What can ginger do for you?

Do you know what is better than a cup of coffee on a cold winter morning? A warm ginger tea. Yes, you heard it right – ginger can do wonders for your health and well-being! From reducing nausea to relieving pain, ginger holds the key to many ailments that plague us.

So let’s dive deep into the benefits of Ginger without further ado, and see how this little root can make big changes in our lives.

Let’s break down what ginger actually is

Ginger comes from the rhizome- which means underground stem- of an evergreen plant known as Zingiber officinale. Also called Adrak in Hindi or botanically known as Amomum zingiber Linn., it has been used as both, food and medicine for centuries now. It belongs to the same family as turmeric and cardamom.

However, unlike its cousins’, people undertake aerobic exercises like running, walking at moderate speeds with incline or doing Yoga while consuming ginger; don’t worry we’ll explain why later!

Types of Ginger

Ginger comes in various forms – fresh or dried (spice), juice, oil or supplement. Since variations exist among these products’ components’ categories based on harvest time lag between harvest & processing stages [1], different preparations of ginger also hold distinctive qualities.

• Fresh/dried/raw/root/powdered/Candied/ Pickled
• Essential Oil
• Juice

Fresh / Dried Root

This form is most common when cooking or baking stuff that requires adding some spice/flavour to recipes such as soups and curries while adding nutritional value. The young roots provide milder flavor – white-fleshed with reddish tips are more potent than mature ones.Traditionally pickled ginger called “gari” was eaten alongside sushi.

• Helps combat cell damage
• Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol
• Aids digestion 
• Reduces menstrual cramps

Ginger Essential Oil

Ginger essential oil is derived from ginger rhizome, through distillation or steam extraction. It can be consumed topically within creams or lotions. Or inhaled via aromatherapy.

It’s a powerhouse of medicinal qualities – anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor [2]; making it an efficient treatment for respiratory issues especially asthma & bronchitis and easing joint pains among other benefits!

One study showed that 80% of people with osteoarthritis (joint pain caused by the breakdown of the cartilage) who used “ginger patch” on their knee reported significantly less pain than those who did not have this intervention method [3].

Natural Remedy For A Headache? Yes please!

Have you ever had a headache so intense that even your thoughts are yelling at you? Well according to science there might be some hope for us yet,

Studies indicate ginger could be beneficial in relieving headaches due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

Gingerols are active components found in recommended doses.They exert remarkable analgesic effects causing inhibition of prostaglandins E2 synthesis producing an antinociceptive effect which leads to reduced sensation of pain.Inflammatory chemicals called cytokines are also decreased; they contribute to building inflammation inside the body resulting in foul mood,pain,stiffness etc[4].Cytokine suppression further helps provide relief from many symptoms including fever hence restoring normalcy into our lives!

Another option if pills aren’t your thing: try infusing fresh ginger root into warm water then drink as tea or eat candied-ginger disks! So delicious and helpful!

Help I’m feeling nauseated

Some causes like chemotherapy-induced nausea & morning sickness during pregnancy induce queasiness can be improved by consuming a small amount of ginger.

Anti-Emetics

A study found that consuming about 1,5 grams (roughly a tsp) raw ginger before chemotherapy treatment or surgery reduces post-operative nausea.More so, according to some research suggested it is possible that using ginger as an oral mouthwash can treat motion sickness and vomiting caused by different kind of allergies [6]!

Soothes Inflammatory Bowel Diseases(IBD)

According to scientific studies gastroprotective effects demonstrated through animal trials show attributes such as easing gastrointestinal motility in inflammatory bowel disease(colitis).Additionally the tannins and flavonoids present impart antioxidant activity which means antibacterial safe-guard against harmful bacteria in stomach environment thereby nourishing digestive health! Anecdotal reports also suggest relief from symptoms because Gingerol, active component responsible for anti-inflammatory actions on intestinal lumen demonstrating selective protection &repair mechanism[5].

Fun fact: Where did Ginger Ale come from?

Did you know Ginger ale was invented due to dyspepsia – aka indigestion? It was created back in 1851 when druggist Thomas Cantrell had begun fabricating his own versions after perceiving success with Ireland’s local breweries. He added ginger–known for its remedial affects – into his “soda water” concoction.The practice eventually caught fire &spread globally.

