The Health Benefits of Ginger Root
ByZingiber officinale (better known as ginger) is the root of a plant cultivated in the West Indies, Jamaica, and Africa but native to Asia. Ginger was introduced to Spain by Francisco de Mendosa in the early 1500's (and eventually to the new world) but it was in demand in the far east long before that. Its safe nature and multitude of benefits have made it one of the most widely used herbs in the world.
Ginger is technically a tuber that creeps and grows underground. The stalk grows to be at least two feet tall. When it dies in the fall, the tuber is dug up, dried, and ground into the herb powder most commonly known. Uncoated or white ginger was washed and scraped to prevent sprouting. Some like the whiteness and thus it has been bleached or limed to achieve greater whiteness. This results in a loss of nutritional value. Coated or black ginger means the root was not peeled but immediately scalded after harvesting.
Now let's talk about some of the health benefits of ginger. Ginger herbs valuable nutrients include sulphur, resin, volatile oil (up to 3%), acrid soft lignin, starch, vegeto matter, gum, asmazone, potassium acetate, and acetic acid.
Ginger has been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat nausea. Pregnant women report relief from morning sickness after consuming small amounts of ginger root, ginger tea, and ginger ale. When given in large doses, ginger also relieves chemotherapy related nausea. Many find ginger more effective in relieving motion sickness than Dramamine. It will also stimulate appetite, fight body odor, and promote perspiration.
Ginger helps treat joint pain by stimulating blood circulation. For this reason it is used to treat illnesses such as Raynaud's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. Externally ginger makes the skin red.
Ginger relieves gastrointestinal distress and is often used to treat flatulence, indigestion, diarrhea, and menstrual cramps. It works by mimicking certain digestive enzymes the body uses to process protein in the body.
Ginger aids the heart as well. Only five grams of dried ginger a day will slow the production of triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol in the liver. Ginger also prevents platelets from sticking together. This decreases the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Some recommend ginger for relief of cold symptoms since it will loosen phlegm in the throat and fight chills by spreading a warm feeling throughout the body. Many like to cook with ginger as a seasoning or drink it as a tea. One teaspoon of the powder in a gingersnap cookie recipe is prescribed.
Ginger is available in capsules, pickles, extracts, and prepared teas that can be made into compresses. The ginger root may also be consumed raw, but avoid small, wrinkled, or soft tubers. Steep ginger in hot water to make a tea, or just add it to a variety of dishes. The usual dosage is 1/3 of an ounce of fresh ginger root per day. Preserved Ginger is made by steeping the root in hot syrup. Store ginger root dry in your refrigerator for short periods. You can also freeze ginger root for up to three months.
If you are pregnant, it would be wise to restrict your use of ginger because it may stimulate uterine contractions. People taking beta-blockers, insulin, blood thinners, barbiturates, or diabetes medications should consult their doctor before using ginger because it may conflict with some of these medications. Ginger may also reduce the absorption of dietary iron and fat-soluble vitamins, and actually upset the stomach in higher doses. Also, ginger helps thin the blood. Therefore avoid taking it two weeks prior to surgery.
We've covered a few of the many advantages of Ginger. If you'd like to experience them for yourself, we encourage you to buy Ginger from MoreThanAlive for best price and customer service.
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