Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is an incredibly healing plant that has been used world-wide as not only a popular condiment, but as a natural form to help heal health issues from digestive ailments to overall good health. It is a part of the plant family that includes turmeric and cardamom- a powerful family of plants with strong health benefits for the human body.
The key ingredient in Ginger, Gingerol, the oil resin from the root acts as a highly potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. Studies have evaluated and maintain that using ginger on a regular basis can aide in your body’s overall well-being. Below are just five amazing benefits of this powerful plant.
Nausea and Digestion
Ginger has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy for nausea. Whether it be nausea stemming from a stomach ache or morning sickness the medicinal calming properties in ginger can help soothe an upset stomach. It can help people who are feeling bloated, constipated, etc. because it relaxes the gut linings smooth muscle and allows food to move along throughout the system. Try eating whole ginger, the powdered spice, tea, or even the essential oil to help the next time you have an upset stomach.
Pain
Ginger is known as an anti-inflammatory and this can be a key factor in pain management and relief. Very similar to how capsaicin works to relieve pain, gingerol acts on vanilloid receptors, which are located on sensory nerve endings. Think about the burn you feel when you consume a spicy pepper, ginger is similar in this manner of reaction, this pain’s source is exactly the pathways the herb can ultimately help to effectively relieve pain.
Insulin Sensitivity
Gingerols are widely known to help naturally improve diabetes by enhancing insulin sensitivity. Scientists have also discovered that they can suppress sorbitol accumulation in human blood cells. It was shown that ginger has the potential to help reverse diabetes as well as, help to protect and improve diabetic complications.
Bacterial Infections
Ginger can help to improve overall immune function which in turn helps us to fight of infections. Particularly interesting ginger has been found to be just as effective as antibiotics when fighting off and killing strains such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Takeaway here; if you are prepping for surgery or are going to the hospital it can’t hurt to add some ginger essential oil to your water to help build up a defense to staph.
Malabsorption
Food transport and nutrient absorption from mouth out through the colon is the mainstay of health. If food gets stuck somewhere in between it can potentially ferment, rot, or cause an obstruction in the colon. Improper digestion can also cause improper assimilation of key nutrients in your diet. Ginger helps to regulate digestion and metabolism of the food so that you can build up a strong digestive system as well as a stronger immune system.
Whether you consume ginger in its whole form, powder, tea, or as an essential oil- adding and maintaining it in your regular diet is a natural
way to help your body not only digest and absorb nutrients more efficiently, but it also can help in your long-term health.
way to help your body not only digest and absorb nutrients more efficiently, but it also can help in your long-term health.
Susan Caputo 