Health Benefits Of Ginger

Biological Name: Zingiber Officinale

Description:

Ginger is a useful herb. It is dried root of the perennial herb Zingiber officinale. It is cultivated in India, U.S., China, West Indies and tropical regions. The Ginger plant normally grows 2 to 3 feet in length with narrow leaves almost 15 -30 cm long. The roots of Ginger plant are about 5-6 inches long. These roots are dug up and used for various purposes.

What is Ginger?

Ginger is a plant that comes from southeast Asia, and is now also cultivated in Jamaica and other tropical areas. The ginger herb root is used for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Ginger is a natural spice and is known worldwide for its smell and pungent taste. Ginger has been used by Chinese herbalists for more than 2,500 years as flavouring in food and also as a medicine.

What are the Health Benefits Of Ginger?

There is a wide range of benefits of ginger such as nausea, digestive problems, circulation and arthritis. Nausea caused during pregnancy or by travelling is one of the benefits of ginger root. Ginger is also known to have the ability to calm an upset stomach and to promote the flow of bile. Stomach cramps can be eased and circulation can also be improved. Ginger supports a healthy cardiovascular system by making platelets less sticky which in turn reduces circulatory problems.

Ginger oil used for massage can help relieve painful arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger is often included in many herbal decongestants and can help to minimise the symptoms of respiratory conditions, colds and allergies.

With all the benefits of ginger and continuing research, the ginger root is fast becoming a very popular medicinal herb.

Qualities of Ginger

• Ginger is good for the respiratory system
• It is good to fight against colds and flu
• Ginger offers substantial protection from stroke and heart attack because of its ability to prevent blood clotting
• Ginger, a multifaceted herb, is crucial in the battle against cardiovascular disease
• Relieves headaches and pains
• Helps to clear sore throats
• Good for upset stomach and indigestion.
• It is very effective as a cleansing agent through the bowels and kidneys and also through the skin

The Health Benefits of Ginger

1. Ovarian Cancer Treatment
   Ginger may be powerful weapon in the treatment of ovarian cancer. A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Centre found that ginger powder induces cell death in all ovarian cancer cells to which it was applied.
2. Colon Cancer Prevention
   A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.
3. Morning Sickness
   A reviewof several studies has concluded that ginger is just as effective as vitamin B6 in the treatment of morning sickness.
4. Motion Sickness Remedy
   Ginger has been shown to be an effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness.
5. Reduces Pain and Inflammation
   One study showed that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful natural painkiller.
6. Heartburn Relief
   Ginger has long been used as a natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.
7. Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment
   Ginger has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and the flu. Many people also find ginger to be helpful in the case of stomach flus or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract.
8. Migraine Relief
   Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.
9. Menstrual Cramp Relief
   In Chinese medicine, ginger tea with brown sugar is used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.
10. Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy
    A study done on diabetic rats foundthat those rats given ginger had a reduced incidence of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).

Ginger – Natural Life Therapy

Some of the problems cured by Ginger

Ginger Relieves Motion/Morning Sickness

Ginger is one of the most effective herbal remedies to get rid of Motion/ Morning Sickness.

Digestive Aid – Indigestion, Stomach Ache

Ginger Root increases production of saliva in the mouth and dramatically increases digestive enzyme amylase in the saliva to additionally aid digestion. Ginger Root also contains a very effective digestive enzyme zingibain.

Women’s Health

Ginger Root is good for the uterus as well as the intestinal tract and may ease menstrual cramps

Skin

Very cleansing – reduces pus in infected wounds as well as boils. Clears spots caused by chicken pox and shingles. Useful for burns, sores, sunburn, ringworm, warts, herpes, athletes foot and even for dandruff.

Stress Protection

Ginger Root appears to limit the effects of adrenergic stimulation and there by relieves the stress

Arthritis

As Ginger root is a proven anti-inflammatory agent, some arthritic victims may find it helpful.

Ginger is sometimes recommended as an alternative to aspirin for people who can not take aspirin because of its irritating effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

Health Benefits of Ginger

1. Ginger for :Colds, depurative, coughs: Sheng-jiang (fresh ginger) is used to dispel pathogens via its ability to induce sweating, for colds due to wind and cold, coughs, vomiting.
2. Ginger for :Angina : Ginger may help reduce angina episodes by lowering cholesterol and preventing platelets from sticking together.
3. Ginger for :Arthritis : Ginger combines well with turmeric, which is also anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving, and inhibits the COX-2 enzyme
4. Ginger for :Nausea, motion sickness : One of the best herbs for controlling nausea of all types- especially effective in curbing motion sickness, morning sickness, and postoperative and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Improves digestion.
5. Ginger compress for :Fibromyalgia: Ginger compresses, hot or cold, stir up circulation and mobilize the body\’s own healing agents to ease the pain of fibromyalgia.
6. Ginger root for :Menstrual cramps: Ginger directs blood to the pelvic area and helps relieve pelvic blockages. Its antispasmodic properties relax the smooth muscles and thus help alleviate menstrual cramps.