Ginger is a plant native to Asia, and the ginger spice comes from the roots of the plant. Ginger contains chemicals that might reduce nausea and swelling, and these chemicals seem to work in the stomach and intestines, but they might also help the brain and nervous system to control nausea. People commonly use ginger for many types of nausea and vomiting, menstrual cramps, osteoarthritis, diabetes, migraine headaches, and other conditions. Ginger is rich in various chemical constituents, including phenolic compounds, terpenes, polysaccharides, lipids, organic acids, and raw fibers. Gingerol and shogaol are the major identified components from terpene. Ginger is used in cosmetics as well, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review has reviewed nine Zingiber officinale (ginger)-derived ingredients, including ginger extract, ginger leaf cell extract, ginger rhizome extract, ginger root, ginger root extract, ginger root juice, ginger root oil, ginger root powder, and ginger water. Ginger is likely safe when eaten in foods, and it is possibly safe when taken by mouth as medicine during pregnancy. However, it might increase the risk of bleeding, so some experts advise against using it close to the delivery date. Ginger is possibly safe when used short-term on the skin, but it might cause skin irritation for some people.