Ginger Health: The Goodness of the Ginger Herb
Revered in the East for its powerful healing qualities and culinary uses, ginger has been used for a long time. A perennial herb, ginger is a greenish-yellow rhizome. The botanical name of the spice is Zingiber Officinale. Ginger has been widely used in the East; Its benefits span such a wide spectrum, including the medicinal, culinary, and aromatherapy fields. A spicy and flavorful spice, ginger is one of the most widely used spices in the Orient.
Ginger is known to be beneficial to the body in a number of ways. Ginger can be used in both its raw and dried form. Raw ginger is thermogenic, antiflatulent, aperitif, digestive, and a powerful laxative.
Dried ginger is thermogenic, aperitif, laxative, expectorant, stimulant and effective in curing stomach disorders. Dried and ground ginger is used to cure colds, coughs, cholera, nausea and vomiting, inflammation, diarrhea, colic, flatulence, anorexia, asthma and headaches.
Ginger also has wide uses in aromatherapy. Ginger produces an essential oil that is steam distilled from the unpeeled, dried and ground root. Ginger oil is used in combination with sandalwood, cedarwood, and patchouli, giving the blend a woody-spicy aroma.
The uses of ginger as a digestive aid can be largely attributed to the presence of gingerols and shogaols, which help neutralize stomach acids, improve secretion of digestive juices, and tone the muscles of the digestive tract.
The active ingredient in ginger is terpenes and an oleoresin, which is called ginger oil. These active ingredients are responsible for its antiseptic, lymphatic cleansing, circulation stimulating and mild constipation relief qualities. Research has shown that ginger lowers blood cholesterol by reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the blood and liver.
Other health benefits of ginger
o Ginger is known to reduce inflammation of joints and muscle tissue in people suffering from arthritis or rheumatism. o Ginger improves blood circulation, so it is believed that it also improves the complexion. It is also known to reduce nervousness, soothe tendonitis, and soothe sore throats. o Ginger is an effective herbal remedy for all types of motion sickness and even morning sickness during pregnancy. A great way to get rid of the feeling of discomfort and nausea in the stomach. o Scientists have discovered that ginger can block the effects of prostaglandin, a substance that causes inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain, leading to migraine headaches. o Many women believe that consuming ginger tea during periods helps minimize menstrual cramps. o Known for its warming action, ginger is an effective treatment for colds and flu. o An effective remedy for cramps caused by flatulence, ginger stimulates digestion. o Ginger improves mood, the cineole present in ginger helps relieve stress. o It is a great mouth freshener and ginger tea is known for its cooling properties.