By Dr. Mercola
Ginger is one spice that I recommend keeping on hand in your
kitchen at all times. Not only is it a wonderful addition to
your cooking (especially paired with garlic) but it also has
enough medicinal properties to fill several books.
Fresh ginger root keeps well in your freezer. If you find
yourself nauseous or with an upset stomach, mince up a small
amount (about the size of your fingernail) and swallow it.
You’ll be amazed at the relief it provides. Yet this is only the
beginning…
Therapeutic Benefits of Ginger Noted for Thousands of Years
The medicinal uses of ginger have been known for at least
2,000 years in cultures all around the world. Although it
originated in Asia, ginger is valued in India, the Middle East,
Africa, and the Caribbean, among other regions.
The most commonly used medicinal part of the plant is the
rhizome, the root-like stem that grows underground. It’s a rich
source of antioxidants including gingerols, shogaols,
zingerones, and more. Ginger actually has broad-spectrum
antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-parasitic
properties, to name just several of its more than 40
pharmacological actions.1
Ginger Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties That May Rival
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
For instance, ginger (like many natural plant compounds) is
anti-inflammatory, which makes it a valuable tool for pain
relief. In 2001, research showed that ginger extract helped
reduce knee pain in people with osteoarthritis.2
In 2013, a study also found that women athletes taking three
grams of ginger or cinnamon daily (that’s less than one
teaspoon) had a significant decrease in muscle soreness.3
Ginger has even been found to be as effective as ibuprofen in
relieving pain from menstrual cramps in women.4
The pain-relieving potential of ginger appears to be
far-reaching. Along with help for muscle and joint pain, ginger
has been found to reduce the severity of migraine headaches as
well as the migraine medication Sumatriptan – with fewer side
effects.5
Another recent study, which was presented at the American
Thoracic Society International Conference, found that adding
ginger compounds to isoproterenol, a type of asthma medication
called a beta-agonist, enhanced its bronchodilating effects.
Because
ginger enhances bronchodilation, it may provide a much safer
alternative, or at least complement, to current asthma
medications on the market.
Ginger Shows Promise as a Cancer and Diabetes Fighter
Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties no doubt make it
beneficial for many chronic inflammatory diseases including
cancer. Indeed, research published in the British Journal of
Nutrition6
has demonstrated the in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of
ginger, suggesting it may be effective in the management of
prostate cancer.
Other research shows it has anti-tumor activity that may help
defeat difficult-to-treat types of cancer, including lung,
ovarian, colon, breast, skin, and pancreatic.7
Furthermore, because ginger helps prevent the toxic effects of
many substances (including cancer drugs), it may be useful to
take in addition to conventional cancer treatments.8
As for diabetes, ginger appears to be useful both
preventively and therapeutically via effects on insulin release
and action, and improved carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
According to one comprehensive review, a clinical trial that
was performed found that after consuming three grams of dry
ginger powder for 30 days, diabetic participants had a
significant reduction in blood glucose, triglyceride, total
cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol.9
It’s thought that ginger has a positive effect on diabetes
because it:
- Inhibits enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism
- Increases insulin release and sensitivity
- Improves lipid profiles
Ginger also has also been established to have a protective
effect against diabetes complications, including offering
protection to the diabetic’s liver, kidneys, central nervous
system, and eyes.
The Power of Ginger for Nausea, Motion Sickness, and Digestive
Upset
No article about ginger would be complete without
highlighting its wonderful use for digestive upsets. In my book,
it is one of the best natural remedies if you struggle with
motion sickness or nausea (from pregnancy or chemotherapy, for
example), ginger should be a staple in your diet. Research
shows:
- Taking one gram of ginger daily may help reduce nausea
and vomiting in pregnant women, and ginger has been shown to
work better than a placebo in relieving morning sickness10
- Daily ginger supplementation reduces the severity of
chemotherapy-induced nausea11
- Ginger may help reduce vomiting and other symptoms of
motion sickness12
Ginger is also a must-have if you struggle with indigestion,
and it does more than simply relieve pain. Ginger helps to
stimulate the emptying of your stomach without any negative
effects,13
and it’s an antispasmodic agent, which may explain its
beneficial effects on your intestinal tract. Additionally,
ginger inhibits H. pylori, which may help prevent ulcers, while
also protecting gastric mucosa.14
From Heart Health to Weight Loss: 12 More Uses for Ginger
What else
is ginger good for? Ginger is a metabolism boosting
substance that may temporarily increase thermogenesis in your
body, where your body burns stored up fat to create heat, with
beneficial impacts on overall metabolism and fat storage.
Research suggests that consuming thermogenic ingredients like
ginger may boost your metabolism by up to 5 percent, and
increase fat burning by up to 16 percent.15
Ginger may even help counteract the decrease in metabolic
rate that often occurs during weight loss. This suggests ginger
may be useful for weight loss, and that’s not all. According to
research compiled by GreenMedInfo,16,
17 ginger may also be useful for:
Improving cognitive function in middle-aged women18 |
Protecting against respiratory viruses19 |
Reducing vertigo20 |
Enhancing fat digestion and absorption21 |
Protecting against toxic effects of environmental
chemicals, such as parabens22 |
Helping prevent heart attacks23 |
Relieving arthritis pain as well as Indomethacin, an
anti-inflammatory drug commonly used to treat it24 |
Preventing and treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
(NAFLD)25 |
Drug-resistant bacterial and fungal infections26 |
Reducing damage and memory loss associated with small
stroke27 |
Protecting against the DNA-damaging effects of radiation
exposure28 |
Fighting bacterial diarrhea29 |
Ginger Tea, Fresh Ginger, or Extract: What’s the Best Way to Use
Ginger?
This depends on what you’re using the ginger for. If you have
a serious issue, work with an experienced natural health
practitioner who can guide you on proper dosages and forms. For
the most potent medicinal properties, ginger extract may be
necessary, although there is also therapeutic benefit from fresh
or even dried ginger.
Many people enjoy ginger tea on a regular basis, and this is
one of the simplest ways to use it. Simply chop off a couple of
inches of ginger root and let it steep in hot water for fresh
ginger tea. You can also peel the root using a paring knife and
then slice it thinly (or grate it or mince it) to add to tea or
cooked dishes. You can’t go wrong by adding ginger to stir fries
or even your favorite homemade chicken soup.
When left unpeeled, fresh ginger can be stored in your
refrigerator for at least three weeks or in your freezer for six
months or longer, making it incredibly easy to keep on hand. Try
experimenting by adding fresh ginger and other warming spices,
like cinnamon, to a cup of tea in the morning, evening, or after
a meal… and see if you notice any of the health benefits I’ve
just described. You can even try mixing a teaspoon of organic
powdered ginger into a gallon of iced tea for added punch and
health potential.
Copyright 1997- 2014 Dr. Joseph Mercola. All Rights Reserved.