How many times have you had a health condition and were recommended ginger? I would say loads of times if you have some natural wellness advocates around you!
It’s the go-to root for many ailments from the seasonal cold and flu to digestion issues.
First of all before listing the amazing medicinal uses of ginger let’s start by saying this miracle root adds flavour to just about any dish. It’s simply delicious and tantalising and we can think of multiple ways you can add it to your meal.
What happens if you include ginger in your daily routine? Here are 6 reasons you should consume ginger everyday.
Say bye-bye to acid reflux
Acid reflux happens when stomach acids flow the wrong direction, rising back toward the oesophagus causing a burning sensation on the way (aka heartburn). Ginger has been used to treat acid reflux and the discomfort of heartburn in many ancient natural medicine practices. Ginger regulates the flow of digestive juices to aid the absorption of food, whilst absorbing excess stomach acids. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties will soothe the stomach muscles thus reducing the over activity of the stomach.
Here are some ways to use ginger for acid reflux
Soothe your body thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties
Even if you do not have any inflammatory issues or severe chronic pain, taking ginger every day can help you to prevent such chronic ailments later on in life. When treating inflammatory, Arthritis Foundation reports that ginger extract could one day be a substitute to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The study by University of Miami compared the effects of a highly concentrated ginger extract to placebo in 247 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. The ginger reduced pain and stiffness in knee joints by 40 percent over the placebo. Now how’s that for nature showing it’s worth on the medical front!?
Here’s more where that came from: “Health benefits of ginger for Arthritis”
Rid of morning sickness in pregnancy and travel sickness
The soothing and natural anti-inflammatory properties of the ginger root may also help curb travel sickness. It is believed that Ginger’s anti-nausea properties are thanks to its effect on lowering a hormone, vasopressin, and by regulating abnormal contraction of the stomach. Drink ginger tea or take ginger capsules or place a few drops of ginger essential oil on a hanky to inhale.
During pregnancy, the body may produce a hormone, Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG), in large amounts; this is mainly responsible for morning sickness, commonly experienced in the first trimester. 2 grams of ginger or 2 teaspoons of ginger per day can help reduce the feelings of nausea. This article shares ways to eat ginger for morning sickness.
Improves digestion
One cannot ignore the benefits ginger has on the gastrointestinal system. This powerful root stimulates digestive juices that aid in the breakdown of food, eliminating any discomfort associated with digestion (gas, cramping, indigestion..). It also tones the muscles in the intestine helping you absorb the most nutrients from your food intake. Ginger also stimulates metabolism helping you ward off unwanted kilos gained due to a slowing metabolism (yes it naturally slows down as we age, you are no different!) Ginger is often used in many digestive herbal bitters for the same reasons. (LINK to Herbal Bitters post)
An end to headaches?
According to migraine.com it does! Ginger contains more than 200 natural substances in its oils and is said to have anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and antihistamine actions – this may be why ginger helps with headaches. A study showed that patients who were given ginger on average significantly reduced the severity of the headache – more on this in the link above. With seasonal changes underway, many people seem to suffer from headaches and migraines. Turn to your kitchen cupboard for some natural medicine and try to lay off the OTCs (Over The Counter Meds)!
