Ginger is one of the most popular herbs used worldwide. It is a warming herb used to support digestion, relieve nausea (from motion sickness, morning sickness, chemotherapy, etc.), and stimulate circulation. It is useful taken in the early stages of a cold or flu to shorten unpleasant symptoms, to induce sweating, and help the body eliminate the pathogens and waste products. Ginger has long been used to alleviate coughing, painful digestion, colic, and diarrhea. Women take ginger tea for suppressed menstruation, dysmenorrhea, and pelvic congestion. It is a common ingredient in bitters and laxative formulas to help prevent "griping" or cramping. In Chinese medicine dried ginger is used for vomiting, diarrhea, cold extremities, and cough. (Fresh ginger is used for nausea and vomiting, swelling and pain in the chest and abdomen, and excess phlegm). Ginger is used externally in fomentations to relieve the pain of arthritis, strains, sprains, sore backs or elbows, and other injuries.