Health Benefits of Ginger

Ginger: Facts and Research

ginger root

Ginger is quite simply amazing and the health benefits of ginger are numerous.  The range of benefits it can offer us is quite staggering and it’s been used as a natural cure and health enhancer for many years.  More importance has been attached to the health benefits of ginger over the years and it is now recognized as a very powerful natural remedy in the medical world.  There are many ginger healing properties, and below we will look at just a few of them.

What about Ginger Essential Oil?

Ginger essential oil is made through the process of steam distillation. This involves heating up the ginger root until it releases its aromatic and therapeutic oils, which can then be collected for use in various applications.

Ginger essential oil is very potent. It should be used with caution and only in diluted form, because it can cause irritation when applied directly to the skin. It is also important to remember that it is highly concentrated and should be handled carefully.

Ovarian Cancer

Many patients have used ginger herbal remedies to help attack the cancerous cells that can be found within the ovaries.  These ginger herbal remedies often come in capsule form and they report no side effects.  Further research is needed into just how much ginger can help with ovarian cancer, and indeed the best was to take ginger as an herbal remedy, but the initial research is incredibly promising.


Morning Sickness

In the early stages of pregnancy (and sometimes all the way through!), a lot of women experience anything from mild nausea to full-on vomiting.  And it’s not just in the morning as the name would have you believe, it can strike at any time during the day.  There are many remedies that women use to relieve these symptoms but one of the most popular is ginger.  A popular form of ginger is within ginger biscuits so a pregnant woman can enjoy some soothing benefits while she has a much-needed cup of tea!  If you are looking into taking ginger supplements, consult your doctor first as with anything whilst pregnant.

Motion Sickness

As with the nausea experienced during pregnancy, the queasiness a lot of people experience when they are traveling in a car for example can be quite debilitating.  Some sufferers will find that taking ginger root supplements will help with their funny tummies!

Heartburn Relief

More good news for pregnancy discomforts... ginger can also help to relieve heartburn (another common complaint!).  Ginger root brewed in tea is one easy way of getting ginger into your system quickly.  Try grating some ginger root into a teapot, steeping it with tea for a few minutes and then straining it into a mug and adding a spot of honey for a soothing, relaxing cure.

Ginger as a Natural Painkiller

Plenty of studies have confirmed that ginger can indeed help to combat pain.  It possesses natural anti-inflammatory properties and as a result, it’s a popular natural remedy amongst those who suffer from arthritis, muscle spasms and rheumatism.

ginger tea


Cold and ‘Flu Prevention

Ginger has antiseptic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a beneficial remedy for relieving flu symptoms. It can help reduce fever, help relieve coughing and sore throat, and soothe muscle aches. Additionally, it is thought to boost the immune system, helping to fight off germs that cause the flu.  Drinking ginger tea regularly is a very popular way of staying healthy and avoiding these common viruses.  It won’t ward them off forever, but it’ll help keep them at bay and treat them when and if they do strike.  Apart from the obvious benefits, a cup of sweet ginger tea is quite delicious and you’ll soon find you’re enjoying it daily.  It can help you feel invigorated and relaxed at the same time!

Menstrual Cramp Relief

Ladies, if you’re not keen on popping painkillers every time Mother Nature pays her monthly visit, why not give ginger a try?  

Ginger has been found to be an effective remedy for menstrual cramps due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic properties. It helps relax muscles and reduce the pain associated with cramping. Ginger can be consumed in the form of tea or capsules, or it can be applied directly to the abdomen as a warm-water compress. Grate a bit of root ginger and knock it back with some water and see how you get on.  A lot of people report that within about 20 minutes, their cramps have either subsided or disappeared altogether. Ginger essential oil is also very effective - 1 or 2 drops in warm water or in your favourite herbal tea may provide relief. If you enjoy reading medical studies, here's one done on ginger essential oil and ginger powder for period pain

G-Force: Go and Unleash the Power of Ginger!

With so many uses, one can see that the health benefits of ginger are amazing. So perhaps consider growing your own or keeping a fresh bulb in the fridge.  If you aren’t a fan of the taste of ginger, why not pop to your local health shop?  Most will stock either crystallized or powdered ginger in capsules which are slightly easier to get into your system without the taste.

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