Ginger has long been a popular healthful herb. Ginger root is actually a rhizome, a root-like underground stem. It has been used in China since the 4th century B.C. Ginger traditionally was used as a warming beverage. It was a popular drink, consumed during meals and at other times of the day. It is said that the Chinese scholar Confucius had ginger nearby at every meal. It was regarded as a tonic for yang