Ginger is widely used as a spice and a folk medicine. Ginger promotes the secretion of saliva and gastric juices by improving appetite and digestion. The active components present in ginger stimulate digestion and absorption. They relieve constipation and flatulence by increasing muscular activity in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Ginger could also provide benefits for anxiety, depression, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and post-traumatic stress disorder. Ease stomach pains. The best way to consume ginger is to cut an inch off the ginger root, peel the brown skin off and nibble on it.