is the same family as turmeric and cardamom. It is native to Southeast Asia. Throughout history, ginger was a highly sought after commodity, but also a very expensive one. More than 5,000 years ago, it has been used for the treatment of numerous ailments such as colds, nausea, motion sickness and general stomach upset, arthritis, migraines and hypertension. It is only recently that ginger has become valued as a spice. Ginger is now grown in tropical countries around the world and is available at all supermarkets.