Health Benefits of Ginger

Ginger and Digestion cleanses colon reduces colon spasms and cramps helps clear gas relieves indigestion excellent for nausea, vomiting and motion sickness stimulates production of digestive juices helps bowel disorders Ginger and other Body Systems lungs: helps with respiratory problems, eases asthma symptoms helps eliminate hot flashes relieves headaches promotes menstrual regularity helps with morning sickness helps reduce inflammation of arthritis supports kidney health topical gingerol provides protection against UVB-induced skin disorders reduces the severity of post chemotherapy nausea Ginger and Circulation stimulates circulation may help prevent heart attacks has natural blood thinning properties lowers blood cholesterol levels cleanses and stimulates blood prevents internal blood clots may prevent TIA’s (mini strokes) therapeutic properties for hypertension Ginger and its Nutrients high in potassium manganese which builds resistance to disease, protects lining of heart, blood vessels and urinary

passages silicon which promotes healthy skin, hair, teeth and nails helps assimilate calcium also contains Vit. A, C, E, B-complex, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, zinc, calcium,

beta-carotene Ginger and the Immune System strong antioxidant Antimicrobial (kills bacteria - including salmonella) - internally and topically as an antiseptic two natural antibiotics are found in ginger contains anti-inflammatory agents helps eliminate congestion contains zingibain that dissolves parasites and their eggs

ginger root tea eases some throat pain kills cold viruses inhibits production of cytokines which cause pain and swelling combats chills and fever ginger inhibits 5-LO enzymes, the only food for prostate cancer cells , prostate cancer cells die

in one to two hours without this enzyme gingerol (an extract of ginger) inhibits pancreatic cell growth beneficial to prevent constipation-related cancer an effective anti-tumor agent in leukemia cells an extract of ginger causes lung cancer cell death gingerols inhibited the growth of Helicobacter pylori associated with dyspepsia, peptic ulcer

disease and the development of gastric and colon cancer ginger extract raises significantly the thymus index, spleen index, percentage of phagocytosis,

and thus improves the immunologic function relating to tumors gingerol inhibits cell adhesion, invasion, motility and activities of breast cancer cell lines gingerol induces viability reduction (killed) gastric cancer cells a ginger extract causes apoptosis (cell death) of breast carcinoma cells ginger inhibits cell growth and modulates angiogenic factor in ovarian cancer cells 6-shogaol (component of ginger) induces cell death in colorectal carcinoma cells compounds of ginger inhibits proliferation (stops growth) of ovarian cancer cells a component of ginger suppresses metastasis (stops the spread) in any type of cancer cell

including leukemic, skin, kidney, lung, and pancreatic cancer cells - one of the most exciting and powerful health benefits of ginger!

Other Facts and Health Benefits of Ginger was listed in U.S. Pharmacopoeia from 1820-1873 British research has found ginger to be as effective as drugs at relieving nausea after surgery Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis studied at Denmark’s Odense University

got relief from pain and swelling after taking ginger daily for three months gingerol promotes healing of inflammation and minor burns may prevent transient ischemic attacks (TIA’s) know as mini strokes Israeli researchers found that standardized ginger extract has dramatic effects on cardiovascular

health, lowering cholesterol levels and preventing oxidation of LDL which contributes to cholesterol deposits on artery walls

Ginger and Depression

According to pharmacist Joe Graedon on the website "The People's Pharmacy," ginger has been shown to be as effective as dramamine in reducing the symptoms of seasickness. It also inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are involved in pain and inflammation. Because, according to Steven Dubovsky, M.D., depression may be an inflammatory disorder, there is some interest in ginger's antidepressant properties. Depression As an Inflammatory Disorder

There are several lines of evidence for the idea that depression is a result of inflammation. Administering cytokines, which are pro-inflammatory substances released in response to allergens, to human subjects will often cause depressive symptoms. An additional line of evidence suggests that many anti-depressants also have anti-inflammatory effects. A 2011 article in "Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry" noted that animal research has shown that antidepressants often suppress substances known to be linked to inflammation. Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/468704-depression-and-ginger-tea/#ixzz1V1datEOs

