Sore Muscles

　　You can reduce muscle and joint pain with a soothing ginger bath. The prescription: Grate some fresh ginger and put it into a bag made from the toe end of a nylon stocking. Place the bag in your tub and squeeze the ginger juice into the water. For added relief, grate some ginger and mix the juice with an equal amount of oil (any simple cooking oil will do). Massage the mixture into painful joints or muscles.

　　Motion Sickness and Nausea

　　Ginger possesses a natural anti-nausea component and can be used to ward off any type of motion sickness or queasiness. For centuries, Chinese sailors have eaten ginger during sea voyages to prevent and treat seasickness. The prescription: If you're prone to motion sickness when traveling, it's best to carry ginger capsules (jiang jiao nang, available at Chinese pharmacies) with you and take two 15 minutes before a long journey. A cup of tea made from fresh ginger and honey will also settle nausea. If you prefer something a little cooler, adding 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of grated ginger to fresh fruit juice will also do the trick.

　　Premenstrual Stress and Cramps

　　Ginger has a calming effect on the nervous system and can be used to smooth emotional upsets, morning sickness and premenstrual discomforts such as cramps, says Brinkop. The prescription: Dissolve a few ginger candies (sheng jiang tian, available at supermarkets) in hot water and drink while warm (though the candies can be eaten on their own, adding the water will help cut their overpowering flavor.)

　　Everyday Doses

　　Try these simple suggestions to add zest to your daily diet.

　　* Grate some ginger and add the juice to salad dressing

　　* Sprinkle grated ginger on top of ice cream

　　* Make gingersnaps and gingerbread cookies with real ginger

　　* Toss a spoonful of grated ginger into the steamer when preparing vegetables