7 Easy Ways To Heal with Ginger
Shubhra Krishan
Shubhra Krishan
care2.com
Ginger is a wonder root. Its healing power is inversely proportional to how knobbly and unattractive it looks. Its role in easing digestive problems and healing painful joints is undisputed. It brings relief from coughs and colds and strengthens your immune system. And those are only a few of ginger’s amazing health benefits.
I cannot imagine my kitchen without a handful of young, pink-tipped, robust ginger root. Try these easy and health-boosting ideas, and you’ll be a ginger lover, too!
For your tummy:
Slice fresh ginger into matchsticks. Squeeze a whole lemon on it. Place in a small glass jar. Suck on those matchsticks or eat it as pickle. Lovely punchy taste, and great for digestion.
For your throat:
Grated ginger, mixed with a big spoonful of honey, brings instant relief to a sore throat.
For an Antioxidant bounty:
A fresh tomato-ginger relish for your table:
- 1 tomato, finely chopped, tossed with finely chopped or freshly grated ginger
- a little salt,
- some cilantro or parsley leaves.
For power soups:
Stir a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger into your soups, for a dramatic burst of flavor and all the health-giving goodness of this wonder root.
For a guilt-free but delicious bite:
Boil 4 potatoes. Cut them into cubes, and toss them with a teaspoon of finely chopped garlic, a teaspoon of finely chopped ginger, 1 green chili, salt and fresh herbs.
To wake up your sleepy grains:
Grate some ginger and squeeze some lemon over freshly boiled rice, couscous or pasta for a tasty kick and loads of antioxidant benefits.
For an energetic day:
Grate ginger and stir it into a cup of plain yogurt. Place them in a blender with ½ tsp roasted and powdered cumin seeds, a little sea-salt and 2 cups of ice-cold water and give a good whizz. This lassi is a supremely refreshing and digestion-friendly summer drink to kick start your day!
So off I go, to stir up some gingery lassi. Hope you’ll try some, too! Learn more about the incredible goodness of ginger here. <http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-health-benfits-of-ginger.html>
Try Ginger in more delicious ways:
Apricot Ginger Scones <http://www.care2.com/greenliving/apricot-ginger-scones.html>
Carrot, Beet & Ginger Soup <http://www.care2.com/greenliving/carrot-ginger-beet-soup.html>
Ginger is Better
than Drugs
for Pain,
says Study
Michelle Schoffro Cook
care2.com
May 3, 2013
A new study published in the journal Arthritis <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23365744> compared ginger extract to the common drugs betamethasone (cortisone) and ibuprofen for the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
While ibuprofen is a popular pain remedy (such as Advil or Motrin), in this study it showed no effect on cytokine production. Cytokines are immune-regulating substances that can have inflammatory effects on the body, and are therefore linked to pain. In this study, both betamethasone and ginger extract reduced cytokines in comparable amounts. The authors of the study indicate that, “ginger extract was as effective an anti-inflammatory agent as betamethasone in this in vitro model.”
While betamethasone has been used for decades to relieve pain, it is also linked with many serious side-effects, including: vision problems, weight gain, swelling, shortness of breath, depression, seizures, pancreatitis, heart arrhythmias, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, severe headaches, anxiety, chest pains, sleep problems, acne, slow wound healing, and more. Ginger, however, is a powerful anti-inflammatory that is safe for use. For more information, consult Arthritis-Proof <http://www.worldshealthiestdiet.com/?p=71> .
Other research by Dr. Krishna C. Srivastava, a world-renowned researcher on the therapeutic effects of spices, at Odense University in Denmark, found that ginger is an effective and superior anti-pain remedy. In one study, Dr. Srivastava gave arthritic patients small amounts of ginger daily for three months. The majority of people had significant improvements in pain, swelling, and morning stiffness by eating ginger daily.
Dr. Srivastava also found that ginger was superior to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Tylenol or Advil because NSAIDs only work on one level: to block the formation of inflammatory compounds. Ginger, on the other hand, blocks the formation of the inflammatory compounds–prostaglandins and leukotrienes–and also has antioxidant effects that break down existing inflammation and acidity in the fluid within the joints.
Further research in the Journal of Pain also report that ginger is an effective natural anti-inflammatory that helps reduce pain and inflammation. Both raw ginger and heated ginger were used in the study with similar effectiveness. The scientists specifically explored ginger’s effects on muscle pain.
Ginger has been used medicinally for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine in India as a natural anti-inflammatory food.
