Ginger is a tuber which is consumed whole as a delicacy, medicine or used as spice for cooking or tea. It is the underground stem of the ginger plant.

The ginger plant has a long history of cultivation, having originated in Asia and is grown in India, Southeast Asia, West Africa and the Caribbean. Recently it has been found to help in inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

As a digestive tonic, Ginger improves the production and secretion of bile, aids fat breakdown and may reduce nausea and vomiting. Ginger may also improve the efficiency of the digestive processes, allowing faster transportation of substances through the digestive tract, lessening the irritation in the intestines, reducing flatulence and intestinal spasms.

Ginger has also been shown to improve the circulation by inhibiting platelet aggregation. Ginger is a possible alternative to Ginkgo for those who are using blood-thinning medication.