Nature's Inexpensive Motion Sickness Remedy
Nature's Inexpensive Motion Sickness Remedy
A lot of people buy motion sickness pills to take while
traveling. What most people don't know is that taking a simple,
inexpensive ginger capsule works just as well and has some extra
health benefits that motion sickness pills don't.
Known as the Sailor's Secret, ginger pills have been used for
years by sailors, fishermen, and even flight attendants to 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 is in
the treatment of arthritis. "According to Paul Schullick's in
'Ginger, Common Spice or Wonder Drug', " trials in Denmark
showed that more than three quarters of those tested experienced
relief in pain and swelling" Other conditions associated with
inflammation are asthma, painful menstruation and migraines.
Many women claim that ginger tea helps rid them of menstrual
cramps. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can lessen the
pain of rheumatoid arthritis.
Respiratory infections - it is well known for its warming action
on the upper respiratory tract, so it has been used to treat
colds and flu.
It has been found to be effective in cramps caused by stomach
gas. Ginger also stimulates digestion.
It has a wholesome effect on the circulatory system as it makes
the platelets less sticky and is of great benefit in case of
circulatory disorders.
As a mood enhancer, ginger's cineole content may help contribute
to stress relief.
It is a great mouth freshener and ginger tea has vastly
refreshing properties.
Ginger speeds up your metabolic rate and is an effective aid to
weight loss.
So there you have it. Instead of buying motion sickness pills
for your next trip, why not try inexpensive ginger pills
instead. They work just as well and give you a whole lot more
for your money.
CITATIONS American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists'
Committee on Practice Bulletins. "Nausea and vomiting during
pregnancy," Clinical Management Guidelines for
Obstetricians-Gynecologists, no. 52, April 2004 Smith, C, et al.
"A randomized controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and
vomiting in pregnancy," Obstetrics and Gynecology, April 2004,
pp. 639-45