Known around the globe for its distinctive aroma and taste, ginger is a plant that is also valued for its healing properties. As is still the case today, healers in many different cultures long ago discovered ginger’s effectiveness in quelling upset stomachs. In China the practice of herbal medicine has featured ginger for over 2,500 years.
The first use of ginger in bread (gingerbread) occurred when the ancient Greeks used ginger to add some zip to theirs. Ginger beer was made by American colonists who used it to settle upset stomachs, a practice that relies on ginger ale today. In addition, ginger is used by people around the world to treat inflammation.
The ginger plant comes from southeast Asia and is grown in many different tropical areas. In recent years Jamaica has gained a reputation for growing top quality ginger.
1) It is the active ingredients in ginger, gingerols and shogaols, that make it effective in the treatment of nausea.
2) Ginger acts to neutralize stomach acids and hasten the release of digestive juices.
3) Ginger even helps to tone the muscles of the digestive tract.
4) In addition to everyday forms of nausea, ginger has been shown to reduce the nausea experienced after surgery and chemotherapy.
5) Ginger helps to prevent motion sickness.
6) As part of what makes ginger useful in the treatment of motion sickness, ginger also works to alleviate dizziness. Ginger has been found useful for elderly people who are not steady when mobile.
7) Freshly grated ginger that is mixed with lime juice is known to lessen flatulence.
8) Ginger can be rubbed into sore muscles as an aid in relieving pain.
9) Sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis may experience reduced swelling of their joints as a consequence of taking ginger.
10) Ginger can be used to combat symptoms of respiratory conditions, such as colds and allergies.
Though ginger is not well known for it, ginger is a natural decongestant and antihistamine. It is thought that by dilating constricted bronchial tubes ginger provides relief to cold and allergy sufferers.
No interactions with other drugs or nutrients are known to occur with ginger. There is not a recommended amount for people to take and little need for worry over getting too much, or not enough, ginger.
Ginger can be consumed in many ways. Sliced ginger root can be eaten raw or cooked. Powder ginger is commonly used as a spice in many different foods. Ginger can be consumed as a fluid, usually as ginger tea or ginger ale. Ginger extract is available to take in pill form.
Copyright © Dennis Becker, 2004.
This article may be reproduced in its entirety in your ezine or on your web site, as long as this resource box, which includes the copyright notification and live (clickable) URL below, remains intact. It is one of the many "Top 10" articles about vitamins, minerals, and herbs, more of which can be found at:
http://www.a1-vitamins-and-supplements.com
