|
Ginger is a gnarled piquant root which
has been used as medicine to help relieve many health conditions
ranging from motion sickness, digestive complaints, migraines,
arthritis, high cholesterol and even blood clots. It is used
throughout the world as a potent healing food as well as for culinary
purposes in gingerbread, biscuit, cakes, soups and pickles and as a
drink in ginger beer, ginger ale and ginger wine.
American researches have conducted tests
which proved that ginger is one of the best remedies for motion
sickness. experts believe that gingerols, one of the active compounds
in ginger could be responsible in preventing nausea and dizziness by
blocking the body's vomiting reflex. Those prone to travel sickness
are well advised to take about 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ginger before
embarking on their journey.
Ginger is also an effective drug for
digestive disorder. It is very useful in dyspepsia, flatulence, colic,
vomiting and other affections of the stomach and bowels. Half a
teaspoon of fresh ginger juice mixed with a teaspoon of fresh lime
juice and a tablespoon of honey taken thrice daily constitutes an
effective medicine for the above disorders of the digestive system.
Ginger is also an excellent remedy for
coughs and colds. A mixture of ginger juice and honey should be taken
three or four times daily in the case of coughs. For colds, ginger
should be cut into small pieces and boiled in a cup of water. It
should then strained and half a teaspoon of sugar added to it and
drink while hot.
Ginger may also help to keep pain and
nausea at bay. Those who suffer from headache and migraine may want to
try taking taking 1/2 teaspoon of fresh or powdered ginger to obtained
relief. It is believed that ginger blocks the action of substances
that cause pain and inflammation in blood vessels in the brain. People
who suffer from arthritis have found relief by treating themselves
with fresh or powdered ginger.
Studies have shown that ginger, both
fresh and powdered may help to prevent blood clots and lower
cholesterol levels. It is indeed a valuable root for medicinal and
culinary purposes. |