Ginger

Growing up in Jamaica, whenever I got a stomach ache I was be given ginger tea made from ginger roots, which always made me feel better.  As an adult, whenever I get a stomach ache, I always reach for my ginger tea.  It wasn’t until recently that I realized the benefits of consuming ginger.

Ginger, a commonly used spice, originated in India.  The spice is very common in India and China and is now utilized all over the world.  It forms an integral part of many Asian cuisines due to its digestive properties.  It is especially helpful in digesting food items such as meat and actually softens the meat while cooking with it.  Ginger root and ginger oil are also used as a preservative and flavoring agent.

Ginger oil is obtained from the root of the herb Zingiber. The “hot” taste and pungent taste of ginger can be attributed to the presence of an acrid compound called Gingerol.  Most of the health benefits of ginger are due to Gingerol.

The health benefits of ginger include the following:

Stomach: Ginger root is most often used for upset stomach.  It is one of the best remedies for indigestion, stomach ache, dyspepsia, colic, spasms, diarrhea, flatulence, and other stomach and bowel related problems.  Ginger is often added in numerous food preparations, especially in India, as it helps in improving digestion.  Ginger tea is also used for relieving stomach problem and increases appetite.

Food poisoning: Ginger is antiseptic and carminative.  As a result, it can be used to treat food poisoning.  It can also be used for treating intestinal infections and bacterial dysentery.

Nausea and Vomiting: Research has shown that ginger root is also effective against nausea, motion sickness, and vomiting.  Using ginger may result in reduction of vomiting related to pregnancy in women.

Heart: It is strongly believed in China that ginger boosts and strengthens your heart.  Many people use ginger oil to prevent as well as cure heart diseases.  Preliminary research has shown that ginger may be helpful in reduction of cholesterol levels and prevention of blood clotting.  With reduced cholesterol levels and blood clotting the chances of blockage of blood vessels decrease thereby reducing incidences of heart strokes.

Respiratory: Since ginger root and ginger oil is a good expectorant, it is effective in various respiratory problems such as cold, cough, flu, asthma, bronchitis and breathlessness.  Ginger is very effective in removing mucus from the throats and lungs and hence it is often added with tea in India. The health benefit of honey and ginger in treating respiratory problems is well known.

Inflammation and Pain: Extract of ginger is used in traditional medicine to reduce inflammation.  Research has now shown that its anti-inflammatory properties can be attributed to the presence of Zingibain.  Zingibain is analgesic in nature and reduces pain caused by muscle aches, arthritis, rheumatisms, headache, migraine, etc.  Ginger oil or paste of ginger is massaged on aching muscles to remove muscle strain.

Menstrual Problems: Irregular and painful menstrual discharges can also be treated with ginger.

Stress: Ginger oil, being an essential oil is stimulating and therefore relives depression, mental stress, exhaustion, dizziness, restlessness and anxiety.

Impotency: Ginger is helpful for men’s health as well. Since ginger root and its oil are aphrodisiac in nature, it is effective in removing impotency and treating premature ejaculation.

Kidney: It is also believed that ginger root juice is able to dissolve kidney stones.

There are many other benefits from consuming ginger.  I generally make a tea from the giner root by boiling the root in water for five to ten minutes, then adding two tablespoons of honey.   It’s definitely a treat for me.  Enjoy!

Blessings,

Yashieka