Ginger root has been used as a tonic for improved digestion across cultures with a history going back to 3000 BC. Traditional uses include improved digestion, alleviating indigestion, easing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, motion sickness, heartburn, and stomach cramps. Studies today show its effectiveness in reducing the severity of and duration of nausea. The two main phytonutrients gingerol and shogaol, are thought to stimulate the bodies flow of digestive fluids such as saliva, gastric juices, and bile.