Drinking non-alcoholic dry/sweet version while travelling/experiencing ailments like sore throat ; here are few reasons why :

Sore Throat Soother:

Freshly sliced pieces mixed with honey give warm soothing effect immediately calming down inflamed area reducing cough frequency ,helpful in fighting off illnesses.

Cough Syrup Not Required

Applying dampened cloth soaked insolution made out abovementioned ingredients could effectively work against respiratory infections especially bronchitis.
Ginger shots have been trending lately; they might be headache inducing due to quick absorption of nutrients; they can increase inflammation in people with acute pain, like migraines or menstrual cramps.

Ginger Boosts Physical Exercises

Did you know ginger is a must-have supplement for many athletes? It provides them an extra edge when performing exercises! Let’s see how:

Reduced Tiredness & Muscle Pain

As we workout our muscle fibers undergo damage which triggers the inflammatory response mechanism as well as oxidative stress levels. This leads to sore muscles -OUCH-. Ginger supplements before and/or after exercising can help combat these radical excesses treating post workout pains effectively by curbing inflammation-invoked discomfort [10]. )

TIP-Don’t just rely on ginger shot alone ,prefer consuming 3–4 standard doses throughout day pre/post working out towards self-care maintenance[9]

● Carbs + Ginger is a winning combo:

According to scientific studies combining carbohydrates and one of its powerful antioxidants called “6-gingerol” works together synergistically resulting in increased amounts of insulin into bloodstream.An action that helps muscles store energy more efficiently thereby providing required fuels(energy) are delivered quicker making it helpful aka less tired[fatigued] during physical activity [7].

Also once done go ahead celebrate your amazing fitness journey proud by clubbing few pieces candied ginger with lemonade – woo HAHA.

Preventing Kidney Stones No Biggie!

Kidney stones…The amount of pain experienced while passing through the urinary tract would be enough for any sane human being to dread dealing with this issue. Thankfully pinky sized herbs call aide Ayurveda has your back!! Studies have shown benefit could lie within drinking pure GINGER ROOT JUICE several times throughout daily routine exposing natural way preventing formation calcium oxalate crystals present responsible behind painful urination experiences& blockages caused kidney function-stones(Calcium Oxalate)[8].

P.S most importantly, drinking ginger tea or taking supplements before engaging in these activities can also help reduce their likelihood of forming.

Ginger as a Cooking Flavor

Fresh root form has been globally used since centuries; modern culinary heritage still incorporates into diverse dishes around the world such as Japanese Pan-fried chicken (called Tori no Kare-age), Indian Lemon Rice, Vietnamese Beef Pho – are some fine examples highlighting zestful addition of natural herb. Infused with boiled water & honey crystallizes to form candied wonder, sidekick must-have on cheese platter OMG– DELICIOUS!!

• Savours up Smoked Meat :

Did you know smoking meats or even vegetables(generally low heat seasoned cooking) have recently being incorporated with seasoning or classed Spice rubs! Here’s were grated/ground ginger comes into play -rub it well onto meat before putting onto grill/smoker [11] for that perfect smoky yet spicy combined heavenly taste…Mmm delish!

• The ‘it’ ingredient: Bakes

The sweet and warm attributes of this spice makes it an ideal choice when preparing desserts. Its bold aroma blending sweetness alongside spiciness blends perfectly for recipies like gingerbread,scones etc.It serves wholesome meals where dosage varies based upon taste preferences [12].

Now that we’ve covered most points regarding its benefits, let’s see how much one should consume regularly:

Recommended Dosage of Ginger

As per conventional medicine & scientific research assessment there isn’t any standardised recommended amount rather range prescribed which is usually observed in regards to food recipes :

• Average adult – Limit daily consumption between 3000mg(3gms)to4grams.
• Pregnant women/kids age <2 years-Avoid entirely unless advised by doctor
• People above 50 yrs – Careful about medication reactions whilst using it.

Final Thoughts…

Ginger deserves fanfare due to options available make versatile herb essential for good overall wellbeing. Used across continental cuisines, appreciated by fitness enthusiasts & additionally reinforces it is nature’s potion known to tackle potential illnesses before diagnosis!!

So let’s spice up our diets and make some ginger-infused tea or soup today! Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below; we’d love to hear from you!