Ginger:  good for what ‘Ales’ you

Known for its stomach settling benefits, the ginger plant was first grown in China and India as well as Jamaica and other tropical areas. In 19th century England, ginger was placed on the pub counters so that patrons could add it to their drinks. Apparently, this was the introduction of ginger ale! Aside from this tidbit of information, the ginger plant does have medicinal properties. The root of the ginger plant is the main source of culinary and therapeutic uses.

Benefits of ginger root:

• Treatment for digestive ailments
• Nausea and vomiting preventative
• Powerful anti-oxidant
• Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties
• Morning sickness remedy for women

Ginger root extract has been used to treat nausea, motion sickness and vomiting. (Danish sailors in one study were shown to be much less likely to break out in a cold sweat and vomit when using ginger plant–as opposed to the same sailors taking a placebo.)   Ginger has a long history of use for all types of digestive upset and can be helpful to increase appetite. Powdered dried ginger root is made into capsules for medicinal use.

Research has also found the ginger plant to be a powerful antioxidant. Many folk healers recommend ginger for colds and the flu. The ginger plant has also been shown in research to have a role in the natural inflammatory response of the body.

Ginger Supplements

ginger plant

In India, for example, ginger plant is applied as a paste to the temples to relieve headaches. Ginger supplements also been commonly used to treat inflammation. There are several studies that demonstrate positive results on reducing joint pain from arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. It may also have blood thinning and cholesterol lowering properties, making it effective in treating heart disease. Ginger supplements are also used for people suffering from gallstones, because the herb promotes the release of bile from the gall bladder. It has also been used to relieve headaches.

The anti-inflammatory properties associated with ginger root supplements lessen the pain of arthritis sufferers. It also is said to aid in the treatment of respiratory infections. You may also be interested to learn that in a research study reported in the International Journal of Obesity in October 1992, shows that the ginger plant increases weight loss by calorie burning. Researchers found that ginger made the tissues use more energy. Ginger supplements are very safe for a variety of complaints.  Occasional heartburn seems to be the only documented side effect.

ginger root

The ginger plant has also been known to relieve morning sickness in women as well as reducing postoperative nausea in women prior to gynecological surgery.

While the health benefits of  ginger root extract are many, its remedy’s are more potent when purchased fresh. Grating or using a garlic press will give you the maximum benefit.