GOOD HEALTH NEWS

BENEFITS OF GINGER
The medicinal uses of ginger have been known for at
least 2,000 years in cultures all around the world. Although
it originated in Asia, ginger is valued in India, the Middle
East, Africa, and the Caribbean, among other regions.
The most commonly used medicinal part of the plant is
the rhizome, the root-like stem that grows underground.
It’s a rich source of antioxidants including gingerols,
shogaols, zingerones, and more. Ginger actually has
broad-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and
anti-parasitic properties, to name just several of its more
than 40 pharmacological actions.
Today, health care professionals may recommend ginger
to help prevent or treat nausea and vomiting from motion
sickness, pregnancy, and cancer chemotherapy. It is
also used to treat mild stomach upset, to reduce pain of
osteoarthritis, and may even be used in heart disease.
Ginger (like many natural plant compounds) is anti-inflammatory,
which makes it a valuable tool for pain relief.
In 2001, research showed that ginger oil helped reduce
knee pain in people with osteoarthritis (http://www.ncbi.
nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11710709). The pain-relieving potential
of ginger appears to be far-reaching. Along with help
for muscle and joint pain, ginger has been found to reduce
the severity of migraine headaches as well as the
migraine medication Sumatriptan – with fewer side effects.
Here are some other health benefits ginger boasts:
• Nausea and motion sickness: Ginger is well
known for its ability to ease nausea, and it’s helpful
for motion and sea sickness. Women suffering from
morning sickness were given beverages with ginger
during the first trimester of pregnancy, and when
compared with women given a placebo, ginger alleviated
the nausea in a large majority of the cases.
• Diabetes complications: Studies show ginger may
reduce urine protein levels, decrease water intake
and urine output, and reverse proteinuria, which is
kidney damage caused by too much protein in the
urine. Ginger may also protect nerves in diabetics
and lower blood fat levels.
• Arthritis: A placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover
study published in the journal Osteoarthritis
Cartilage found patients with painful arthritis in the
knee who were given ginger vs. a placebo experienced
significantly less pain and loss of movement
compared to those taking the placebo.
• Cold and flu: Chinese medicine practitioners commonly
prescribe ginger to treat symptoms of colds
and flu. The root acts as an antihistamine and decongestant,
two cold-easing effects that can help with
symptoms.
Ginger is susceptible to heat and oxygen, so handle
carefully when using this herb and store in a cool, dry
place or the crisper bin of the refrigerator for two to three
weeks.
To make a tea, shave the skin from a piece of fresh ginger,
cut off a 2-inch chunk and slice it into 2 cups of water
to simmer covered for 20 minutes. Remove the slices and
pour into a mug and add honey and a squeeze of lemon.
Eat the slices after drinking the tea. Drink up to three cups
of tea per day, before meals.
Ginger capsules or powder are also available. Take at
least 2,000 milligrams three times or more per day with
or without food.
Do not take ginger with blood thinners without first consulting
your health care provider. Ginger may also lower
blood sugar and interact with blood pressure altering
medications, so speak with your physician prior to using
ginger if you take any medications.
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