A lot of people buy motion sickness pills to take whiletraveling. What most people don't know is that taking asimple, inexpensive ginger capsule works just as well andhas some extra health benefits that motion sickness pillsdon't.

         Known as the Sailor's Secret, ginger pills have been used for years by sailors, fishermen, and even flight attendantsto ward off an upset stomach.

         Clinical trials suggest that ginger supplements can relieve the nausea associated with motion sickness, chemotherapy, the aftermath of surgery, and the first trimester of pregnancy.

         The American Phytotherapy Research Laboratory in Salt Lake City has conducted a classic study on motion sickness. By spinning motion sickness-prone students in two groups-one group was given Dramamine, the other group ginger.It was discovered that the group given the ginger was able to withstand the full 6 minute "spin" with less nausea and dizziness, while the other group stopped the ride within 4 1/2 minutes.

         For over 5000 years ginger was revered as the "universal medicine" by the ancient Orientals of China and India and highly sought after by spice traders.

         In Asian societies, ginger has always been known for its healing powers. Japanese researchers believe the gingerols found in ginger, may be responsible for blocking the body's reflex to vomit.

         Denmark researchers have discovered that ginger can block the effects of prostaglandins. These are substances that cause inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain, which leads to migraines.

         Ginger is considered a useful aid to digestion, a good circulatory stimulant and has been shown to be effective in helping to lower blood pressure and reduce blood clotting. The main active ingredient is thought to be a compound called gingerol, which helps to relax blood vessels and stimulate blood flow. Ginger tea is a warming and soothing remedy for coughs and colds, acting as an expectorant, loosening catarrh and phlegm. In fact, it could be said to be a great all round revitalizing health tonic.

         Ginger is reputed to have qualities that may prevent heart attacks, arthritis pain, aid digestion, prevent colds and flu, skin cancers and aid weight loss.

         The best example of ginger's anti-inflammatory potential isin the treatment of arthritis. "According to PaulSchullick's in 'Ginger, Common Spice or Wonder Drug', "trials in Denmark showed that more than three quarters ofthose tested experienced relief in pain and swelling" Otherconditions associated with inflammation are asthma, painfulmenstruation and migraines.

         Many women claim that ginger tea helps rid them of menstrualcramps. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can lessen the pain of rheumatoid arthritis.

         Respiratory infections - it is well known for its warmingaction on the upper respiratory tract, so it has been usedto treat colds and flu.

         It has been found to be effective in cramps caused bystomach gas. Ginger also stimulates digestion.

         It has a wholesome effect on the circulatory system as itmakes the platelets less sticky and is of great benefit incase of circulatory disorders.

         As a mood enhancer, ginger's cineole content may helpcontribute to stress relief.

         It is a great mouth freshener and ginger tea has vastlyrefreshing properties.

         Ginger speeds up your metabolic rate and is an effectiveaid to weight loss.

         So there you have it. Instead of buying motion sickness pillsfor your next trip, why not try inexpensive ginger pillsinstead. They work just as well and give you a whole lot morefor your money.

         CITATIONS

         American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists?Committee on Practice Bulletins. ?ausea and vomitingduring pregnancy,?Clinical Management Guidelines forObstetricians-Gynecologists, no. 52, April 2004

         Smith, C, et al. ? randomized controlled trial of gingerto treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy,?Obstetrics andGynecology, April 2004, pp. 639-45

         About the author: Brad Bahr is the author of many healthrelated articles and websites. He has been testing andreviewing health supplements for many years. Try his newhealth article search engine at http://www.findustuff.comwhere you can browse and search by keyword over 6,000 interesting health related articles.