Ginger Root

Published on 18 January 2025 at 20:06

Ginger is a powerful root with numerous health benefits that extend far beyond soothing an upset stomach. Here are some key qualities of this remarkable spice:

Digestive Health

  • speeds up food passage through the stomach reducing bloating, gas, and constipation. Clinical studies show that it effectively manages gastrointestinal symptoms and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It helps prevent gas and flatulence.

 

Brain Health

  • helps improve focus, memory, cognitive function. Trials indicate prevention of age related cognitive decline with diseases such as alzheimers.

 

Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Reliever

  • reduces chronic inflammation
  • protect cells
  • protects cartridge cells and inhibits breakdown of collagen
  • reduces menstrual pain

 

Arthritis

a 2020 study showed that ginger in combination with black pepper and curcumin was just as effective in relieving arthritic knee pain in patients as using Aleve (naproxen). 

 

Circulation

  • improves blood circulation and may reduce spider and varicose veins

Dizziness

  • It is recommended as a natural solution to motion sickness, dizziness and feelings of imbalance.

Cancer

  • various studies are showing compounds in ginger appear to inhibit cancer cell growth

 

Skin Health

  • reduces aging signs
  • combats skin damage
  • complexion

 

Heart

  • regular consumption of ginger helps lower cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure

 

Immune System

  • Boosts natural immunity
  • antimicrobial & antiviral
  • helps fight off potential infections (I add fresh ginger to my elderberry)


Regular Consumption

These benefits may follow regular consumption of ginger.  Here are some tips for incorporating fresh ginger into your regular diet.

Ginger Tea

Ginger is a beverage of choice in the winter.  
Ginger contains gingerols, which are pungent polyphenols that can increase body temperature. It is a warming spice.  
Recipe
  • slice 2 tbsp of fresh ginger or dried ginger root ( you may peel the fresh ginger first, but there is no need too)
  • add 4 cups of water and the ginger to a pot and bring to ta boil for 10-20 minutes (the longer the tangier and stronger flavor will be)
  • remove from heat, strain the ginger
  • may add 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice and 1-2 tbsp of raw honey
  • turmeric and mint are other great additions

you may freeze leftover tea or it will keep in an air tight container in the refrigerator for a week or longer.


Smoothies

Spicey Ginger Smoothie

Ingredients

 


Dressing

Ginger Dijon Dressing

  • Ginger root
  • Rice vinegar
  • Dijon mustard
  • Honey or maple syrup
  • Olive oil
  • Salt

https://www.acouplecooks.com/ginger-dressing/

 


Supplements

Think:  Ginger, Joints!  Ginger is great for your joints.

Here are some practical tips for using ginger topically.

Ginger is wonderful for swelling, intestinal & bladder inflammation, and bronchitis.

When applied to arthritis and inflamed joints, it will draw the inflammation out.  

(hands, sore knees, back, arthritis, gout)

Compress

  1. Grate 2 TBSP of ginger root, wrap it in a thin cotton cloth and tie it closed.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and then reduce the heat.
  3. Add the ginger into the water and allow it to soak for at least five minutes and up to 20 minutes.
  4. Place a small towel into the ginger water and carefully wring out the excess.
  5. 
Apply the towel directly to the affected area and cover with another dry towel to hold in the heat.
  6. Re-soak the towel as needed and repeat the process for about 15-20 minutes.

Poultice

1. place a piece of plastic, such as saran wrap, on the counter.  

2. Lay a clean cloth over that.

3. Use a small grater to grate the ginger directly onto the cloth.  Spread it out evenly to width of area it will be applied.  

4.  fold cloth top over bottom and side over side.

5.  turn folded cloth over on the plastic square and apply directly to inflamed joints or area needed,  You want the plastic to overlap the cloth just a little.  The reason for the plastic is to protect clothing from staining, 

6.  apply directly to the area to prevent air from chilling the ginger.  If you feel heat, it's a good sign it is drawing out inflammation.

 

Call to Action:

  • Try a new ginger recipe
  • Share their own ginger experiences in the comments
  • Experiment with ginger in different culinary or wellness contexts

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