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| Ginger Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a natural
spice that is also widely prized for its medicinal properties. Since
ancient times, traditional healers in a diverse array of cultures have
used this plant primarily to help settle upset stomachs. Chinese
herbalists have relied on ginger as a medicine and flavoring for more than
2,500 years. The early Greeks mixed it into breads (hence the first
gingerbread), and North American colonists sipped nausea-quelling ginger
beer, the precursor of modern ginger ale. Today, many cultures continue to
rely on ginger for controlling nausea and also for reducing inflammation. A botanical relative of marjoram and
turmeric, the ginger plant is indigenous to southeast Asia and is now also
extensively cultivated in Jamaica and other tropical areas. It's the
plant's aromatic rhizome (or underground stem) that's used for culinary
and medicinal purposes. Health Benefits Ginger's effectiveness as a digestive aid
is due largely to its active ingredients: gingerols and shogaols. These
substances help to neutralize stomach acids, enhance the secretion of
digestive juices (stimulating the appetite), and tone the muscles of the
digestive tract. Research confirms the presence of anti-inflammatory
properties in ginger as well. Specifically, ginger may help to: Relieve nausea. Standard anti-nausea
medications often work through the central nervous system, causing
drowsiness. Ginger isn't likely to cause this reaction, however, because
it acts directly on the digestive tract. In studies of women undergoing
major gynecological or exploratory (laparoscopic) surgery, those who took
1 gram of ginger before the procedure experienced significantly less
postoperative reaction to anesthesia and surgery--namely, nausea and
vomiting--than did those who were given a placebo. Ginger also may be
useful in easing the nausea that frequently follows chemotherapy
treatments. Combat motion sickness. In a widely cited
study of Danish naval cadets, those given 1 gram of powdered ginger daily
had much fewer incidents of cold sweats and vomiting (classic symptoms of
seasickness) than did those given a placebo. A number of other studies
have demonstrated similar findings concerning ginger's calming effect on
motion sickness. Reduce dizziness. Ginger's anti-nausea
action also helps dispel dizziness, particularly when the dizziness is
aggravated by motion sickness. Older people, who can be unsteady on their
feet, may particularly benefit from ginger's steadying influence. Limit flatulence. Because ginger soothes
the digestive tract, it can be useful in relieving flatulence.. Control chronic pain. Ginger helps
indirectly to relieve chronic pain by reducing inflammation by lowering
the body's level of natural pain-causing compounds called prostaglandins.
Localized chronic pain may also respond well to ginger oil massages. Ease the pain of muscle aches and
rheumatoid arthritis. Ginger oil massaged into sore or aching muscles
offers a measure of relief from muscle strain, in part because of the
herb's anti-inflammatory properties. When taken in standardized extract
form, ginger may additionally lower the level of the body's natural
pain-causing compounds called prostaglandins. Rheumatoid arthritis
symptoms may also respond to treatment with ginger, either in massage oil
or standardized extract form. In a study of seven women with rheumatoid
arthritis, reduced joint swelling and pain were reported following a daily
regimen of up to 1 gram of powdered ginger or 5 to 50 grams of fresh
ginger. Minimize symptoms of the common cold, allergies, and other respiratory conditions. Ginger is a natural antihistamine and decongestant. It seems to provide a measure of relief from cold and allergy symptoms by dilating constricted bronchial tubes. It's often included in herbal decongestant blends that are designed for sinusitis and other respiratory complaints. |