Ginger has been used as both seasoning and medicine for over 50
years. During the Middle Ages, it was used against the plague.
Today, it is used for ailments that run from simple colds and
sniffles to rheumatoid arthritis. Its effectiveness against
headaches has been documented. Taken at the first sign of
migraine, ginger can reduce the symptoms and severity of
headaches by blocking prostaglandins, the chemicals that cause
inflammation in blood vessels in the brain. This anti-
inflammatory activity in ginger can shorten the discomfort of
headaches, colds and flu. Ginger blocks the production of
substances that cause bronchial congestion and stuffiness. Its
main compounds, gingerols, are natural cough suppressants. It
works as well to reduce joint swellings in people who suffer
from rheumatoid arthritis. A recent study found that ginger
eased the symptoms in 55 percent of people with osteoarthritis
and 74 percent of those with rheumatoid arthritis. Considering
the health implications of drugs like Vioxx and Cel