Ginger is the underground rhizome
of the ginger plant with a firm, striated texture. The flesh of the ginger
rhizome can be yellow, white or red in color, depending upon the variety. It is
covered with a brownish skin that may either be thick or thin, depending upon
whether the plant was harvested when it was mature or young.
Historically, ginger has a long
tradition of being very effective in alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal
distress. In herbal medicine, ginger is regarded as an excellent carminative (a
substance which promotes the elimination of intestinal gas) and intestinal
spasmolytic (a substance which relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract).
Modern scientific research has revealed that ginger possesses numerous
therapeutic properties including antioxidant effects, an ability to inhibit the
formation of inflammatory compounds, and direct anti-inflammatory effects.
Health Benefits of
Ginger
Painful menstrual periods
Some research shows that taking
1500 mg of ginger in three divided doses daily for the first three days of
menstrual periods can reduce menstrual pain severity and other symptoms.
Another study shows that taking a specific ginger extract (Zintoma, Goldaru)
250 mg four times daily for 3 days at the beginning of the menstrual period
reduces pain symptoms in as many as 62% of people. It seems to work about as
well as the medications ibuprofen or mefenamic acid.
Morning sickness
Taking ginger by mouth seems to
reduce nausea and vomiting in some pregnant women. But it might work slower or
not as well as some drugs used for nausea. Also, taking any herb or medication
during pregnancy is a big decision. Before taking ginger, be sure to discuss
the possible risks with your healthcare provider.
Cough
In addition to the countless
other ginger benefits, it is also one of the most famous natural cures for
cough. The ginger has to be partially sliced and boiled and to ensure potency,
should be crushed a bit before boiling. This will help to draw out the active
ingredients. Drinking ginger as a tea will ease sore throat, non-stop coughing
and even congestion.
Sore Throat
As with cough, upset stomach, and
headaches, tea made with ginger is also great for a sore throat. Try one of the
tea’s mentioned on this page, or boil a 1 inch piece of ginger root or a few
slices, then add honey and/or lemon.
Stuffy
Nose/Congestion
Try having some ginger tea with
coconut milk and local honey. This isn’t only for amazing taste; it breaks up
phlegm and gives a boost to the immune system.
Upset
Stomach / Improved Digestion
Many herbs and spices are great
for calming upset stomachs, and ginger is no exception. It’s the logic behind
giving someone who’s seasick some ginger ale. Grate some ginger or pluck a few
sprigs of mint leaves and steep in boiling water for a few minutes and enjoy
with a spoonful of raw honey to subdue a bellyache.
Headaches/Migraines
Herbs like peppermint, cayenne
pepper and ginger can be beneficial in the treatment of headaches and
migraines. Ginger is especially useful to combat the nausea that often
accompanies migraine headaches. To use the 3 herbs together in tea as a natural
pain reliever, mix a one inch piece of ginger with a teaspoon of dried peppermint
and a pinch of cayenne in boiling water. Allow the mixture to seep for 15
minutes before drinking. Sweeten only with
honey or stevia.
Toothache
Also among health benefits of
ginger, using the spice as a home remedy for toothaches is something that has
been passed down from generation to generation. Many people even experience
immediate relief from the tooth pain. Try rubbing raw ginger into the gums or
boil the ginger root, letting it cool and using it as a mouth rinse.
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