Ginger is a powerful plant that has been used for medicinal and culinary purposes for thousands of years. The part typically used is thought of as a root, but is actually a rhizome. I've often enjoyed the flavor of ginger and use it often in my Asian-style cooking but recently discovered just how helpful it can be for medicinal purposes.
One of the best known medicinal uses of ginger is for nausea. This is true of nausea from motion sickness, chemotherapy, and morning sickness in pregnancy. On our recent vacation I was struck with a bout of motion sickness and was able to use natural ginger candies to settle my stomach. It is safe to use during pregnancy for motion sickness, but check with your healthcare provider for appropriate dosing. Controlled clinical studies have found ginger to be more effective in relieving nausea than popular over-the-counter remedies such as Dramamine.
Ginger is also used to relieve inflammation and pain. It inhibits the production of cytokines and stimulates blood circulation. This makes it useful in treating conditions like arthritis. I personally have also found it very helpful in temporarily relieving my migraine pain. I make a tea using 1/2 tsp powdered ginger and a couple shakes of cayenne. You want to feel the cayenne spice on your tongue, but still be able to drink it. Prescription medications for migraine are ineffective for me, so this tea has helped me stay functional during the worst of my migraines.
Some other ailments that can benefit from ginger include asthma and allergies, high cholesterol, colds, and seizure disorder. Check with your naturopath or other alternative healthcare provider whether this may be beneficial to your situation. Ginger can increase the potency of some medications. Avoid use of ginger if you are on blood thinners such as Plavix, Coumadin or daily aspirin, or if you are taking a sleep aid.
For more information on ginger, visit the University of Maryland, Bastyr University, or watch this video from Natural News.
One of the best known medicinal uses of ginger is for nausea. This is true of nausea from motion sickness, chemotherapy, and morning sickness in pregnancy. On our recent vacation I was struck with a bout of motion sickness and was able to use natural ginger candies to settle my stomach. It is safe to use during pregnancy for motion sickness, but check with your healthcare provider for appropriate dosing. Controlled clinical studies have found ginger to be more effective in relieving nausea than popular over-the-counter remedies such as Dramamine.
Ginger is also used to relieve inflammation and pain. It inhibits the production of cytokines and stimulates blood circulation. This makes it useful in treating conditions like arthritis. I personally have also found it very helpful in temporarily relieving my migraine pain. I make a tea using 1/2 tsp powdered ginger and a couple shakes of cayenne. You want to feel the cayenne spice on your tongue, but still be able to drink it. Prescription medications for migraine are ineffective for me, so this tea has helped me stay functional during the worst of my migraines.
Some other ailments that can benefit from ginger include asthma and allergies, high cholesterol, colds, and seizure disorder. Check with your naturopath or other alternative healthcare provider whether this may be beneficial to your situation. Ginger can increase the potency of some medications. Avoid use of ginger if you are on blood thinners such as Plavix, Coumadin or daily aspirin, or if you are taking a sleep aid.
For more information on ginger, visit the University of Maryland, Bastyr University, or watch this video from Natural News.
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