benefits of ginger

Continuing on with our discussion on the benefits of some herbs and foods such as lobelia we now turn to benefits of ginger shown in the image above. Many have used ginger to cure themselves  of various elements and you too can use ginger to cure yourself of your ailments.


History

The Chinese were using ginger to flavour food in the 6th century BC, and Arab traders introduced the spice to the mediterranean before the 1st century AD. It eventually found its way to Europe through the crusaders. The Spanish brought ginger to the New World in the 1500s

Ginger has a long and honored tradition in folk medicinee, and was traditionaly used to protect against respiratory and digestive infections, and to ease the flatulence and griping pains of indigestion.  Adding a slice or two of peeled raw  ginger is said to reduce the flatulence these foods often cause.

Benefits of Ginger.

Modern studies have shown that ginger contains beta ionone, a terpenoid found in ginger, which has anti-cancer properties.

Sipping flat ginger ale or sucking pieces of crystallized ginger, which has a more concentrated flavour, may help to quell spells of nausea due to morning sickness, food poisoning, gastroenteritis or chemotherapy. Ginger is also available in capsule form for those who find it irritates the mouth.

Ginger has been shown to reduce the symptoms of migraine headaches. This is due to the fact that ginger blocks the pro-inflamatory prostaglandins, (hormone like chemicals). This ability also helps those who have arthritis by preventing swelling and reducing pain. This is especially true when it is taken in powdered form.

Ginger also helps to counter the effects of motion sickness namely nausea and vomiting. Studies have shown it to be more effective than prescription medications in preventing motion sickness, without causing the drowsiness that the drugs sometimes does.