Ginger is a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia and has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It is a member of the Zingiberaceae family, which also includes turmeric and cardamom. Ginger has a spicy, aromatic flavour and is a common ingredient in many cuisines around the world. The root of the ginger plant, called the rhizome, is the part that is commonly used for medicinal purposes. Ginger was first traded in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions over 5,000 years ago, and its use eventually spread to Europe and the Americas.  Ginger is a commonly used herb in Ayurvedic medicine and is known as "vishwabhesaj," which means universal medicine. In Ayurveda, ginger is used to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and stimulate circulation.