Fighting Off Colds
and Flu
Wheezing,
coughing, and a runny and clogged nose are common respiratory symptoms during
the winter months. Ginger can help ease these symptoms by acting as a
decongestant to release phlegm. Ginger is also effective in helping to relieve
asthma symptoms. The volatile oils and vitamins in ginger provide antiviral
properties that help in the prevention and fast recovery from colds, sore
throat, sinusitis and flu.
The University of
Maryland Medical Center states that to treat cold and flu symptoms in adults, steep 2 tbsp. of freshly shredded or chopped
ginger root in hot water, and drink two to three times a day.
Combating Stomach Discomfort
Gingers healing
properties come from its volatile oils (gingerols and shogaols), which are also
responsible for it’s pungent taste. The oils cause more digestive enzymes to be
produced which helps with the whole digestion process and neutralizes the acids
that can cause nausea,food poisoning ,cramps and even diarrhea. It also improves food
absorption which helps prevent/relieve stomach aches and eliminates bloating
due to excessive gas.
Relieving Cramps,
Morning Sickness and Motion Sickness
Ginger is just as effective as vitamin B6 has
demonstrated a success rate of 75 percent in curing morning sickness and
stomach flu. It also relieves migraines and dizziness, and drinking ginger tea
can relieve menstrual cramps. If you are a woman suffering from menstrual
cramps, try placing a hot towel drenched in ginger tea over the pelvic area to
relieve pain and relax the muscles. Drinking a cup of ginger tea can also
provide a soothing effect. In Chinese medicine, ginger tea with brown sugar is used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.
To keep from being
nauseous during a trip, drink a cup of ginger tea before setting off on your
travels.
Reducing Pain and
Inflammation
Ginger is an
extremely potent analgesic, acting as an all-natural painkiller without the
harmful side effects. It also contains potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger tea can ease inflammation of the joints, which is commonly referred to
as rheumatoid arthritis. It is also effective in alleviating tired, sore
muscles and joints.A warm ginger tea soak can lessen swelling and puffiness, or
rubbing ginger oil on an affected area can help reduce pain. Intake of ginger
twice daily has been shown to improve the pain and swelling of the joints in
arthritic patients and improves their range of motion.
Maintaining Normal
Blood Circulation
Ginger contains
chromium, magnesium and zinc which help to improve blood flow. Consuming a cup
of ginger tea can help improve blood flow, as well as help prevent chills,
fever and excessive sweating. The active components of ginger, such as minerals
and amino acids, help make the blood flow smoothly, and may help prevent the
onset of cardiovascular disease.
Strengthening The
Immune System
Packed with
antioxidants, ginger can help improve the immune system. Consuming a little bit
ginger a day can help foil potential risk of a stroke by inhibiting fatty
deposits from the arteries. It also decreases bacterial infections in the
stomach, and helps battle a bad cough and throat irritation.
Relieving Stress
and Coping with Depression
Ginger contains a
potent antioxidant called gingerol, which helps cleanse the harmful chemicals
our bodies produce when we’re worried, helping relieve psychological stress.
Ginger also stimulates the production of stomach acid, crucial to digestion,
which can break down when we’re stressed. That’s explains how stress can lead
to an upset stomach! Hot water with a
slice of lemon and chopped ginger is an excellent way to stimulate digestion.
Ginger tea is a
remarkable stress reliever because of its comforting and relaxing scent. Simply
taking a whiff of ginger tea may be all you need to help improve your mood.
Also, some compounds present in ginger have the capacity to bind to human
serotonin receptors, helping in the treatment and reduction of depression and
anxiety.
Treating Bad
Breath
Gargling with
ginger and lemon juice is a very good natural remedy for halitosis or bad
breath. Add a teaspoon lemon juice and a
teaspoon ginger juice to a glass of warm water and gargle with it once or twice
a day.
Healing
Hypopigmentation Scars (White Scars)
Hypopigmented
scars, or skin that has lost its’ pigmentation, can often be remedied with
ginger. Just cut a fresh slice of ginger
root and rub the juice over the skin two or three times a day. Cut a fresh
slice each time you do it, and don’t rub the skin too hard. Ginger triggers the
melanocytes that are not working under the skin, to react and mimic their
neighboring cells. Hypogimented scars will appear to shrink and then blend
between 4 to 12 weeks use.
Fighting Cancer
A study at the
University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal
cancer cells. Ginger powder has also been proven to induce cell death in
ovarian cancer cell.
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.
Heartburn Relief
Ginger has long been used as natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.
