Ginger has been used in medicines for thousands of years. It has powerful anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and it can be used in many different ways in cooking, in ginger tea or as oil. Ginger, in fact, rightfully serves its reputation, as a wonder spice and here are 14 reasons why so many people speak very highly of ginger:
1. When you are suffering from a tummy ache, try drinking some ginger tea
One of the health benefits of ginger tea is that it helps to relieve stomach pains. The analgesic effects of ginger will soothe the tummy pain and the tea will calm your stomach.
2. Improves blood circulation
Health benefits of ginger root include improved blood circulation. Because of all the vitamins, minerals and amino acids that ginger tea contains, consuming the drink regularly can help improve the circulation of blood around your body and help to reduce your chances of developing cardiovascular disorders. It is also believed that ginger can help stop fat accumulating in the arteries and so, reduce the risks of heart attacks.
3. Helps to reduce menstrual discomfort and aids regularity of the menstrual cycle
Ginger can be used externally, as well as drunk. If you suffer from menstrual cramps, have a hot shower and then try soaking a towel in some warm ginger water and hold against your stomach to soothe the pain. Combine this treatment with a cup of green tea with a flavor of raspberry lief or jasmine, add a couple of slices of fresh ginger root and honey, and enjoy the savory drink to calm your mind and body, and the cramps should reduce in intensity. Also regular consumption of ginger tea aids regularity of the menstrual cycle.
4. Eases the pain of arthritis
Suffers of arthritis have reported that ginger can be a great help in soothing the pain that they experience in their joints. It is believed that the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the spice can be used both, when taken internally in ginger tea, and when added to bath water in the form of ginger oil.
5. Aids digestion, boosts your metabolism and prevents ulcers
One of the popular health benefits of ginger root is that it aids digestion. If you’ve overeaten, then ginger will quickly soothe your stomach and make you feel comfortable again. The spice aids digestion, boosts your metabolism and speeds up the process of your body absorbing the nutrients from the food. It can also promote the production of mucus in the stomach, which can help to protect you from developing ulcers.
6. Nausea, dizziness and motion sickness relief
If you are feeling nauseous and dizzy while in the car, public transport or boat, grab a little slice of ginger and chew it together with mint leaves, and you’ll feel better, or drink ginger tea with some honey before your trip.
7. Better immunity
Health benefits of ginger root include improved immunity. Adding ginger to your meals or drinking ginger tea will help strengthen your immunity, thanks to vitamin rich nature of the spice.
8. Cleanses the mouth
Ginger ale has its uses too. Drink ginger ale and the anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties of the ginger will help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
9. Bye bye morning sickness
Ginger has been demonstrated to be effective in curing morning sickness and abdominal bloating. So, if you are pregnant, don’t overlook ginger root, but consult your doctor first.
10. Treats infections and sores
Ginger is used in some parts of the world to treat external infections and sores. It has natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, and the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger will help to reduce soreness and swelling in wounds.
11. Goodbye stress and anxiety. Hello tranquility.
Another health benefit of ginger root is that it helps to calm you down. After a stressful and hectic day at work, try drinking a cup of ginger tea or simply a green tea with added slice of fresh ginger root; calming properties of the plant will help relieve stress and anxiety, making you feel more relaxed and tranquil.
12. Ginger can prevent some types of cancer
According to some studies, ginger may have powerful anti-cancer properties. The high levels of antioxidants in the spice are believed to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells and it has been proven to stop the spread of some forms of cancer.
13. Relieves headaches and migraines
Health benefits of ginger root also include headache relief. Many people recommend applying diluted ginger paste to the forehead to relieve the pain of headaches and migraines. It is believed that ginger can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and reduce the inflammation and pain in the blood vessels.
14. Remedy for coughs, colds and flu
When you’re feeling down in the dumps with a cold, a cup of warm ginger tea can really pick you up. It has a gentle warming feel to it, from the spiciness, and it is also known to ease the contraction in the airways and so making it easier to breath.
Quick note: ginger can also thin your blood, so if you are on blood-pressure medication, make sure to consult your doctor first.
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