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

The vitamin ginger root offers you a lot of benefits, including the ability to treat headaches and common colds. One of the most common uses of ginger root is the treat an upset stomach, something we all know and hate. Normally in the form of flat ginger ale and crackers, this vitamin could fix even the most upset of stomachs – and fast to boot.

For the last few decades, ancient civilizations have used the vitamin in both cooking form and medicine form. Although the technology back then wasn’t close to what it is today, the ancient civilizations knew that ginger root would help prevent ailments ranging from motion sickness to athlete’s foot. With ginger root having anti-inflammatory properties, it can also make the pain of rheumatoid arthritis less intense. Women that drink ginger tea have said that it helps them eliminate menstrual cramps completely.

What many people don’t know, is the fact that ginger root isn’t really classified as a root, but instead an underground stem. Even though it is a very useful vitamin and supplement, it is harvested year round just like the hawthorne berry. The harvests, which are obtained roughly five months or so after being planted, are used in the creation of products such as candied ginger and ginger syrup. Harvests that are obtained later can be sold as fresh ginger. The longer the ginger remains in the ground before being harvested, the spicier and hotter it gets.

Keep in mind that not anyone can grow ginger. It takes a special type of soil, which means that it won’t grow anywhere. It is normally grown commercially, in large harvests. Ginger is always in high demand, as it serves a lot of useful purposes. From adding spice to food to healing certain ailments, ginger root is easily one of the best vitamins around.

These days, you can buy ginger in the produce department of many grocery stores. Ginger serves many useful purposes, including baking. It can be used with cookies and breads, or used to spice up your jellies and jams. When you shop for ginger root, you should ensure that the gnarly fist like bulb is smooth, the surface hard to the touch, and the weight being somewhat heavy. If the bulb is hard and light in weight, it won’t be as good.

When it comes to common ailments, ginger root can be great to have around. It can be used with hundreds of cooking recipes, you can use your creative imagination to make even more uses with it as well. Ginger is used in many fine dining restaurants as well, as it tastes great as a dressing on salads. Serving a lot of healthy purposes, ginger root is one of the best selling items on the market – and easily one of the best tasting supplements out there.

By: Jake Saab

About the Author:

FUCHSIA

Vomiting and nausea take place commonly in pregnancy, particularly between 5 and 15 weeks of pregnancy. About 50 to 90 percent of women have some degree of nausea, with or without vomiting. The severity of these episodes may vary. “Morning sickness” is the word commonly used to clarify mild vomiting and nausea whilst “hyperemesis gravidarum” indicates more severe issues, which might cause a woman to vomit many times in a day, lose weight, and need treatment in a hospital. The remedies for pregnancy-related vomiting and nausea aim to reduce the symptoms and permit the woman to drink and eat an ample amount in order to reduce the risk of dehydration. There are many remedies available to women today. Each case is unique and usually requires some trial and error to find the right cure for you. Luckily, symptoms usually resolve by mid-pregnancy.

Women with hyperemesis gravidarum must eat prior to or the moment they feel hungry to avoid an empty stomach that might aggravate nausea. Women are recommended to eat snacks regularly as well as have small meals which are low in fat and high in carbohydrates. Eliminating spicy foods and eating high protein or salty snacks/meals appears to aid some women. Fluids are tolerated better if clear, cold and carbonated or sour (example, lemonade, ginger ale) and if consumed in small amounts amid meals. Aromatic therapies involving lemon, mint (tea), or orange have even been described as helpful. Caution: do not drink carbonated drinks unless you are feeling nausea. Carbonated drinks can easily dehydrate you without much warning.

Pregnancy Nausea Medications: They have been proven to be effective in some women and are safe to take during pregnancy.

?Doxylamine and Vitamin B6 – Vitamin B6 supplements (10 – 25 mg 3 to 4 times in a day) are found to decrease the indications of mild to temperate nausea, however do not considerably decrease vomiting. Doxylamine is the medication that may reduce vomiting, as well as work collectively with vitamin B6. Doxylamine is obtainable in the US in some non-prescription sleep aids and as a prescription antihistamine chewable tablet.

