Ginger: More than a garnish.

Pickled ginger has gained popularity over the years due to the little pink pile of it that's placed next to sushi rolls. But did you know that ginger can actually cure nausea? And it's also medicinal for those with other digestive problems and arthritis?

Ginger supports a healthy cardiovascular system by making platelets less sticky which in turn reduces circulatory problems. When turned into oil form, ginger oil used for massage can help relieve painful arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger is also often included in many herbal decongestants and can help to minimize the symptoms of respiratory conditions, colds and allergies.

Personally, I feel really safe having ginger to cure nausea if I'm taking a medication that makes me sick to my stomach. Since ginger is a root/herb, it has no known drug interactions. (However, please do not take this statement as medical advice. Before using ginger consistently as part of your dietary plan, please consult your physician. EveryBODY is different. Also, those with gallstones should consult their physician before consuming ginger, as ginger increases bile flow.)

If you've never cooked with fresh ginger, it's actually quite simple. You can slice it, grate it, dice it, or put it in a spice pack to remove from recipes if you don't want whole pieces of ginger in your recipes. In addition to being great for you nutritionally, ginger is a unique and tasty addition to many recipes.