Health Benefits of Ginger Root

Have you ever wondered why your granny gave you a mixture of some ginger juice with honey, when you had an upset stomach? She may not know what it actually does, but she knew for sure that it would work. The use of ginger root as a spice and as a herb, dates back to the Middle ages. It was first grown by the people in India and China, even before its various uses were discovered. Ever since then, it has been an integral part of herbal medicine and Asian cuisine. Benefits of ginger root are being constantly researched and its therapeutic applications are being discovered and applied in modern medications.

Health Benefits of Ginger Root
The health benefits of ginger root are innumerable. It has antiseptic, stimulating, digestive, expectorant, aphrodisiac, carminative, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, that can be used to treat a wide range of ailments and illnesses. In Ayurveda, ginger root is referred to as a 'carrier herb' or 'synergetic herb'. The root of the ginger plant, known as the rhizome, is where the medicinal properties of ginger lie. The use of ginger root can be beneficial in treating the following illnesses.

Nausea and Vomiting: It has been proven that ginger root oil is effective in preventing, relieving and treating motion sickness, nausea and vomiting and also vomiting related to pregnancy. It is also beneficial for relief from nausea and vomiting, caused due to chemotherapy and seasickness.

Diarrhea: The juice obtained from ginger root is known to be very effective in curing gastrointestinal and digestive ailments, like diarrhea, food poisoning, constipation and indigestion. Its properties calm an upset stomach and also allow the easy flow of bile. This benefit of ginger is attributed by a compound called zingerone, which is also the reason behind its pungent taste. Its carminative properties help to relieve food poisoning symptoms and also cure bacterial dysentery and intestinal infections.

Pain and Inflammation: Other benefit of ginger are its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Its anti-inflammatory properties are attributed by compounds known as gingerol and zingibain, which are especially beneficial for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. A paste of ginger or ginger oil can be rubbed into the aching muscles. Its analgesic properties are useful to get rid of pain, caused due to migraines and headaches.

Menstrual Cramps: Ginger juice when consumed with some lemon juice in lukewarm water, is very effective in treating painful and irregular menstruation.

Athlete's Foot Fungus: For those who have athlete's foot fungus, soaking their feet in water that contains a few drops of ginger oil or in ginger tea, can help cure the condition. One of the benefits of ginger is its anti-fungal property that reduces the burning and itching associated with this condition.

Stress: Ginger oil has soothing properties that can be used for relief from stress, depression, tension and anxiety.

Colorectal Cancer: Research has proven that the gingerols contained in ginger, help in inhibiting the growth of colon cancer cells. Therefore, a major health benefit of ginger root is the prevention of colorectal cancer and it also slows the growth of other cancerous cells and tumors.

Common Cold and Flu: The expectorant properties of ginger make it very effective in the treatment of cold, sore throat, flu, asthma and bronchitis. This property of ginger root is attributed by the compound cineole.

Heart Ailments: Ginger oil is very effective in the prevention and treatment of heart diseases. It also reduces cholesterol levels and prevents the clotting of blood in the arteries, thereby considerably reducing the risk of heart attacks.

Ginger root is also beneficial for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, erectile dysfunctions, hair loss and dandruff, kidney stones, malaria, epilepsy, etc. It is also beneficial to control excessive sweating and body odor, and ginger when added to food increases the appetite. Add a little ginger root to your daily diet or consume it in the form of supplements to enjoy a healthy life!