Ginger is a Superfood with so many healing benefits, that in Ayurvedic Medicine it is called a “medicine cabinet” in itself.
It is part of the plant family that includes other powerful herbs, like turmeric and cardamom.
Ginger is a flowering plant, that is native to the tropical rainforests of India and Southeast Asia and it is also a commonly used spice in those region’s cuisines.
Ginger is sold as a fresh root, dried, as a powder, or in essential oil form.
Some of the best known medicinal qualities of ginger are:
Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of cartilage in joints, causing stiffness and pain. Ginger can reduce pain due to arthritis, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies have shown that regular intake of ginger can reduce blood sugar levels, one of the risk factors Diabetes.
Ginger can help normalize cholesterol levels, lowering the risk for developing heart disease.
Ginger can reduce pain and soreness caused by exercise and it is commonly used to relieve general body pain.
Inflammation is one the main underlying causes of many common diseases, like Alzheimer’s. Antioxidants in ginger can help lower inflammation that occurs in the brain.
Ginger has been used for thousands of years for all sorts of digestion related illnesses, like indigestion, vomiting, constipation, stomach ulcers, nausea and malabsorption.
Gingerol, a substance found ginger is responsible for most of the medicinal properties. It is also effective against cancer.
When ginger is taken regularly, especially with garlic, has a blood thinning effect that helps maintain heart health.
Gingerol is als anti-bacterial and helps fighting infections, including gum related infections, like gingivitis and periodontitis
It is also anti-fungal, in a study of 29 plants ginger proved to be most effective for eliminating fungus.
Respiratory system related illnesses, like the common cold, cough and sore throat are also treated with ginger.
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How to use ginger:
You can add an inch long piece of ginger root to your smoothie.
Grate some ginger and mix it in your tea.
Use fresh, or powdered ginger, as a spice for your dishes.
Ginger essential oil can be mixed with a carrier oil, like coconut, or sesame oil, then applied to the skin.
Sometimes I just cut a small piece and eat it raw. It’s very hot though, I have water in my mouth as I chew it, which dilutes the juice.
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The best part is, ginger is very affordable. The piece on the image above is organic, about 3 ounces that I bought for only $2.50 at the local store.
Ginger has been the subject of hundreds of studies and much has been discovered about it by science, but Superfoods, like ginger are unique, they carry a high vibrational energy that cannot be quantified by science and cannot be understood through observation by our physical senses.
Sources:
http://ayurhelp.com/articles/ayurveda-health-benefits-ginger#.WiW1XdWnHrd
https://draxe.com/10-medicinal-ginger-health-benefits/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-ginger