I love ginger, I love the taste of it and I love using it in cooking. But there is so much more to this versatile root than adding warmth and flavour to your food.
Digestion
Ginger has been used to aid digestion for centuries. It settles the stomach and is well known as a treatment for morning sickness and travel sickness. Ginger tea can be made by grating fresh ginger into hot water, or by boiling thin slices of ginger in water with lemon juice. Either way the tea is delicious and can be sipped to settle nausea and indigestion. If the taste is too sharp you can add a tiny amount of honey or maples syrup.
Research, published in the Lancet, demonstrates that ginger is as effective as a commonly used motion sickness drug. Researchers have found that it works by blocking the vomit reflex, which is maybe why it is so helpful for morning sickness. In addition to drinking ginger tea it can be taken as a powder or in capsule form, or of course you can chew on a piece of raw ginger if you are feeling brave.
Pain relief
Ginger has been shown to relieve the pain of headaches and migraine. It can also be used to relieve menstrual cramps. Clinical trials have shown it reduced pain and the amount of medication taken. For some people ginger is as effective as standard medication, but with fewer side effects. It also has the added benefit of relieving the nausea that often goes with migraine. You can make a migraine remedy using ginger and turmeric powder, mixed with honey. Mix a teaspoon with hot water and sip.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect
Ginger has been demonstrated to reduce inflammation, so is helpful in treating conditions such as arthritis. It has antioxidant properties, so helps protect the body against oxidative damage causes by stress, pollution and toxins.
Improving circulation
Ginger has a thinning effect on your blood, which is good for your circulation, but does mean you should avoid using it before surgery, and talk to your doctor if you are on blood thinning medication. It has been used to help with Reynaud’s. It improves circulation and can help reduce itching.
Coughs and colds – and COVID?
Ginger has antihistamine properties, so can reduce the symptoms of a cold or respiratory infection such as COVID.
First Aid Kit
So, it’s always worth having some fresh ginger in your fridge, or some dried ginger in the cupboard. Ginger capsules are a good way to take it if you are feeling nauseous and can’t face drinking tea., and you can carry then around with easily.
Even if you aren’t ill, having a cup of ginger tea every day will help reduce inflammation in your body and it tastes amazing. It’s so much better for you than a cup of coffee, and will certainly wake you up!