Ginger Tea Side Effects Following info collected from: http://www.buzzle.com/ http://www naturalwellbeing.com/ Ginger tea was also used during ancient times to relieve common gastrointestinal ailments such as stomach pain, indigestion, and diarrhoea and also for the treatment of nausea. It was also used in the treatment of colds and coughs. In modern times, the Ginger root is classified as a gastric stimulant and also prevents gas formation in the gastrointestinal system. It is a cure for dyspepsia, stomach pains and also for constipation. It is also effective in the treatment of diarrhoea and forms of infectious diarrhoea caused by E.coli. Ginger root also has anti inflammatory properties that can be beneficial for people with arthritis. It can decrease swelling, pain and relieve other arthritis symptoms. The use of the Ginger root in the treatment of heart disease is also possible since it has blood thinning capabilities. It also has the ability to lower blood cholesterol thereby decreasing systemic blood pressure as well. There have been studies regarding the possibility of Ginger root in relieving anxiety since there are compounds found in Ginger root that can bind with human serotonin receptors. Ginger root extracts are also great in relieving nausea, sea sickness, and nausea due to chemotherapy and also for morning sickness. Side Effects There is an acute overdose of Ginger root that can cause over stimulation of the central nervous system called “ginger jitters”. It may cause severe anxiety, nervousness and also sleeplessness. This is ingestion of more than the allowable 2 grams per kilogram of body mass. Ginger tea reacts with medicines that are prescribed in order to cure bleeding. Medications like aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs, also react with ginger, thereby causing internal bleeding. The overdose of ginger tea affects the digestive system. Over consumption results in symptoms like nausea, diarrhoea, belching, bloating, and even heartburn. Over consumption may also lead to production of acids in the human body, leading to acidity. Also, people suffering from diabetes should avoid excessive consumption of ginger in any form, as it can decrease the blood sugar levels and cause hypoglycaemia. Anaesthesia and Ginger Tea If a person has consumed ginger tea just before a surgery, or has been drinking ginger tea for long, it can be a reason for certain complications in the surgery. Drugs administered for anaesthesia are found to react with ginger tea, leading to complications, such as hindrance in healing of wounds, or photosensitive reactions and bleeding; as a result of interaction with anticoagulants. Which is why, most of the doctors advice to stop the intake of ginger at least one week prior to the surgery.

Side Effects in Patients with Blood Disorders Ginger tea might be a hindrance in the functioning of the platelets that are responsible for the coagulation of blood. Patients who suffer from blood disorders such as haemophilia, must consult their physician before consuming this tea. Blood thinners (Warfarin), which are prescribed for some blood related disorders are known to react with ginger. Also, people taking medications for high blood pressure should not consume ginger, as it tends to lower the blood pressure and causes heart palpitations. Consuming Ginger Tea during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Ginger tea is also rumoured to be a substance that is toxic to the unborn child. However, some medical practitioners prescribe ginger tea as a medicine for morning sickness. The issue remains debatable; but the best we can do is to not take a chance. If you want, you can always consult your doctor for the same. Drinking Ginger Tea before Sleeping One of the common side effects of ginger tea is that it 'kills' sleep. That means, if you consume ginger tea before going to bed, there are chances that you would not be able to sleep for a very long time and you might also experience heartburn. Ginger Tea and Gallstones Bile production, for gallstones patients is quite painful. Ginger promotes bile production, and indirectly contributes to the pain caused. Ginger Tea and the Stomach Ginger tea and an empty stomach is a particularly bad combination, this often leads to unhealthy acidity. Hence you need to have some solid food before or after consuming this tea. This may not prove to be a problem in the short-run, but prolonged consumption of this tea in an empty stomach, can cause various complications in your digestive tract, including bleeding! It is thus, advisable for a person to seek able guidance before indulging in ginger tea on a regular basis. Side effects are observed when ginger tea is consumed in large quantities. So, whenever you have a craving for ginger tea, drink it in sips, not cups!

Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses of Dried Ginger • Dried ginger has been used in traditional medicine to relieve gastrointestinal distress. It is

known to be effective in eliminating gas in the intestines as well as acts in a way to help in the relaxation of the tract.

• Recent studies have also shown that ginger also is very beneficial in the prevention of the symptoms related to motion sickness, being even more effective than other medications purchased from medical stores.

• It reduces symptoms closely related to motion sickness which includes nausea and cold sweats, dizziness and vomiting. This action has proven very beneficial in treating 'morning sickness' in pregnant women. Unlike anti-emetic drugs which may cause birth defects, the use of ginger is considered very safe and the dosage too needs to be very small.

• Gingerols in dried ginger have very powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Clinical studies have shown that many people suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis experienced decrease in their level of pain after consuming ginger regularly. They also experience improved joint mobility in affected areas. A recent study over a twelve month period found that in cases of arthritis of the knee, people who consumed ginger also experienced significantly lesser pain than the others on movement. A measurement of the knee circumference showed a decrease of almost 10% by the twelfth week due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

• Gingerols may also prevent the growth and spread of colorectal cancer cells. Experiments have shown that they may also kill ovarian cancer cells by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) and auto phagocytosis (self-digestion).

• Ginger can promote sweating which can help lower body temperature, helpful when treating colds and flus. This process also helps the body get rid of toxins. It has such a rich concentration of active compounds that very little is required to receive its beneficial effects.

• Ginger tea can be made by adding a pinch of dried ginger to a cup of boiling water. This will help treat digestive disorders. Alternatively, the powder can be added to a cup of tea to make it more palatable.

When purchasing dried ginger powder, remember that organically grown ginger is the better option as it will have fewer chemicals and you will also have the assurance that it has not been radiated. Dried ginger powder should be kept in a tightly sealed container in a cool dark place. It can also be refrigerated to increase its shelf life.

It is on the FDA's 'safe' list, though it does interact with some drugs like warfarin and shouldn't be consumed by people suffering from gallstones.

Fresh Ginger as a remedy • Fatigue after eating – This may be result of weak digestion. To improve digestion, best

way is to stimulate digestive fire before we begin eating and fresh ginger is perfect for that. So Ayurveda recommends eating one-inch piece of fresh ginger with few drops of lemon juice and few pinches of salt on it before full meal.

• For Cough and Cold – 1 tsp. of fresh ginger juice + 1 tsp. Honey. Take it 3 times a day.

• Loss of Appetite – Put 5 tbsp. chopped fresh ginger in a glass jar. Cover ginger with lemon juice; add a pinch of salt and 1 tbsp. of Cumin seeds. Put jar in the sun for 2 days. Take ½ tsp. before meals.

• Stomachache – Boil 1tsp. chopped ginger in 1 cup of water, add pinch of salt and drink.

• Nausea and Flatulence – Mix ½ tsp. ginger juice + 1 tsp. Lime juice + 1 tsp. mint juice and 1 tbsp. Honey. Take twice daily.

Dry Ginger as a remedy Dried ginger is hotter and drier than fresh. Dried ginger imparts zest to vegetables and lentils. Add with other spices during cooking or sauté in Ghee (clarified butter) and add to dishes. It has a very concentrated flavor and a little goes a long way. It is used extensively in baking and in desserts in combination with other spices such as Cinnamon or Nutmeg. Dried ginger combines well with a multitude of Ayurvedic spices such as turmeric, cayenne, cumin, coriander, fennel and Cinnamon. Substitute ¼ tsp. ginger power for one thin slice of fresh ginger.

• Diarrhea – 1tsp. dry ginger + ½ tsp. Ghee (Clarified butter) +1tsp. Jaggery. Heat the mixture and lick it several times a day.

• Headache due to common cold – Apply warm paste of dry ginger and calamus on forehead and nose.

• For digestion in infants – Boil a glass of milk and add pinch of ginger power.

• For joint pain, constipation and nervous debility – Drink warm water mixed with 1tsp. ginger power and ½ tsp. of Turmeric.