Ginger 101: Health & Beauty Benefits

GINGAAAAAAAAA

I LOVE FRIDAYS.

OK, now that that’s out of the way.

GINGER.

I tend to put ginger into everything. No joke. On my eggs, in my pasta, curries, drinks, and apple pies…it really has its place anywhere.

Ginger is a flowering plant and is mainly used as a spice in cooking or for medicinal purposes.

Perfect for this article!

“Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is surprisingly the most widely used dietary condiment in the world today. It’s actually part of the plant family that includes turmeric and cardamom, which may explain why the health benefits of ginger are so extraordinary.

The Chinese and Indians have used ginger tonics to treat ailments for over 4,700 years, and it was a priceless commodity during the Roman Empire trade around the coming of Christ because of its medicinal properties.

So, what makes ginger so good for us?

In one word: Gingerol.

Of the 115 different chemical components found in ginger root, the therapeutic benefits come from gingerols, the oily resin from the root that acts as a highly potent antioxidantand anti-inflammatory agent. These bio-active ingredients, especially [6]-gingerol, have been thoroughly evaluated clinically, and the research backs up why you should use ginger on a regular basis.”

 

Ginger has been long known for aiding in most digestion issues. When I was a kid and my tummy was upset my mom would give me ginger ale.

“In herbal medicine, ginger is regarded as an excellent carminative (a substance which promotes the elimination of intestinal gas) and intestinal spasmolytic (a substance which relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract). Modern scientific research has revealed that ginger possesses numerous therapeutic properties including antioxidant effects, an ability to inhibit the formation of inflammatory compounds, and direct anti-inflammatory effects. A clue to ginger’s success in eliminating gastrointestinal distress is offered by recent double-blind studies, which have demonstrated that ginger is very effective in preventing the symptoms of motion sickness, especially seasickness. In fact, in one study, ginger was shown to be far superior to Dramamine, a commonly used over-the-counter and prescription drug for motion sickness. Ginger reduces all symptoms associated with motion sickness including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and cold sweating.” 

Here are some more reasons why you should start incorporating ginger into your diet.

Health Benefits of Ginger:

Helps maintain normal blood circulation with the magnesium and zinc it contains.

Natural Anti-Inflammatory compounds called gingerols (as mentioned above)

Induces cell death in ovarian Cancer cells

Boosts the immune system with all of its active substances

Effective relief of nausea in pregnant women

Helps prevent malabsorption due to improper digestion

Helps reduce menstrual pain

Helps enhance brain function due to its natural antioxidants

Cold and flu prevention

Counters against motion sickness

Treats heartburn and acid reflex

Aids in congestion

Assists with toothaches by rubbing the raw ginger on gums

Supports treatment of headaches and migraines

Relieves sore throats

A natural laxative

Treats burns with its extracts

Stimulates breast milk

Used to treat cholera

Reduces swelling

The benefits of ginger are outstanding. Ginger is the most “superfood” super-food there is out there (in my opinion) and it tastes great! There are numerous way to incorporate this spice into your daily routine.

Cooking/Health:

I know that summer is over, but who doesn’t like a good lemonade?! This lemonade is part delicious and tasty and parts a health tonic. This is a perfect drink if you are fighting a cold.

• Ginger: As a natural antibacterial and antiviral, ginger helps fight infections in your body and helps boost your overall immunity. Ginger has been used for centuries to help fight the cold!
• Lemon: The acidity in lemon (and other citrus) helps to cut through phlegm and help clear you out. Lemon is also packed with vitamin C—an excellent nutrient for boosting your immune system.
• Honey: In recent studies, honey has performed consistently better as a cough suppressant in comparison to over-the-counter medicines. A little bit helps fight that scratchy, tickly throat. Like ginger, honey is also a natural antibacterial and antiviral, helping to boost your immune system.

Ingredients:

• 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and sliced thinly or grated fine
• ⅓ cup honey
• 1 cup boiling water
• Juice of three lemons (about ⅓ cup)
• Ice and water

Mix ginger, honey, and boiling water. Stir well until the honey is dissolved, and then let steep for 10-15 minutes.

Fill a two quart pitcher with ice. Once the ginger is done steeping, strain liquid into the pitcher, and add in the lemon juice. Fill the rest of the way with water, and stir well.

 

Beauty:

 You Beauty has come up with several different beauty treatments using ginger as its main components including this amazing Detox Ginger Bath

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Epsom Salt
• 2 tsp. ground ginger

 Fill the tub like usual and pour your ingredients in. The ginger increases circulation and boosts immunity while Epsom salts soothe muscles and give you some much-needed magnesium.

So there you have it! GINGER! Have a good weekend ya’ll xx