In my personal quest toward improving my health and nutrition, I happened upon ginger-root.  During Christmas last year, I had a horrible cold and, due to my pregnancy, was unable to take cold medicine for relief.  A family member made me a cup of tea from freshly sliced ginger-root.  Combined with raw honey and lemon, drinking this magical potion opened my pores and all the impurities seeped right out of my system.  Instantly, I became a believer in ginger-root and began researching the medicinal uses.

Ginger is part of the Zingiberaceae family, alongside cardamom and turmeric. It is commonly produced in India, Jamaica, Fiji, Indonesia, and Australia (1). Ginger is a popular ingredient within Indian and Asian cuisine.

For thousands of years, this plant has been known for its homeopathic and medicinal purposes within Asian, Indian, and Arabic herbal traditions.

Researchers think the active components of the ginger root are volatile oils and pungent phenol compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols (2).

6 Health Benefits of Ginger

1. Digestion

The phenolic compounds in ginger are known to help relieve gastrointestinal (GI) irritation; stimulate saliva and bile production; and suppress gastric contractions as food and fluids move through the GI tract (1).

2. Inflammation

A study published in Cancer Prevention Research journal, reported that ginger supplements reduced the risk of colorectal cancer developing in the bowel of 20 volunteers (1).  Ginger has also been found to be “modestly efficacious and reasonably safe” for treating inflammation associated with osteoarthritis (3).

3. Nausea

Drinking ginger tea, eating ginger candies or lozenges are common remedies for curing nausea. Pregnant women can use this remedy to help with morning sickness, and it has been known to settle the nausea caused by motion. Pregnant women should ask their doctors before taking ginger and not take more than 1g per day (2).

4. Cold and Flu Relief

During cold weather, drinking ginger tea is good way to keep warm. It is diaphoretic, which means that it promotes sweating, working to warm the body from within (1).

Steep about 20g of fresh ginger in hot water. Add raw honey and fresh lemon

5. Pain Reduction

A study involving 74 volunteers carried out at the University of Georgia found that daily ginger supplementation reduced exercise-induced muscle pain by 25 percent (7).  Ginger has also been found to reduce the symptoms of dysmenorrhea, the severe pain that some women experience during a menstrual cycle (1).

6. Cardiovascular Health

Preliminary studies suggest that ginger may lower cholesterol and help prevent blood from clotting. Other studies suggest, ginger may help improve blood sugar control among people with Type 2 Diabetes (2).

Possible Side Effects:

As with any medication or supplement, there are possible health risks associated with ingesting too much ginger. Natural ginger will cause little or no known side effects for most people. In some, however, a high intake may worsen symptoms of acid reflux, irritate the mouth, and cause diarrhea. Taking ginger as capsules may help reduce the risk of heartburn (1).

Easy ways to add Ginger to your Routine

• Ginger Tea
• Add in your favorite smoothie recipe
• Buy ginger candy or lozenges
• Add fresh ginger to stir-fry
• Ginger is a great spice to use dried on fish or poultry

Tasty Ginger Recipes

Winter Vegetable Soup (4)

This soup is perfect for the cold weather, and is filled with tons of fruits and veggies to boost your immune system.

Cilantro-lime Tuna Burgers (5)

If you are looking for a way to spice up those cans of tuna in the back of your pantry, this recipe is for you.  With only 15 minutes of prep time, you will have delicious and nutritious “burgers” in a pinch.

Cure-all Juice (6)

Whether you are suffering from a hangover, lack of sleep, or the common cold, this lovely juice will get you up and moving and on your way to feeling your best.

During this winter cold and flu season, try a hot cup of ginger tea and ward off those nasty germs.

Cheers to health and wellness!