How to Reap the Anti-Pain Benefits of Ginger (adapted from Arthritis-Proof <http://www.worldshealthiestdiet.com/?p=71> ):
-Add chopped, fresh ginger to soups, stews, stir-fries, and other recipes. Ginger is delicious in many savory and sweet dishes alike.
-Add fresh ginger to a juicer while making juices. It combines well with many other vegetables and fruits, such as carrots or apple.
-Ginger capsules (Zingiber officinale) are available for supplementation. Follow package directions.
-Chopped, fresh ginger can be added to water and boiled in a pot for 45 minutes to an hour. Drink warm or with ice, as a tea. Add a few drops of stevia to sweeten (stevia is a naturally-sweet herb).
-Ginger is available in alcohol tincture form. A typical dose is 30 drops three times daily. Avoid the alcohol extract if you are an alcoholic, suffering from liver disease, or diabetic.
Medicine never tasted so good.
Recommended reading: Arthritis-Proof <http://www.worldshealthiestdiet.com/?p=71> .
How Ginger Can Help You
Keep Your Fitness Resolutions
- Chelsea, selected from Intent.com <http://www.care2.com/greenliving/author/intent6>
- February 4, 2013
Now that the hype of New Year’s resolutions <http://intentblog.com/how-to-be-resolute-about-your-resolutions/> has faded, the real work begins. Avoid injury and burnout by keeping your muscles rested and recovered. Keep your metabolism working at its full potential naturally, and your body healthy <http://intentblog.com/ginger-tea-to-cure-flu-symptoms/> and fit well into the new year.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has long been used in Ayurveda <http://intentblog.com/ayurveda-and-weight-management/> to stoke the digestive system. Due to its yang properties of warming and stimulating, it’s thought to enhance the fire in the body. Everything from the digestive system to blood circulation to energizing <http://intentblog.com/7-natural-energy-boosters/> the body internally.
Ginger for Sore Muscles:
If you don’t have time for a long Epsom salt bath to soothe your muscles and mind, consider a hot cup of ginger tea after dinner or a refreshing ginger lemonade after your daily workout.
In two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, subjects were tested for muscle pain after exercising and taking 2 grams of ginger versus a placebo. The study concluded that daily supplementation with ginger reduced muscle pain caused by eccentric exercise <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20418184> .
Another study asked subjects to participate in exercises meant to cause muscle inflammation and pain, with one group taking ginger as a supplement and the other group a placebo. They found that muscle pain and soreness was reduced the day after in some participants taking the ginger, suggesting ginger may reduce the day-to-day progression of muscle pain <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21031618> .
These results are not surprising, considering ginger contains very potent anti-inflammatory substances: Gingerols. Gingerols are the pungent compound present in ginger that give it many of its incredible health benefits, proving it effective in treating arthritis, nausea, and a multitude of digestive disorders <http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/17/8/1930.full> .
Ginger for Metabolism:
Introducing ginger to the body can stimulate the gastrointestinal tract. It can reduce feelings of hunger and enhance thermogenesis <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22538118> , or increase metabolism; all pluses when trying to lose or manage weight.
During winter, hot tea is a great way to introduce the benefits of ginger into your diet and system. To cool off after a hot workout, this Fresh Mint Organic Ginger Lemonade is a nice alternative:
Fresh Mint-Organic Ginger Lemonade
INGREDIENTS:
Mint leaves
1 shot cumquat or Bush lemon juice
1 shot of Agave sweetener
1 tsp. Wakaya Perfection Organic Ginger Powder <http://shop.wakayaperfection.com/products/wakaya-perfection-organic-ginger-powder>
2 shots of water Ice
Pour all ingredients into shaker. Shake, and then pour into serving glass. Float lemon and serve.
Topical Treatment for Sore Muscles:
A paste or creme created from softened ginger root or ginger powder can be applied directly to sore muscles <http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=TbEVT-YrDrQC&oi=fnd&pg=PA69&dq=ginger+ayurveda+paste&ots=OvgLDxR9I0&sig=hnKNZVFAQkRSJRqurXajPGp0ATI#v=onepage&q=ginger%20ayurveda%20paste&f=false> . Mix the powder or crushed ginger with a few drops of camphor oil and a little water and then apply directly to the skin. Let it sit until it starts to dry and then wipe it off.
Caring for the body naturally will keep it in balance, strong, and enable you to reach your fitness resolutions in a healthy way.
Have another favorite use or recipe for ginger? Let us know in the comments below!