?Antihistamines: Antihistamines in addition to other pregnancy nausea medications are effective and a safe option for pregnancy-associated vomiting and nausea. The following medications might be suggested:

1.Promethazine: obtainable in pill, rectal suppository form or injectable solution. It is generally taken in every 4 hours, and might cause dry mouth and drowsiness. Rare side effects comprise muscle contractions which cause jerking or twisting movements.

2.Metoclopramide: speeds emptying of stomach and might help to reduce vomiting and nausea. It is generally taken by mouth or by injection every eight hours.

3.Ondansetron: is a pregnancy nausea medication that is generally taken by mouth or by injection every 8 to 12 hours. Ondansetron is amongst the most expensive of the anti-nausea medications.

?Antacids: Pregnant women usually develop acid reflux, which can induce vomiting and nausea. An antacid might be suggested in this case.

It is easy to get frustrated with morning sickness. However, understand that morning sickness is a good sign that your body is changing to accommodate the baby. There are many natural remedies available to you and it is just a matter of trial and error to find what works best for you. The main thing to remember is to stay hydrated and eating properly. If you can do this then you will more than likely reduce the risk of any severe case of morning sickness.

By: Randy Beckett

About the Author:

ALDAN

Menstruation is the term used for the natural monthly cycle of periods in the female body. Periods are when the unfertilized eggs are ejected out of the reproductive system along with blood and several other tissue cells. This flow happens once a month. The flow is profuse on one particular day of the month. However the discomfort of the periods could generally last for three days.

The female reproductive system is indeed marvelous. Every month the ovaries produce one egg which is deposited in the fallopian tube. The uterine wall known as the endometrium thickens and there is increased blood circulation in the entire reproductive system. This is all in preparation of a pregnancy. However, if the woman does not get pregnant, then all these things need to be expelled from the body. This is known as the period. Once the expulsion is done, the ovaries produce a new egg and the cycle continues for another month.

Women may face several difficulties during their menstrual flow. There is increased moistness in the vaginal area, and there could be infections. Women could have fevers, extreme pain in the groin area, giddiness, nausea and vomiting, etc. In some women the effects are more aggressive than others. And the most worrisome thing is that the symptoms could recur month after month. The biological term for menstrual problems is dysmenorrhea.

In Ayurveda, menses (i.e. the flow of the menstrual period) is considered to be the excess pitta which flows out of the body. It is called as Raja. Hence the menstrual flow is also called as Raja Pravritti. Though menstruation is a typically pitta phenomenon, effects on the vata and the kapha are also seen. Some women have insomnia and mood swings during their periods. This is vata vitiation. Some women gain weight. This is kapha vitiation.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Menstruation

b) Asafetida (Ferula fetida)

Asafetida is known to increase the secretion of the female hormone, progesterone. Thus it facilitates menstruation. Using asafetida gum fried in ghee and mixed with goat’s milk and a spoonful of honey for a month can reduce the pains during menstruation and also make the flow reduced.

c) Asoka (Saraca indica)

The bark of the asoka tree is given to women who experience extreme blood loss during menstruation due to leucorrhea or uterine fibroids. The plant has a stimulating effect on the uterine wall and the mucus layer in the reproductive tract.

d) Bamboo (Bambusa bambos)

Bamboo acts as an emmenagogue which stimulates menstruation. Its leaves are prescribed for this purpose. Regular consumption of the leaves of the bamboo is prescribed to promote and regulate the menstrual flow.

e) Bloodwort (Achillea millefolium)

The hot infusion of leaves of the bloodwort is taken as an emmenagogue. A decoction of the herb can correct irregular periods. The herb also yields an oil which can be used in the treatment of female reproductive disorders.

f) Chicory (Chichorium intybus)

Seeds of chicory are prepared into a decoction to treat problems of obstructed menstruation.

g) Dill (Anethum sowa)

