Seven wonders of ginger root

The Zingiberaceae botanical family to which ginger belongs includes three spices: turmeric, cardamom and ginger. From ancient India and China to Greece and Rome, the root of ginger has been revered as a culinary and medicinal spice. It is among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet.

A number of us only know ginger as a spice used in cooking. However, ginger is more than a seasoning. Its medicinal properties have been valued and used throughout the ages.

Ginger, or ginger root, has been cultivated and used therapeutically for thousands of years. Traditional medicine systems all over the world have applied it to a wide range of ailments, including calming an upset stomach.

Here’s a quick look at the health benefits of this root aside its culinary values:

Ginger helps to calm nausea, especially morning sickness

Clinical studies have proven ginger’s effectiveness at calming nausea and vomiting. Research has also confirmed its potential against chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

It soothes the digestive system

Historically, ginger has a long tradition of being very effective in alleviating discomfort and pain in the stomach. Ginger is regarded as an excellent carminative, a substance that promotes the elimination of excessive gas from the digestive system and soothes the intestinal tract.

It stabilises blood sugar

Ginger has repeatedly demonstrated powerful blood sugar balancing effects. It acts on insulin release and sensitivity, and supports the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. In addition to its effectiveness as a blood sugar stabiliser, ginger has also demonstrated powerful protective effects against diabetic kidney, eye and liver complications.

Ginger is a powerful cancer fighter

While ginger helps common illnesses, its positive effect on more serious health conditions cannot be disregarded. One of such serious health condition that ginger has been known to help treat for years is ovarian cancer. Aside from helping to treat ovarian cancer, ginger also offers plenty of protective benefits for colon cancer.

Powerful treatment for heartburn/acid reflux

Millions suffering from heartburn and indigestion might be saving a pretty penny if they gave ginger a try as a treatment for heartburn instead of the multi-billion dollar drugs for heart burn. Instead of turning to drugs, just try ginger.

Cure for cough

In addition to the countless benefits of ginger, it is also one of the most famous natural cures for cough. The ginger has to be partially sliced and boiled and to ensure potency, should be crushed a bit before boiling. This will help to draw out the active ingredients. Drinking ginger as a tea will ease sore throat, non-stop coughing and even congestion.

Cure for toothache

Among all these benefits listed above, using the spice as a home remedy for toothaches is something that has been passed down from generation to generation. Many people have experienced immediate relief from toothaches by using ginger. Try rubbing raw ginger into the gums or boil the ginger root, let it cool and use it as a mouth rinse.

Ginger can also help with muscle soreness. The compounds gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone found in ginger are more effective than drugs for inflammation.