Ginger for Health

In addition to being a zesty Asian flavor enhancer, used in everything from baked goods to sushi, this rhizome’s potent gingerol compounds help reduce inflammation, ease nausea, and may lower blood pressure.

Eat
To soothe osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, add about 1/4-inch slice of minced, fresh ginger to food every day or eat ginger chews, which may offer the same effect. Eating ginger can also mitigate hypertension and relieve motion sickness by taking ginger in capsule or tincture form. Talk with your health care practitioner about an appropriate dose.

Drink
Combat a queasiness or morning sickness with ginger tea. Place one or two 1/2-inch slices of fresh ginger into a mug of hot water. Let it steep for a few minutes. To eliminate gas, sip an authentic, nonalcoholic ginger beer–as opposed to conventional ginger ales, which often don’t include any fresh ginger.

Apply topically
Ginger creates a warming sensation that helps increase circulation, soothe sore joints, and relax muscles when massaged into the skin. Plus, antioxidants in ginger boost skin’s ability to fight free radicals. Mix a couple of drops of ginger essential oil into a carrier oil and kneed into problem areas.

For more about this spicy rhizome, see Ginger: The Cook’s Best Medicine

Delicious Living is the go-to resource for the natural and organic lifestyle, helping readers eat well, live green, and stay healthy. Visit deliciouslivingmag.com for more articles and free recipes.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

New G.

8:37PM PST on Dec 24, 2011

Thanks.

send a green star

Cathy N.

9:13PM PST on Nov 15, 2011

~Many uses for this ugly root~

Jennifer C.

1:32AM PDT on Aug 11, 2011

Thanks for the great info.

1:31AM PDT on Aug 11, 2011

KARLOLINA G.

2:32AM PDT on Jun 28, 2011

I tried some ginger root the other day, for a pain in my elbow. This was an award I received when finished painting my back fence. LOL I peeled the ginger and ate about a tablespoon and I tell you, no joke, I felt the pain had left within minutes. Perhaps a coincident but the pain was gone. Great article and I hope many people will start using ginger. Ô¿Ô

Brenda T.

1:08AM PDT on Jun 8, 2011

Thankyou.

Jo A.

12:09AM PDT on Jun 8, 2011

Amen! Ginger heals! Thanks for sharing this article.

Loo S.

7:01PM PST on Mar 1, 2011

thanks for the article.

Mari '.

5:33AM PST on Feb 26, 2011

Wonderful