Among the healthiest spices on the planet, ginger is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have incredible healing benefits for the body and the brain.
Having originated in China, this flowering plant belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is closely related to turmeric, cardamon, and galangal. The underground part of the stem, called the rhizome, is the most commonly used part of the spice, and is often referred to as either ginger root, or simply ginger.
Not only is the spice used in many foods, but it has a long history in both traditional and alternative medicines. Used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice, it’s an incredibly common ingredient with a unique fragrance and flavour, thanks to gingerol, the main bioactive component responsible for many of the spice’s medicinal properties.
Here are three of the top medicinal benefits of ginger:
1. It Can Treat Many Forms of Nausea, Including Morning Sickness
Whether you struggle with nausea, motion sickness, or simple indigestion, ginger is great to have around. The spice has a long history and its efficacy as a sea sickness remedy is well established. Some evidence shows it may even be as effective as prescription medication.
Ginger may also relieve nausea and vomiting after surgery, and in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
A review of 12 studies that included a total of 1,278 pregnant women also discovered that 1.1-1.5 grams of ginger can significantly decrease symptoms of nausea.
2. It Can Reduce Muscle Pain And Soreness
Ginger’s active ingredient, gingerol, has been shown to alleviate muscle soreness and pain associated with headaches and osteoarthritis thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. One study discovered that ingesting 2 grams of ginger per day for 11 days greatly lessened muscle pain in people performing elbow exercises. Another study concluded that, while ginger doesn’t have an immediate impact, it may be effective at reducing the day-to-day progression of muscle pain.
3. It Can Help Fight Colds
A natural antiviral, ginger can work to help your body fight off illnesses and bacteria that lead to colds. Ginger extract, for example, has been found to inhibit the growth of many forms of bacteria (1, 2), including the oral bacteria linked to inflammatory diseases in the gums, like gingivitis. The spice has also been found effective against the RSV virus, which is a common cause of respiratory infections.
Ginger may be collecting dust on your spice rack, or perhaps you use it regularly for the taste, but whatever the case, it’s a great, natural way to heal a variety of health issues, as well as boost your overall health. You can find the spice at any supermarket in both the root and powdered form, or go to a health food store and pick up some ginger essential oil.
Ginger for helping with gut issues – It can be noted that ginger also helps with digestion and can reduce or even remove digestive issues all together depending on the case. A team member here at CE has been using ginger in the morning and in the evening to help with digestion and they have seen great results. Ginger increases bile and gastric juices which are crucial for the digestion process. Thus assisting with digestion.
If you want to give this a try, take some fresh ginger and cut off a thumb sized piece. Peel the piece and grate it finely into a mug. Add warm water, not boiling, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then drink it like you would a normal tea. You can do this morning and night and adjust the amount of ginger to your taste.
source and courtesy : collective-evolution.com