiphospholipid syndrome.<\/p>\n Neutrophils produce extracellular traps (NETs), which are web-like structures used to trap and kill pathogens. But when NETs form excessively, they can fuel autoimmune diseases. In the study, taking ginger daily for one week significantly reduced NET formation.<\/p>\n Dipa Kamdar is a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice at Kingston University.<\/p>\n This article is republished from The Conversation<\/a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article<\/a>.<\/p>\n While this study used ginger supplements, it\u2019s unclear whether fresh ginger or tea has the same effect. Still, the findings suggest ginger may be a helpful, natural option for people with certain autoimmune conditions \u2013 though more research is needed.<\/p>\n Ginger also has antimicrobial properties, meaning it can help combat bacteria, viruses and other harmful microbes. Combined with its anti-inflammatory effects, this makes ginger a popular remedy for easing cold and flu symptoms like sore throats.<\/p>\n 3. Pain management<\/p>\n When it comes to pain, the research on ginger is encouraging \u2013 though not conclusive. Some studies show that ginger extract can reduce knee pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis<\/a>, especially during the early stages of treatment. However, results vary, and not everyone experiences the same level of relief.<\/p>\n For muscle pain, one study found that taking two grams of ginger daily for 11 days reduced soreness after exercise.<\/p>\n Ginger may also ease menstrual pain. In fact, some studies suggest its effectiveness rivals that of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.<\/p>\n Researchers believe ginger works by activating pathways in the nervous system that dampen pain signals. It may also inhibit inflammatory chemicals like prostaglandins and leukotrienes.<\/p>\n 4. Heart health and diabetes support<\/p>\n High blood pressure<\/a>, high blood sugar and elevated \u201cbad\u201d cholesterol<\/a> (low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol<\/a>) are all risk factors for heart disease. Ginger may help with all three.<\/p>\n A 2022 review of 26 clinical trials found that ginger supplementation can significantly improve cholesterol<\/a> levels \u2014 lowering triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, while raising HDL (\u201cgood\u201d) cholesterol. It may also lower blood pressure.<\/p>\n
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Ginger seems especially effective for nausea during pregnancy (Getty\/iStock)<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/24130329-7cf64b0e-e76d-4198-8ae6-5f3307d81d30.jpg\")
A 2022 review of 26 clinical trials found that ginger supplementation can significantly improve cholesterol levels (Alamy\/PA)<\/p>\n