Its medicinal properties have been known in China for thousands of years. Ginger tea is a folk remedy for diarrhea from food poisoning. The herbal tincture (10 to 15 drops in 2 oz. of water three times a day) is a preventive remedy for traveler’s diarrhea and food poisoning. Hot ginger tea has also been used for acute colds and respiratory infections.
Ginger Root’s Benefits
Anti-bacterial: Zingerone, a chemical compound which gives pungent character to the ginger root, is effective against E.coli induced diarrhea.
Anti-inflammatory: Studies have shown that ginger inhibits the production of cytokines, which promotes inflammation. When used externally, it has an anti-inflammatory action and is a useful base in many preparations for treating muscle strains, joint sprains and muscle pain.
Anti-spasmodic: Ginger relaxes all types of muscles.
Aromatic: Ginger’s aroma, flavor and warmth help to stimulate the digestive system.
Athlete’s foot: Ginger contains many anti-fungal compounds which make it a popular herb for treating athlete’s foot.
Cancer: Ginger root contains an anti-cancer fighting agent, which helps to cure cancer naturally by destroying the cancerous cells. According to studies ginger is effective against skin, colon, ovarian and breast cancers.
Carminative: the volatile oils in Ginger relax the stomach and stimulate peristalsis (the wavelike motion of food through the gut) thereby supporting digestion and reducing gas.
Circulation: Ginger contains chromium, magnesium and zinc which can help to improve blood flow, as well as help prevent chills, fever and excessive sweat.
Colds – The ginger root has also been used to treat some of the symptoms of common cold and flu such as loosening phlegm and treating chills. Boil a teaspoonful of ginger powder in one quart of water and inhale the steam – helps alleviate colds.
Diabetes: Herbalist recommend some drinking ginger in water first thing in the morning to help regulate your glucose level.
Digestion: Ginger has been used to treat common gastrointestinal complaints such as flatulence, indigestions and diarrhea. Ginger promotes gastric secretion and is excellent for many kinds of digestive complaints, including indigestion, colic and wind.
Diaphoretic: Ginger induces perspiration and the elimination of toxins through the skin.
Fevers: In fevers, ginger is able to induce sweating, thereby helping to reduce body temperature.
Headaches: dilute a paste of ginger powder, about 1/2 a teaspoon, with water and apply to your forehead.
Heart: Heart health is another benefit of ginger use. It has been shown to slow the production of LDL and triglycerides in the liver and prevent the clotting and aggregation of platelets in the blood vessels, associated with atherosclerosis and blood clots.
Joint, pain: Ginger has been used to treat joint pain, especially those conditions caused by poor circulation.
Menstrual: Ginger has also been shown to lessen the severity of menstrual cramps. Due to its anti-spasmodic characteristic some people have used it to help ease menstrual cramps.
Migraines: 1/3 tsp of powdered ginger or several slices of fresh ginger may help prevent a migraine from fully developing if taken at the onset of migraine symptoms. Researchers attribute this benefit to ginger being able to block the effects of prostaglandins, which are substances that cause inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain, leading to migraines.
Minerals: Ginger also contains a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that help controlling heart rate and blood pressure.
Motion sickness: The travel industry is using ginger more and more to combat nausea caused by motion-sickness. Drink a cup of ginger tea or ingest 1/4 tsp of powdered or 1/2 tsp of fresh ginger before a car or boat trip, ideally every 15 minutes for an hour before you travel. Repeat during your travels at the first sign of motion-sickness.
Nausea: Ginger has been used traditionally for a long time to treat nausea. Scientific evidence confirms its uses as an herbal remedy for nausea and related ailments such as morning sickness and motion sickness.
Respiratory: If you’re suffering from common respiratory diseases such as a cough, ginger aids in
expanding your lungs and loosening up phlegm because it is a natural expectorant that breaks down and remove mucus. That way you can quickly recover from difficulty in breathing.
Rubefacient: Applied to the skin, Ginger stimulates and dilates the blood capillaries, increasing circulation.
Sialogogue: Ginger promotes the secretion of saliva.
Stomach: Combats stomach discomfort. Ginger is ideal in assisting digestion, thereby improving food absorption and avoiding possible stomach ache. Ginger appears to reduce inflammation in a similar way to aspirin and ibuprofen.
How to use it?
Dried, peeled rhizome, chopped. Teas, tinctures, encapsulations, in herbal formulas and in cooking.
Grated ginger root mixed with diluted lime juice can help to soothe the digestive tract and reduce fatulence. It can be made into oil and used to massage areas of localized chronic pain. It can also be taken in an extract form to reduce inflammation.
Ginger compress: This method stimulates blood and body fluid circulation, helps loosen and dissolve toxic matter eg. cysts, tumors. Place about a handful of coarsely grated ginger in a cloth and squeeze out the ginger juice into a pot containing 4 liters of hot water (do not boil the water). Dip a towel into the ginger water and wring it out. Apply very hot to the affected area.
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