The hectic lives that we live in make us often prone to headaches, nausea, gastric issues, cold, and stress. Inflammation, too, is a common ailment faced by many people around the world today. Ginger contains leukotrienes, which are inflammatory molecules that counter certain inflammatory genes. If you have been ignorant about this fact, it’s time you must know that ginger, a common kitchen herb or spice, is a cure-it-all herb for many ailments.
Ginger Has A Long History
Traditionally, ginger has been used to treat different health conditions that range from nausea to pain. Since more than 2000 years, the Chinese traditional medicine and Ayurveda have used ginger to treat nausea, arthritis, heart diseases, stomach issues, and many other disorders. Ginger can magically reduce chronic inflammation, pain in the body, and even migraine.1 It has also been found to be very beneficial in treating ulcer, gut issues, diabetes symptoms, and cough. The compounds gingerol and shogaol are the healing components present in ginger.
Ginger For Pain And Inflammation
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Pain: It has been found that ginger extract can reduce muscle pain, headache, and back pain. Ginger extract acts similar to ibuprofen, as it has effective analgesic properties.2 It has also been found to be helpful in treating migraine issues.
Inflammation: Modern science has proved that ginger can stop the formation of inflammatory compounds with the help of leukotrienes present in them. Leukotrienes are the inflammatory molecules present in this herb that can switch off certain inflammatory genes. However, certain studies have stated that the effect of ginger on osteoarthritis is just moderately effective.3 4
Menstrual Cramps And Dysmenorrhea: Ginger is helpful for women during menstruation as it reduces menstrual pain and cramps. It has been found that ginger tea or ginger pills can benefit women with primary dysmenorrhea to a certain extent.5
Ginger For Cold And Flu
Just like antihistamines and decongestants, ginger works in reducing the symptoms of cold and flu effectively.6
A Quick Ginger Remedy For Cold And Flu
It has been found that combining ginger with tamarind leaves can easily treat cough and cold.
- Brew a few slices of ginger and a few tamarind leaves in hot water.
- Crush the ingredients in the water.
- Add honey to it and drink it slowly.
- Repeat two to three times a day until you feel better.
Ginger For Nausea And Indigestion
Ginger aids in digestion, and we all know that already. It has also been in use in treating nausea for thousands of years. Compared to antacids and antihistamines, ginger extract and ginger ale has been found to be more effective in treating nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, and indigestion, which is why this herb is popularly used all around the world.7
Ginger Ale Recipe
The high content of potassium in ginger is important to keep the heart functioning well. The rich manganese content in this herb increases the resistance to different diseases and increases the strength of the lining of the heart as well as the whole circulatory system. Ginger has a healthy silicon content as well, and this compound contributes to the health of skin, hair, teeth, and nails. The presence of vitamins A, C, E, B complex and other minerals like magnesium, sodium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, calcium, and beta-carotene make ginger extremely beneficial for our overall health as well. To treat pain in the body, migraine, and inflammation, make a healthy ginger ale drink that will benefit you greatly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped ginger
- 2 cups purified water
- Sparkling water
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Raw honey
- Lime wedges (for garnishing purposes)
Preparation
1. Take a saucepan and boil the purified water in it.
2. Add ginger to it and reduce the heat to medium-low.
3. Let the ginger and water mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Take water off the heat and strain it.
5. While serving, use 1 part of the ginger syrup with 3 parts of sparkling water and serve it on the rocks.
You can use raw honey to sweeten it, add lemon juice for flavor, and garnish the drink with lime wedges. If you want to go sugar-free, you can always use stevia instead of honey and enjoy the drink.
References
