Ginger has been used as a medicine for thousands of years
Ginger has been used as a medicine for thousands of years to treat a wide range of ailments from diarrhea to arthritis. Besides it medicinal use, this tuber has been used as culinary cooking spice for nearly 4500 years. Ginger products, like candy, are made from fresh or dried ginger root and the herb is available in many different forms. Fresh ginger root can also be prepared as a tea. Read on to learn more about this powerful herb that can be found in any grocery store across the country.
1. Highly valued as a spice, ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been used medicinally for thousands of years by Chinese physicians. Ginger acts as an antioxidant and has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting and pain-killing properties. It also improves liver function and lowers cholesterol as well as having beneficial effects on the heart. Ginger has anti-ulcer activity and improves the function of the muscles in the gut while helping to relieve spasm. Ginger is also valued for its warming properties.
- Nicola Reavley, The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs
2. Ginger helps the body to sweat, so toxins are drawn to the skin’s surface. To prepare the ginger bath, place half-inch slices of fresh ginger in boiling water over a stove; turn off the heat, and steep for thirty minutes. Remove the ginger, and add that water into a tub already filled with hot water.
- Brenda Watson and Leonard Smith, The Detox Strategy: Vibrant Health in 5 Easy Steps
3. Try some ginger ale — ginger is a known stomach soother. It’s best to drink flat ginger ale at room temperature (cold beverages will irritate an upset stomach). Take tiny sips, especially if you have already vomited. If you can keep that down, sip a bit more. If you’re out of ginger ale, you can try making a cup of ginger tea (with grated gingerroot). Some people even find relief by nibbling on a gingersnap.
- Carol Turkington, The Hypericum Handbook: Nature’s Antidepressant
4. Ginger juice produces better recovery from symptoms of nausea than ondansetron, a commonly prescribed drug during chemotherapy.
- Andreas Moritz, Cancer Is Not A Disease – It’s A Survival Mechanism
5. Ginger has been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors in the colon in animal studies.
- Andreas Moritz, Cancer Is Not A Disease – It’s A Survival Mechanism