Ginger Root Benefits and Information

Uses

Ginger has been well researched and many of its traditional uses confirmed.

Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb and there has been much recent interest in its use for joint problems.

Dyspepsia

It is also considered helpful as a preventative for motion sickness and as a digestive. Due to its antispasmodic characteristic some people have used it to help ease menstrual cramps.

Herbal tea

Ginger root can be made into herbal tea, known in the Philippines as salabat. It's used as a home remedy for indigestion, nausea, and to ward off colds, flu, and sore throats. Drink this tea to ease gut inflammation and boost your liver health.

Studies

Results of laboratory studies as well as from small studies conducted among seasick sailors or ship passengers, found that ginger generally has more effectiveness for relieving motion sickness than placebo (or sugar pills). Several comparisons between ginger and prescription or nonprescription drugs have been conducted for relieving the nausea of pregnancy, but results are inconclusive.

In some of the studies, similar effectiveness was seen between ginger and the comparator drug, while other studies found less or no effectiveness for ginger as compared to the drugs. In general, no adverse effects were noted from using ginger, for either the mother or the developing baby. Recent studies may confirm that ginger directly affects the gastrointestinal tract, helping to improve muscle tone and to prevent abnormally rapid and strong intestinal contractions.

However, no human studies with similar results have been reported.

Due to its tremendous circulation-increasing qualities, ginger is thought to improve the complexion. It has reduced nervousness, eased tendonitis, and helped sore throats return to normal.

New Research!

However, more research is required to confirm this.

This stimulating herb is warming to the system. In her book '10 Essential Herbs' author Lalitha Thomas describes the properties:

The major active ingredients in ginger are terpenes (quite similar to the chemical action of turpentine) and an oleo-resin called ginger oil. These two, and other active ingredients in ginger, provide antiseptic, lymph-cleansing, circulation-stimulating, and mild constipation relief qualities along with a potent perspiration-inducing action that is quite effective in cleansing the system of toxins.