11 amazing health benefits of ginger

Ginger not only tastes great but it has an ocean of health benefits.

Used since the 1800s, the ginger plant is great fresh or dried and has been know for its medicinal purposes, although in Western culture these have been forgotten or not utilised by many.

Here’s how you can get the most from ginger for pain, inflammation and more. Remember, if you take any prescription medicines or blood thinners, check with your doctor before consuming ginger.

1. Increase your appetite

If you haven’t been feeling hungry, ginger can be a great kickstarter on your appetite. Eat a little fresh ginger before lunch and you’ll feel ready to eat in no time.

2. Cure a cold

Ginger has been used for thousands of years as a natural treatment for colds and flu around Asia. To treat cold and flu symptoms in adults, steep 2 tablespoons of freshly shredded or chopped ginger root in hot water, two to three times a day.

3. Get rid of nausea

Feeling nauseous and need something fast? Make a quick mint ginger drink to feel better ASAP. Add 2 teaspoons of dried peppermint (or 1 tablespoon fresh), and 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger to a cup of boiled water and steep. Strain the herbs and stir in honey. Drink as hot as you can, taking little sips.

Alternatively, you can chew on raw ginger root to curb nausea.

4. Relieve flatulence

If you are feeling gassy, ginger can settle your stomach and reduce intestinal upsets. Make a ginger tea or eat dried ginger after a meal to ease gas. 

5. Joint pain

Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties can bring relief to joint paint and inflammation. One way to relieve this pain instantly is to add ginger essential oil to your bath.

6. Insomnia

Can’t sleep? Try adding grated ginger to a bowl of soup. Alternatively, smell a fresh ginger root before bed to sleep soundly.

7. Osteoarthritis

Studies have shown that osteoarthritis sufferers who took ginger extract had less pain and required less pain medication when applied topically to the area.

8. Reduce heart disease risk

Research has shown that ginger has anti-diabetic properties if two grams of finger powder is taken per day. Other ways to lower blood sugar levels is to add ginger to your diet where possible.

9. Prevent several forms of cancer

Ginger extract has been studied as an alternative treatment for several forms of cancer. The anti-cancer properties are attributed to 6-gingerol, a substance that is found in large amounts in raw ginger. A recently study found that two grams of ginger extract per day significantly reduced pro-inflammatory signalling molecules in the colon.

Other evidence suggests that ginger may be effective against pancreatic cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

10. Improve brain function and protect against dementia

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can accelerate the ageing process, and ginger can help to counteract these processes within the brain and enhance brain function.

11. Alleviate motion sickness

Taking one gram of dried, powdered, encapsulated ginger 30 minutes to two hours before travel can help ease travel related nausea.

Tell us, do you like ginger? What do you use it for and how often? What is your best ginger recipe or remedy?