Fresh Ginger – Ancient “Natural Medicine”

If there were ever an ancient “miracle drug,” fresh ginger would no doubt be in the running for that title. Ginger’s widespread use in ancient Chinese, Indian and Arabic cultures is testament to the versatility and potency of this natural medicine. Ginger rhizomes, or roots, have been used to help digestion, clear the arteries, treat arthritis, relieve nausea, reduce tumor growth and migraines, eliminate fever and infection and lower cholesterol levels. Ginger’s curative properties make it an essential and beneficial food.

Ginger and Digestion

One of the most exciting properties of fresh ginger is its ability to help digestion, reduce food cravings and assist with weight loss. In Ayurvedic medicine as practiced in India, ginger is identified as being one of the most important foods to “ignite the digestive fire.” The Western diet leaves people overweight, tired and undernourished.

Your body simply can’t process all of the salt, sugar and fat that you put into it when you eat the standard Western diet. When digestion slows down, you’ll experience increased digestive problems like constipation, heartburn and indigestion. You’ll also start gaining weight because you are eating more than your body can handle.

Ginger helps your digestive system in a few different ways. First, it can help to speed up your metabolism by increasing the circulation through the tissues in your body, including those in your digestive system. A faster metabolism will help you digest the food that you eat more efficiently.

The enzymes in ginger also help your body break down protein efficiently and rapidly. It increases saliva and digestive juices as well. This can help you deal with heavy, rich foods like those most common in the Western diet.

Fresh Ginger and Weight Control

What does this mean for cravings and weight control? Most cravings result from a drop in blood sugar and a panicky “I need to eat something now!” feeling. Ginger can help stave off that feeling and keep your blood sugar stable. As a result, you’ll be less prone to weak moments and less likely to succumb to cravings for sugar and other quick pick me ups like caffeine.

Recent studies on ginger and type 2 diabetes have showed the important link between blood sugar levels and ginger. Ginger root supplements reduced the effects of elevated blood sugar or stomach rhythm. Fresh ginger helped maintain a normal rate of stomach emptying, when compared to the placebo group.

Eat Fresh Ginger in its natural form

If ginger isn’t part of your daily foods, it should be! Eating ginger in its natural form is most beneficial. You can steep shredded ginger root in water for a pleasant tasting tea or add shreds to salads or soups. It can also be added as a spice to many different foods. It works particularly well with Asian cuisine, and you’ll find a lot of Asian recipes include ginger in the ingredients list.

When you are looking for ginger in the store, choose the freshest looking tubers possible. Fresh ginger will keep up to three weeks in the refrigerator. Ground ginger is processed, and it loses its flavor very quickly. Save yourself time and money by purchasing and shredding your own. It also goes without saying that ginger’s benefits are lost when you’re eating candied ginger. Stick to the fresh ginger version for the greatest impact.

By: Diana Walker

About the Author:

DENIS

crystalcricket asked:


My dog loves the taste of candied ginger. I give him the uncrystallined form so there is no sugar coating. So many things are poisinous to dogs, I want to be sure this is safe. The stuff is so spicy, I don’t know why, but he seems to crave it.

ELGIN

sarahlane84 asked:


I have read a lot of answers here on Y!A that state hard ginger candies really helped some women beat the nausea. I was just wondering what brand you used or where you bought them from?

SAXON

**YoUnG SeXii MaMa ** asked:


if u can please give me the names of some candies that contain ginger or that helped u with nausea i would realy appreciate it!! im goin to send my bf down to the store to get me some but i need to know what candy’s work for this so please give names..thnx

BLAKENEY

Sprains are caused when a particular muscle of the body is suddenly overexerted. It is felt as a sharp pain, rendering that portion of the body immobile for a while. Sprains can cause redness and swelling of the region and can persist for a few days if they are too acute. In very severe cases, sprains can lead to permanent muscular pains and even disfigurement.

The Vyaana vata, which is a sub-dosha of the vata is responsible for all voluntary movements of the body. When this biological force is vitiated, then sprains occur. Sprains normally occur in the leg muscles, since these are more subjected to movement. They can also occur in the back or the neck muscles. Sprains that are confined to the leg muscles are called as Pindikodveshtana, while sprains that can spread over the entire body are known as Khalli vata.

Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Sprains

# Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

Clove oil is effective in the treatment of sprains and muscular cramps. It is made into a poultice and applied on the affected parts.

# Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is a very effective painkiller. A paste is made by rubbing dry ginger in water. This is applied locally on the sprained part.

# Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)

The hyssop herb is very good remedy for several muscular problems, including sprains. For the treatment of sprains, a paste of the entire herb is made and is applies externally to the affected area. Alternatively, the paste can be steeped in boiling water and this can be used as fomentation for the affected muscle. Hyssop provides immediate benefits in sprains. It is also very effective in the treatment of black eyes, wounds, bruises, burns and strains.

# Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice is used in the treatment of muscular aches and sprains. Its roots are soaked in water overnight and this infusion is applied on the affected parts.

# Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

Oil of the marjoram herb is extracted and is applied locally on the affected regions in case of sprains, bruises and even paralysis. In case of stiffness, a simple application of the marjoram oil, slightly warmed, helps to loosen the muscles.

# Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric is made into a paste and is mixed with lime and salt. This is applied on the sprained muscles with very good results.

Dietary Guidelines for Treatment of Sprains

Sprains are caused due to vitiation of the vata dosha. Dehydration can vitiate the dosha further. Hence you must make it a point to stay properly hydrated when you have a sprain. Drink a few glasses of water when the sprain comes on, preferably with a dash of lemon juice in it. Orange juice is also good to maintain the water content of the body. Always have some mineral-rich foods before going to bed in order to protect yourself from sprains. Bananas are ideal.

Do not have any strong beverages especially after dark. Tea, coffee must be avoided, and so also chocolates. Instead, have a cup of warm milk before going to bed.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Sprains

Ayurveda generally prescribes oil massage therapies for the treatment of sprains. Mahanarayana taila and Praharini taila are two good oils which can be used. These oils can be warmed a little before application to provide better effects.

Medicines that Ayurveda prescribes for people with sprains are Pratapa Lankeshwara rasa and Laxmivilasa rasa. Sinhanaada guggulu is also occasionally prescribed.

Home Remedies for Treatment of Sprains

# Apply mustard oil on the sprain and sprinkle turmeric powder on it. Then bandage the area with a small towel. Then put some salt and tie it tightly in another cloth to make a bundle of it. Warm this on a pan. Apply this on the bandage. The sprain will clear out in a short time.

# Simply applying warm mustard oil on the affected area and then having a warm water bath also helps in the treatment of the sprains.

The following methods work if you get a sudden sprain. Try them out before applying any medication.

# Straighten the muscle and flex it upwards. If you have a sprain in the calf muscle, then sit down on a chair and pull your leg as much away from your body as you can. Then try to pull out the toes as much upwards as you can. This can relieve minor sprains.

# Dip a towel in ice-cold water and tie it around the sprained muscle. The cold temperature will make the muscle numb and make the sprain go away.

# Application of a hot pad also helps in removing sprains. If the sprain is on the back, then take a shower bath with hot water.

# If you are having regular sprains, then it is indicative of some circulatory problems in your legs. Get them checked.

By: Candy Willims

About the Author:

JODY

PR: wait… I: wait… L: wait… LD: wait… I: wait… wait… SD: wait…

‘Old & Cudley’ asked:


I just love pure ginger candy. It seems to make my gout feel better. I thought that if the candy is good maybe the root will be best and what other things you could put it in and how will it taste. Please give me some good ideas.

RONNIE