This fragrant herb is efficient in stimulating menstrual cycles. It helps women who have delayed periods to get their periods on time. Young anemic girls are prone to spasmodic menstruation, which can be quite painful. A decoction of dill is prepared with the leaves of parsley to treat such problems.

h) Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Cold climates can sometimes cause painful and irregular periods. An infusion of ginger sweetened with sugar is taken for correcting such problems.

i) Henna (Lawsonia alba)

Henna is a cooling agent. Suppositories of its leaves are made and placed in the vagina for women who have problems of excessive menstruation.

j) Hermal (Peganum harmala)

The hermal is a little-known herb, but in Ayurveda it is prescribed regularly for menstrual problems such as painful menstruation and irregular periods.

k) Indian Aloe (Aloe vera)

The Indian aloe is a stimulant of the uterus. Hence it is given in cases of painful menstruation.

l) Indian Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi)

The jatamansi is a very popular Indian herb used in the treatment of painful and irregular periods.

m) Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Lemon grass is used in painful and difficult menstruation. It can be taken in the form of a tea.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Menstruation

The following dietary tips are beneficial to women who have painful or irregular periods:-

1 Avoid all constipating foods, especially in the last week of the menstrual cycle. This includes fried foods, sour foods and protein-rich pulses.

2 Fish is a good dietary indication for painful periods. Fish contain omega-3 fatty acids which help to ease the spasms during menstruation. Meat, poultry and dairy products must be avoided.

3 Among vegetables, white pumpkin, papaya, drumstick, snake gourd, bitter gourd and cucumber are good for dysmenorrhea. Potato, yellow pumpkin and eggplant must be avoided.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Menstruation

Kumari is the drug of choice for menstrual problems in Ayurveda. This is nothing but the aloe vera plant. It is taken in the form of Kumarasava in a dose of six teaspoonfuls twice a day. There is a special preparation called as the Raja Pravartani vati, which contains aloe and asafetida as its main ingredients. This medication is taken in the form of pills – two of them twice a day a week before the periods are due.

(4) Home Remedies for Menstruation

1 Fry asafetida in ghee and add a teaspoonful of it to buttermilk. Have this once a day in case of dysmenorrhea.

2 Mix some sesame seeds in a glassful of water. Drink this twice daily when you have menstrual pains.

3 Have salads with boiled beetroot in them, or have beetroot juice.

The following exercises help in reducing the pain of menstruation:-

a) Take a firm chair and stand behind it holding your hands firmly on the chair’s back. Lift one heel and then the other. Continue this for about ten minutes. You can also do knee-bends.

b) Lie on your back on a firm bed. Fold your legs and bring the knees up to your chin. Repeat this ten times.

By: Tom alter

About the Author:

SOLEIL

Revered in the Orient for its powerful healing qualities and its culinary uses, Ginger has been in use since ages. A perennial herb, ginger is a greenish yellow rhizome. The botanical name of the spice is Zingiber Officinale. Ginger is been used extensively in the Orient; its benefits covering a spectrum so wide, that it includes the medicinal, culinary as well as aromatherapy fields. A pungent and flavorful spice, ginger is one of the most widely used spices in the East.

Ginger is known to be beneficial to the body in a number of ways. Ginger can be used in its raw as well as dried form. Raw ginger is thermogenic, anti-flatulent, appetiser, digestive and a powerful laxative.

Dried ginger is thermogenic, appetizer, laxative, expectorant, stimulant and effective to cure stomach disorders. Dried and ground ginger is used to cure cold, cough, cholera, nausea ad vomiting, inflammations, diarrhea, colic, flatulence, anorexia, asthma and headaches.

Ginger has extensive uses in aromatherapy as well. Ginger yields an essential oil that is steam distilled from the unpeeled, dried and ground root. Ginger oil is used in combination with sandalwood, cedar wood and patchouli, which renders a woody-spicy scent to the mixture.

The uses of ginger as a digestive aid can be largely attributed to the presence of gingerols and shogaols, which help neutralise stomach acids, enhance the secretion of digestive juices and tone the muscles of the digestive tract.

