Ginger – known most commonly for nausea, ginger’s healing benefits go back thousands of years. It was specifically mentioned in the Ayurveda, the Hindu manual of medicine written in the fifth century BC. An ancient Indian proverb states: ‘every good quality is contained in ginger.’
The ancient Greeks and Romans valued ginger for it’s medicinal uses. In England, during the Middle Ages, one pound of ginger was equal in value to a sheep – which only the wealthy could afford. Queen Elizabeth I used it as a digestive aid.
More recently, scientists at the University of Minnesota compared zingibain, an enzyme in ginger, with papain, an enzyme in papaya known for its ability to digest protein, and found their actions comparable. Amazingly, though, it would take 180 lbs of papaya to equal the effect of just one lb of ginger.
Another study was done by Phytotherapy Research Laboratory in Salt Lake City showing ginger more effective at relieving motion sickness than Dramamine
anti-inflammatory – reduces inflammation (similar to aspirin but without the side effects)
anti-parasitic – eradicates infections of parasites
anti-septic – prevents infection
anti-spasmodic – relaxes all types of muscle
anti-thrombotic – prevents formation of blood clots (ginger has been found as effective as aspirin in reducing the formation of clots and subsequent blockages)
diaphoretic – increases perspiration (good for detoxing)
eases headaches and migraines
enhances metabolism of fats and protein
expectorant – promotes expulsion of phlegm and mucous
hypotensive – reduces blood pressure
improves blood circulation in limbs and extremities
inhibits the growth of micro-organisms while simultaneously allowing beneficial bacteria to grow
regulates peristalsis (wave-like movement of muscles in the digestive tract that pushes food and waste through the digestive system. This eases both diarrhea and constipation, whether resulting from illness or eating habits)
relieves motion sickness and upset stomach
relieves sore throats when used as a gargle
shields against ulcers, colds and flu, and heart disease
treats colic
treats dyspepsia (pain or discomfort associated with eating (e.g. indigestion, nausea, and vomiting)
The ancient Greeks and Romans valued ginger for it’s medicinal uses. In England, during the Middle Ages, one pound of ginger was equal in value to a sheep – which only the wealthy could afford. Queen Elizabeth I used it as a digestive aid.
More recently, scientists at the University of Minnesota compared zingibain, an enzyme in ginger, with papain, an enzyme in papaya known for its ability to digest protein, and found their actions comparable. Amazingly, though, it would take 180 lbs of papaya to equal the effect of just one lb of ginger.
Another study was done by Phytotherapy Research Laboratory in Salt Lake City showing ginger more effective at relieving motion sickness than Dramamine
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