Ginger, with its strong and spicy aroma, has its own place in Indian cuisine. Ginger may be used fresh or dried, powdered or pickled or in the form of juice or oil. Ginger tea is the most commonly used form, not to mention the ginger concoction given every time someone catches a cold.
From last thousands of years ginger has been used for the treatment of many ailments due to its therapeutic properties and preventive effects.
The most common properties of ginger are as follows
• Good anti-inflammatory
• Analgesic
• Antioxidant
• Anti-emetic property
Along with these properties ginger helps to decrease inflammation, swelling and pain due to its ability to inhibit prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis.
Compounds present in ginger are helpful in suppressing allergic reactions.
Respiratory problems
The antihistamine property of ginger helps in treating allergies. It is well known that ginger helps in inhibiting the airway contraction and also stimulate the secretion of mucus. Ginger is very effective for persistent cough and sore throat.
Ginger juice is very effective for sore throat if given mixed with honey.
Treating nausea and vomiting
People who suffer from seasickness, motion sickness or nausea after surgery can treat these sensations just by adding ginger in mouth. Chewing ginger could reduce nausea and vomiting. Ginger is also very helpful in reducing bad effects of chemotherapy.
Preventing morning sickness
In pregnant women ginger is beneficial in preventing their morning sickness. But it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking it.
Remedy for loss of appetite
Individuals who have low appetite can get their appetite boost up by eating a fresh ginger before their meal. Ginger can get your digestion juices going and increase your appetite.
Aiding in digestion
Ginger helps in improving digestion by improving absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients and aids in digestion. One more property of ginger is that it helps in break down the proteins in your food. Ginger also helps gastric mucosa from ulcers by promoting mucus secretion.
Anti-flatulence
Carminative property of ginger helps to relieve person from bloating and gas and reduce flatulence.
Reduce menstrual pain
If ginger is taken at the start of menstrual period it helps in reducing the menstrual pain in some women.
Relieve headache
Applying diluted paste of ginger on forehead helps to relieve headache. Ginger is also useful in treating cases of migraine also.
Arthritis
Ginger also helps to reduce joint pains and pains of arthritis in many people due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. If you want to relieve muscle or joint pain add some ginger oil into your bath.
Cancer
Ginger root contains a very high level of antioxidants. Ginger has the ability to induce cell death (apoptosis) and suppress certain protein. According to some studies, ginger may be a powerful weapon against cancers.
