Health Benefits of Ginger: Many ailments are cured by the 5,000-year-old spice

Health Benefits of Ginger: Many ailments are cured by the 5,000-year-old spice

Ginger is not just a spice that has been used by Asian and Indian cultures for centuries. It is also one of the most potent medicinal foods available. Ginger has a warm, slightly spicy flavor and is used as a tea, as a seasoning for seafood and stir-fries, as a powder in dietary supplements, and as a seasoning for sauces and baked goods.

New studies confirm what has been known about ginger for over 5,000 years. It cures nausea, arthritis, migraines, premenstrual syndrome and upset stomach and improves brain function and memory.

Ginger for nausea

A British Medical Journal reviewed several studies conducted on the benefits of ginger for nausea and vomiting. The researchers found that the studies on ginger for sea sickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy-induced nausea showed positive results for ginger and were found to be effective.

Ginger Premenstrual Syndrome Relief

In women with PMS, scientists at the Medical University in Tehran, Iran, compared ginger capsules with two different types of anti-inflammatory drugs. 150 women took part and were divided into three groups. Those in the ginger group took 250 mg. Ginger root powder capsules. Members of the other groups received anti-inflammatory medications (mefenamic acid or ibuprofen capsules).

Symptom severity, pain relief, and women's satisfaction with treatment were compared between groups after a menstrual period. At the end of the five-month study, ginger was shown to be as effective as the medications in reducing pain and providing relief.

Ginger for improved cognitive abilities (thinking, reasoning and remembering)

The Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine published a study to determine the effect of ginger extract on cognitive function in 60 healthy middle-aged women. After taking either a placebo or ginger throughout the study period, the women were evaluated with a series of tests that assessed their working memory, decision-making skills and other mental functions.

They discovered that the ginger group had improved mental abilities and working memory and that ginger was an effective cognitive enhancer for middle-aged women.

Ginger for arthritis

Arthritis causes pain, swelling and limited movement in the joints. It can occur in any joint but usually affects the hands, knees, hips, or spine.

Osteoarthritis breaks down the cartilage in the joints. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the bone ends of a joint. Healthy cartilage absorbs the shock of movement, but when cartilage is lost, the bones rub against each other, which can damage the joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, meaning the arthritis results from the immune system attacking the body's own tissues. In addition to the joints, it can also affect body parts such as the eyes, mouth and lungs.

A recent study published in the journal Arthritis found that a standardized ginger extract was as effective as the anti-inflammatory drug betamethasone for both types of arthritis, but without the many side effects the drug is known for (fluid retention, nausea, adrenal suppression, insomnia and depression).

In summary, ginger is a true leader in the field of medicinal herbs. To reap the diverse health benefits of using ginger, look for it in health food stores in the form of capsules, tablets or tea, or use it in cooking and baking.