Although not native to South America, Ginger is now grown throughout the Amazon region. The root most people are familiar with is called a rhizome and is commonly used as a culinary spice.

Ginger is used to treat arthritis and rheumatism in an alcohol infusion, raw ginger is used to treat diarrhea, headaches, and stomachaches, and ginger tea is used for sore throats and menstrual cramps. Ginger is also used as a preventative to boost the immune system and to increase virility.