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What if you had something in your spice cabinet that had anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-nausea, antibacterial and antiseptic properties? Would you use it? Chances are, you already have a bottle of ginger. As a natural herb used across the globe, the health benefits of ginger spice have not gone unnoticed.
Not only is it a good source of vitamin B-complex, A, C, and E, but it’s also packed full of calcium and beta-carotene. It’s highly effective in treating some health problems. This virtual medicine chest may bring you relief from many of life’s everyday medical issues. Here are ten ways that ginger can benefit your health.
1. Cures Athlete’s Foot
Did you know that ginger is a natural home remedy for athlete’s foot? Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection, similar to ringworm. It causes the skin on the feet to burn, crack, itch, and peel. Not only is it irritating, but it can be excruciating. It’s very contagious and should be treated quickly. If not taken care of promptly, it can spread to the groin and cause jock itch. Ginger has over twenty antifungal compounds. Take one ounce of ginger and add it to one cup of boiling water. Apply to the area. It will provide soothing comfort and start fighting the fungus immediately.
2. Fight Colds and The Flu
During the winter months, most people could use a little boost in their immune system. Ginger is a natural treatment for both colds and the flu. Due to its potent antifungal and antiviral properties, it can increase sweating. When the body expels heat, it relieves fevers.
Eating ginger numerous times during the day can help when you are suffering from the flu. It detoxifies the body naturally, which speeds up the healing process. Need to open the nasal passages? You can boil a couple of teaspoons of ginger in water and inhale the steam. The steam will help to alleviate the congestion and other problems that come along with a cold.
3. Combats Nausea and Morning Sickness
There is nothing worse than morning sickness. Pregnant women seem to have their fair share. Ginger can treat nausea because it works like vitamin B6. Pregnancy-induced nausea doesn’t stand a chance when combated with this spice. Some say it brings instant relief. Many mommies-to-be chew on ginger or add it to a bit of honey. It’s known to cure both nausea and motion sickness that comes along with an upset stomach. Ginger supplements are an excellent alternative for those who don’t like the taste of raw ginger.
4. Diminishes Arthritis Pain
Do you suffer from rheumatoid, osteoarthritis or gout? In 2001, a study was conducted to see if ginger was effective in reducing pain and inflammation associated with these conditions. They found that it was just as effective as taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
The potent anti-inflammatory properties can successfully treat mild to moderate pain. Take ginger and a bit of turmeric with some water, and make a paste that can be applied to the area. Put this mixture on the affected area at least twice per day. Additionally, adding cooked ginger to your diet can work from the inside out. Others add the essential oil version to their bathtub, which is known to ease muscle and joint pains.
5. Averts Cancer
One of the incredible health benefits of ginger is that it can prevent cancer. It has proven to be potent against ovarian and colorectal cancers. The BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine group did a study regarding this in 2007. When explicitly targeting ovarian cancer cells, it induces cell death. The University of Minnesota researched the effects of ginger and colorectal cancer. They found that it can slow the growth of these malignant cells. Additionally, it can combat pancreatic, prostate, skin, breast, and lung cancers too.
6. Cuts Menstrual Pain
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is a powerful natural painkiller. Consequently, many people use it to reduce menstrual pain. Ladies in misery with their monthly visitor can use either the powder or capsule form for relief. Ginger tea will also bring the same relief. Cramping often happens at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, which is why this holistic therapy should be used from the start.
7. Treats Migraines
One of the health benefits of ginger is that it can stop prostaglandins, which cause pain and inflammation in the blood vessels. At the onset of a migraine, drinking ginger tea can prevent the pain as well as nausea and dizziness that accompanies these horrific headaches.
8. Controls Diabetes
Experts say that ginger can be as effective as other drugs when it comes to treating diabetes. It can lower blood sugar levels and increase the usefulness of insulin. Drink one teaspoon of ginger in a glass of warm water every morning. Not only will it help diabetes, but it can also help reduce urine protein levels. Uncontrolled blood sugar causes all kinds of damage to the body, but this herb can increase urine output, which flushes toxins from the body.
9. Encourages Heart Health
When it comes to the heart, ginger is nothing short of miraculous. It can lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and it helps to prevent the blood from clotting. In return, this reduces the risk of heart disease. Ginger is high in potassium and manganese. It can protect the heart and urinary passages too. Good cardiovascular health begins with the addition of this spice to your daily regimen.
10. Calms Gastrointestinal Issues
Ginger has carminative properties. It can calm an upset stomach and relax those gastrointestinal muscles. Those who suffer from chronic bloating and gas should consider this holistic solution. Many health experts recommend ginger to help with colic or dyspepsia too.
Bacteria-induced diarrhea doesn’t stand a chance when fought with this dominant spice. Got indigestion after a large meal? Ginger can help improve the digestive process. If you should happen to have symptoms of food poisoning, ginger can take care of that too.
In conclusion, many natural solutions can provide relief for health problems. Ginger is something that you should keep on hand. Never stop taking a medication without the approval of a physician, but adding ginger to your diet can help to combat many of the medical ailments you experience.
Susan Hamilton is a food engineer who owns a small family farm near Panhandle, Texas. She takes care of cattle and horses and tries to find new and ecological ways to deal with different kind of pests. Besides her work with the animals, Susan grows her own vegetables. Living in an area where most of the people have a healthy lifestyle, Susan tries to make the rest of the world understand the importance of natural foods and she writes about it on Home Remedy Book.