The active ingredient in ginger is terpenes and an oleoresin, which is called ginger oil. These active agents are responsible for its antiseptic qualities, lymph-cleansing, circulation-stimulating and mild constipation relief. Research has shown that ginger lowers blood cholesterol by reducing cholesterol absorption in the blood and liver.

Other Ginger health benefits • Ginger has been known to reduce inflammation of the joints and muscle tissue for people suffering from arthritis or rheumatism. • Ginger improves blood circulation, hence thought to improve the complexion too. It is also known to have reduced nervousness, ease tendonitis and relieve sore throats. • Ginger is an effective herbal remedy for all kinds of motion sickness and even morning sickness during pregnancy. A great way to get rid of the uneasy, queasy feeling in the stomach. • Scientists have found that ginger can block the effects of prostaglandin – a substance that causes inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain, which leads to migraine. • Many women believe that consuming ginger tea during periods helps minimize menstrual cramps. • Known for its warming action, ginger is an effective treatment in colds and flu. • An effective remedy for cramps caused by flatulence, ginger stimulates digestion. • Ginger is a mood enhancer, the Cineole present in ginger helps provide stress relief. • It is a great mouth freshener and ginger tea is known for its refreshing properties.

By: Kevin Pederson

About the Author:

MARCEL

Jim B asked:

I have adopted the goal of reaching the maximum best health one can possibly reach through nutrition, exercise and taking care of one’s body. With all of the “gurus,” doctors, nutritionists, and”expert authors,” most advice is conflicting and/or confusing?

For example, I have read and researched Apple Cider Vinegar, Jucing Books, and Health-Vitamin Companies. I am currently taking about 3 fist fulls of vitamins and supplements, (ie: Beta Carotene, B complex, B12, C, E, brewers yeast, Amino acids (lysine, taurine, carnatine, glutamine, lutien, zeaxanthin), brewers yeast, royal jelly, bee pollen, grape seed extract, billberry for eye sight, aloe vera juice, melatonin, wheat germ oil, flax seed oil, cod fish oil, fiber, Quercitin & Bromelan, Chlorella, lecithin granules, Kelp Iodine, DHEA, Cayenne, Japaneses Oyster Extract, Horny Goat Weed, Yohimbe, Glucosamine & Chondrotiin & MSM, Saw Palmetto, Ginger Root, Green foods w Alfalfa, Triple Mushroom Complex, Berry Green powder?

The question is:

In order to obtain 100% of all of the nutrients that a human body needs for MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE both physically and mentally, what foods should one eat….but more importantly what vitamins / supplements does one NOT NEED? I’ afraid I may be wasting my money to many unnecessary items on account of efficient vitamin world marketing??? PLEASE HELP, All responses appreciated.

VERMONT

pirateron asked:


Please no natural stuff which l have tryed and no luck except lost lots of money that l dont have and my doctors dont like it either and l am on a pension and they dont pay or like natural like shark and all that bullshit.I dont smoke or drink,l exercise a little and intend to do more l hope but it hurts a lot,no joking at all.Just want to know like l stop white bread and cola drinks by half,but whay kind of vitamins or anything like juices vitamins just anything thats around us or buy cheap,like my grandmother told me ginger for my digestive track and seems to work so please help l dont want to give up on life and l would try it if it make sence abd l can afford it thank you.Whats the best fruit l should use or vegetable which l dont like but l have a juicer a Jack Lannenes like that ,its good but gets expensive for the fruits and veggies so please is anyone out thereknow of something to help out with the bones that are killing me thank you my friend and god bless you in life talk soo

RANGER

Spirit-X asked:


I hate the taste of them. I’m just eating them for health. I’ve tried hot sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger. Nothings working.

CONNIE

curious brown asked:


geranium, thyme, coriander, lemon, ginger, marjoram, camomile roman, chamomile german, juniper ylang-ylang, rosemary, sweet fennel, cardomom and basil

CORBETT

su_france2003 asked:


I thought these were just used in BDSM as a punishment, but I read somewhere that they were actually very effective as a constipation remedy.
So before I head for the health food store, is this true?

DELPHINE