Take more ginger

 

Ginger tops the list of effective natural home remedies. The potency of ginger has been well-documented for a host of ailments because it is packed with essential nutrients and rejuvenating compounds. It comes fresh, dried and powdered, or as a juice or oil.

For more than 2000 years, ginger has been traditionally used in China and India to aid digestion and treat stomach upset, diarrhea and nausea. It is also recommended for arthritis, colic, colds and heart conditions. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration recognises its safety aspect and allows it to be sold as an unregulated dietary supplement.

When Danish researchers recently asked achy people to jazz up their diets with ginger, it eased muscle and joint pain, swelling and stiffness for up to 63% of them within two months. Experts awarded credit to ginger's potent compounds called gingerols, which prevent the production of pain-triggering hormones. The study-recommended dose: add at least 1 teaspoon of dried ginger or 2 teaspoons of chopped ginger to meals daily.

Health benefits

(1) It may improve gastrointestinal disorders with its antibacterial properties. Other components in it can resolve vomiting and nausea because it controls the peristaltic movement of the muscle.

(2) It has blood thinning and cholesterol lowering properties.

(3) Ginger extract can control the quantity of free radicals and the  peroxidation of lipids, thus protecting the body from oxidative damage.

(4) It is anti-inflammatory in nature and can be used in treating pain from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or joint and muscle injury.

(5) Some studies indicate ginger may provide short-term relief of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. Women who suffer menstrual cramping can find relief taking this natural ‘painkiller’.

(6) Ginger can help patients suffering from gallstones, as it promotes the production of bile.

(7) It reduces the symptoms of motion sickness.

(8) Treatment for cancer?

Ginger root supplement has been identified in a study to help reduce colon inflammation markers such as PGE2. A University of Michigan study showed that when ginger was added to ovarian cancer cells in the laboratory, it caused the cancer cells to self-destruct (apoptosis). Hence, the chemopreventive potentials of gingerol present a promising future alternative to expensive and toxic therapeutic agents.

Safety aspects

Though declared safe by US FDA, precautions should be taken under some situations.

(1) Bleeding disorders: Taking ginger might increase your risk of bleeding. Avoid using it when you have this problem.

(2) Diabetes: Ginger may lower your blood sugar. As a result, your diabetes medications might need to be adjusted by your healthcare provider.

(3) Heart conditions: High doses of ginger might worsen some heart conditions. Use sparingly for a start.

(4) Medications that slow blood clotting. Taking ginger along with medications (eg. warfarin, aspirin) that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
 

(5) Medications for high blood pressure. Ginger might reduce blood pressure in a way that is similar to some medications for blood pressure and heart disease. Taking ginger along with these medications might cause your blood pressure to drop too low or cause an irregular heartbeat.

 

(6) Intoxication – An acute overdose of ginger is usually in excess of about 2 grams of ginger per kilogram of body mass, dependent on level of ginger tolerance, and can result in a state of central nervous system over-stimulation.

(7) Allergic reactions to ginger can be a rash or heartburn, bloating, gas, belching and nausea, especially when taken in powdered form.

(8) Unchewed fresh ginger may result in intestinal blockage, and individuals who have had ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease or blocked intestines may react badly when large quantities are consumed.

(9) Do not give ginger to children under 2. Above 2 can take to treat nausea, stomach cramping and headaches.

People have been reaping the many health benefits of ginger for ages. It is time that you see it more than just an ingredient in your dishes, but also as a powerful natural remedy available in your garden or kitchen.