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Ginger Health BenefitsThis pages focuses on ginger health benefits - Learn more about ginger and benefits of ginger root for various health problems such as nausea and
dizziness caused by motion sickness, morning sickness, respiratory problems, and chronic pain.
What is Ginger?
Ginger root is actually the underground stem (rhizome) of the ginger plant, Zingiber officinale. It belongs to the plant family of Zingiberaceae - the same
family as turmeric, cardamom and galangal.
Ginger has long been used in Asia for cooking as well as for treating various ailments. Young ginger rhizomes are juicy and fleshy with a very mild taste (less spicy than
the old ginger rhizomes). They are often used to make ginger honey tea in Asia to treat sore throat and many people drink the tea at the onset of a cold.
Old ginger roots are much more fibrous and much less juicy. However, the juice from old ginger roots is extremely potent and spicy and is often used as a spice in Indian and
Chinese recipes to flavor dishes such as seafood and vegetarian dishes.
Ginger BenefitsThe ginger rhizomes contain a mixture of compounds that are beneficial for our body in different ways. One compound found in ginger is gingerol, which gives ginger its unique taste and spiciness. Gingerols appear to give digestive relief by inhibiting intestinal spasms. Gingerol can also reduce nausea caused by motion sickness or morning sickness during pregnancy and may also relieve migraine headaches. In addition, initial research has found that gingerols seem to be able to inhibit the growth of human colorectal cancer cells. Ginger also contains zingibain - a special kind of proteolytic enzyme that has the ability to chemically break down protein. Clinical studies have shown that proteolytic enzymes have anti-inflammatory properties, making ginger an effective herb for treating most kinds of arthritis. In addition, the zingibain in ginger is antibacterial and antiviral. For this reason, ginger has long been used in Asia as a cold or flu remedy. It can also help people with food poisoning. Ginger contains more than 12 antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals in the body that play a role in causing inflammation. TopGinger Health BenefitsGinger is very versatile and can be used to treat a variety of ailments. Some major ginger health benefits include:
Ginger Health Benefits - DosageIf you like the taste of ginger, you can use fresh ginger root or powder for cooking, tea, and honey drinks. For ginger supplements, look for products that have a standardized dose of 20 percent (about 200 mg) gingerol. Recommended dosage is 1 to 2 grams of powdered ginger, which is the equivalent of 10 grams (about 1 tablespoon) of fresh ginger, 2 teaspoons of ginger syrup, or 2 ml of ginger extract. TopGinger Side EffectsGinger is generally considered a very safe herb. Some people may develop a rash on the skin if ginger is applied topically. Also, in powdered form, ginger is potent and taking too much powdered ginger may result in heartburn, bloating, gas, belching and nausea. Ginger may also adversely affect individuals with gallstones.References Duke, J.A., Dr. Duke's Essential Herbs, (Rodale Books, 2000). Duke, J.A., The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook, (Mass Market Paperback, 2002). TOP of Ginger Health Benefits |
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