11 Kitchen Spices That Work Better Than Your Medicine Cabinet

2. Ginger — Nausea relief and digestive ally

Ginger root shows up in chai, chai-biscuits, and many home remedies for upset stomachs. The active compounds, gingerols and shogaols, are associated with easing nausea and supporting digestion. Research supports ginger for motion sickness, morning nausea, and some postoperative nausea, though responses vary by individual. At home, slice fresh ginger into hot water for a simple tea, grate it into dal, or chew a thin slice when queasy. Fresh ginger tends to taste brighter, while dried or powdered forms are convenient for cooking — benefits are related but not identical. People on blood-thinning medication should check with their doctor, as ginger can have mild antiplatelet effects at higher intakes. Also, very concentrated ginger supplements may cause heartburn in sensitive people. For everyday use, adding a thumb-sized piece to a litre of simmered water for ginger tea or a teaspoon of grated ginger in meals offers a gentle therapeutic nudge without needing extra pills.