Health Benefits of Ginger
The root of the ginger plant has amazing
therapeutic properties that have made it a valuable medicine as well as an aid
to good health. This exotic spice flourishes in warm and sunny places like
Kerala, a tropical paradise in South India. Ayurveda, the 5000 year old system
of holistic healing, gives Ginger pride of place in its treatment protocols,
formulations and home remedies.
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GINGER |
Historically, ginger has been used as a
digestive aid, a stimulant for circulation, fever reducer, pain reliever and
remedy for common cold. The few situations in which ginger is contra-indicated
are in cases of hyperacidity, during any form of hemorrhage, vertigo and
chronic skin disease.
The pungent compound ginger has been shown to
stimulate gastric secretions and peristalsis. On the other hand, dry ginger is
suggested for conditions like chronic respiratory illnesses and neurological
disorders. Ginger acts as anticoagulant that inhibits platelet aggregation and
Ginger root contains large amounts of a volatile oil, zingiberene, which gives
the spice its anti inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Benefits of Ginger
Ayurveda
gives ginger the status of a virtual medicine chest. That’s because this wonder
spice has time-tested digestion-friendly properties, in addition to its
numerous other health benefits. In India, ginger is liberally used in daily
life. Ginger-infused chai is a household favorite, and its grandma’s antidote
of choice for battling cold and flu. Eat fresh ginger just
before lunch to stoke a dull appetite and fire up the digestive juices. Ginger improves the absorption and assimilation
of essential nutrients in the body.
Ginger & Herb
Modern research into the medicinal benefits
of ginger has shown that ginger thins the blood and inhibits clotting; it
lowers harmful cholesterol levels and reduces blood pressure. In times gone by
you might have had to cover your forehead with a paste made with ginger powder
and cold water to reduce your blood pressure. Today however regularly adding
ginger to your cooking or drinking ginger tea may serve just as well and be
more suited to our busy lives. It has valuable detoxifying and
anti-inflammatory properties and these combined with its analgesic effects can
be very helpful in the treatment of Ginger.
In the East ginger has been used for
epidemics such as cholera. In China fresh ginger root has been shown to be
highly effective in the treatment of acute bacillary dysentery. Closer to home,
a hot cup of tea every winter’s morning not only invigorates mind and body but
will help ward off the chills and ills of an English winter, such as
colds, coughs and chest infections, sore throats and ‘flu. Totally yummy,
and of course, so good for you!
