‘G’ is for Ginger!
by Dr Marli Botha
“Bite into a fresh ginger root, and you will feel the sun’s fire stored in the paper brown wrapper”. The quote is from an unknown source, but the writer got it spot on! The skin of fresh ginger is remarkably like brown paper, as for the sun’s fire, it is not only a hot spice, it is also a very powerful one…
Ginger consists of the following benefits:
- Chewing raw ginger or drinking ginger tea is a common home remedy for nausea during cancer treatment. Pregnant women experiencing morning sickness can safely use ginger to relieve nausea and vomiting, often in the form of ginger lozenges or candies.
- During cold weather, drinking ginger tea is good way to keep warm. It is diaphoretic, which means that it promotes sweating, working to warm the body from within. As such, in the wake of a cold, ginger tea is particularly useful. ( http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265990.php ).
- According to a review of 12 studies that included a total of 1,278 pregnant women, 1.1-1.5 grams of ginger can significantly reduce symptoms of nausea (Nutr J. 2014; 13: 20. Published online 2014 Mar 19. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-13-20).
- Ginger has been shown to be effective against exercise-induced muscle pain. In one study, consuming 2 grams of ginger per day, for 11 days, significantly reduced muscle pain in people performing elbow exercises. Ginger does not have an immediate impact, but may be effective at reducing the day-to-day progression of muscle pain (J Pain. 2010 Sep;11(9):894-903. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2009.12.013. Epub 2010 Apr 24).
- Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can accelerate the aging process. They are believed to be among the key drivers of Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline. Some studies in animals suggest that the antioxidants and bio-active compounds in ginger can inhibit inflammatory responses that occur in the brain (Drug Des Devel Ther. 2014; 8: 2045–2059. Published online 2014 Oct 23. Doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S67778).
- To make ginger tea, cut several slices of fresh ginger; add to water and brew – the longer the stronger! Ginger tea can offset the craving of sweet and alcoholic drinks.
- Due to its antihistamine properties, ginger is effective in treating allergies. It inhibits airway contraction and helps in stimulating the secretion of mucus. For centuries it has been used as a natural remedy for colds and flu. A teaspoon of ginger juice and honey is effective in relieving the persistent cough and sore throat associated with colds. Ginger tea helps to get rid of congestion of the throat and the nose. A mixture of fresh ginger juice and fenugreek is helpful in curing asthma. Ginger is also found to be helpful in treating stomach flu or food poisoning. This is one of the most applied uses of ginger ( http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-ginger-for-skin-hair-and-health/ ).
