Ginger

The benefits of ginger root have been well researched as modern science is discovering more therapeutic applications for this powerful herb. Ginger has been recommended by Chinese Medicine to treat a number of health problems such as but not limited to: abdominal bloating, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, and rheumatism. Ginger is also used in the Ayurvedic and Tibetan systems of medicine for the treatment of inflammatory joint diseases such as arthritis, rheumatism and a variety of other conditions.

Although officially recognized as a remedy for the loss of appetite, indigestion and motion sickness, ginger root has a proven ability to combat all forms of nausea and vomiting. It has also been taken to loosen phlegm, relieve gas, and tighten the tissues.  Ginger may also ease sore throats, headaches, ulcerative colitis, some types of menstrual and arthritis pain, and fevers and aches caused by colds and flu.

Ginger has also been used in connection with minor gastrointestinal problems such as gas or heartburn. It is thought to improve muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract. A few studies have provided preliminary evidence suggesting that ginger may be also useful in relieving both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Ginger contains approximately 1-4% volatile oils. These active constituents are believed to be responsible for ginger's medicinal effects as well as its characteristic odour and taste. The aromatic constituents in ginger include zingiberene and bisabolene, while the pungent constituents are known as gingerols and shogaols. It is these later constituents, gingerol and shogaol, that are most likely responsible for the anti-nausea and anti-vomiting effects of ginger.

Some of the many benefits of ginger root:

• Aids in Digestion - Perhaps the best herb for digestion, ginger root prevents indigestion and abdominal cramping. Ginger also helps break down proteins.
• Alleviates High Blood Pressure - Ginger improves and stimulates circulation and relaxes the muscles surrounding blood vessels.
• Treats Nausea and Morning Sickness - Ginger has been widely shown to prevent as well as treat motion sickness. Ginger root relaxes the stomach and relieves the feeling of nausea.
• Research shows that ginger root may also help treat ulcers. Ginger possesses anti-inflammatory properties that could help with arthritis.
• Danish researchers found that ginger can block the effects of prostaglandin - a substance that cause inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain and can lead to migraines.
• Ginger was found to be effective for relieving the severity of nausea even in cases of pregnancy.
• Many women claim that ginger tea helps rid them of menstrual cramps.
• It has anti-inflammatory properties that can lessen the pain of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Respiratory infections - it is well known for its warming action on the upper respiratory tract, so it has been used to treat colds and flu.
• It has been found to be effective in cramps caused by stomach gas. Ginger also stimulates digestion.
• It has a wholesome effect on the circulatory system as it makes the platelets less sticky and is of great benefit in case of circulatory disorders.
• As a mood enhancer, ginger's cineole content may help contribute to stress relief.
• It is a great mouth freshener and ginger tea has vastly refreshing properties.
• Ginger root has been used to fight off and alleviate the symptoms of colds and flu, as it contains immunity-boosting abilities.

Ginger has been revered in Indian and Chinese civilizations for over 5000 years for its powerful health imparting properties. In fact, Indian ginger is said to have the most potent medicinal properties.

A March 1996 study on Cancer at Case Western Reserve showed that rats given ginger and then subjected to chemicals that induce cancer had a significant reduction in cancer than the control rats.

In 1981 reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, a Cornell study observed that ginger inhibited the aggregation of platelets suggesting that ginger may have a place in the diets of arteriosclerosis or coronary artery disease patients.

Ginger has traditionally used as a digestive aid. It was the Alka-Seltzer of Roman Empire. In many cultures ginger was given as a digestive with meals. In Colonial times candied ginger was given after meals and was the number one candy in America.

Preliminary research reported in the International Journal of Obesity in October 1992, shows that ginger boosts weight loss by calorie burning.

The substance that gives ginger its flavour appears to inhibit the growth of human colorectal cancer cells, according to research at the University of Minnesota's Hormel Institute in Austin. Plants of the ginger family have been credited with therapeutic and preventive powers and have been reported to have anti-cancer activity; the substance called gingerol is the main active compound in ginger root and the one that gives ginger its distinctive flavour.

 

DISCLAIMER:  The material contained here should be used for informational purpose only. I am passionate about what I believe and this is only my opinion :)

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