Healthy Ginger! Uses and benefits

Benefits and uses of ginger

The Holidays are ahead, and one of the season’s most beloved spices is ginger. Used in cookies, cakes, and the ever popular gingerbread house, it’s a favorite for the Holiday season. But beyond its holiday goodness, ginger offers real health advantages any time of year. Not only does it improve the flavor of so many dishes, it’s loaded with nutrition and healing properties. Read on to learn just a few of the uses and many benefits of this well-known herb.

Relieves nausea

One of the most commonly known uses for ginger is nausea relief. It can help relieve the nausea from an upset stomach, from seasickness, and many women find that ginger tea helps with morning sickness. It’s even found success with some cancer patients, relieving the nausea caused by chemotherapy.

Improves digestion

Ginger is one of the best natural remedies for gut related issues, and has been in use for thousands of years. Drinking ginger tea daily helps with food digestion and relaxes intestinal muscles. It’s a useful natural remedy for a wide range of stomach complications such as colic, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, gas, and stomach pain. A tablespoon of ginger is enough to clear stomach complications and can cut down on gas and bloating. Drinking ginger ale or ginger tea helps to relieve stomach aches and is safe for children.

Fights infections

Ginger offers antiviral and antibacterial properties. Eating ginger can help to fight food poisoning, and is also effective against gingivitis. Additionally, during cold and flu season drinking ginger tea and/or adding more ginger to your diet can help treat symptoms of illness and may even boost immunity. Try combining with lemon juice and honey to make a potent tonic.

Powerful anti-inflammatory

Ginger is also effective against inflammation and swelling. As a powerful anti-inflammatory, research shows it offers relief from joint pain and swelling, as well as late onset muscle soreness, the soreness you get a day or two after your workout. The anti-inflammatory properties also provide benefits to brain health, helping to fight anxiety and depression. Equally important, it boosts brain function and shows promise as a treatment for Alzheimer’s.

Reduced risk of Diabetes

Studies have shown ginger’s ability to reduce insulin levels, boost metabolism, and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Combined with its anti-inflammatory properties, this herb also shows potential as an aid for weight management.

Keep in mind

If you’re on blood thinners, be cautious with ginger supplements. While more research is needed, the high doses found in supplements may increase the risk of bleeding. There’s no need to take concentrated doses. Just use in cooking and enjoy a cup of tea. As always, if you’re on medication check with your healthcare provider before introducing anything new to your diet or routine.

Ginger’s many uses and benefits

You can find ginger in many forms including oils, juices, spices, powder, pickled, or fresh from the farm. This time-tested herb is a natural remedy for nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues. It shows real promise in reducing insulin levels, and relieving inflammatory conditions. While western medicine is slow to acknowledge its value, this common kitchen herb has long been prized for its medicinal benefits. Fortunately, many new studies are prompting researchers to look at ginger with a new set of eyes, and could lead to breakthroughs that change how people view its use in the future.

In the meantime, using ginger in your meals is an easy way to reap the healthy benefits. Herbal remedies can provide natural relief. And in the famous words from Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.”

This post is presented as informational entertainment and not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or disease. Always consult your medical professional before adding anything new to your diet or regimen.

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