Health Benefits of Ginger
Is Ginger a Superfood?
In this blog post I discuss some of the common health benefits of ginger.
Is ginger a ‘super food’ or a mere food fad that will fade? What exactly does ginger help with and can it help you?
Also, I’ve shared my favourite ginger tea recipe that I sometimes make in clinic. Read on to learn more about ginger and how it may help you.
What is Ginger?
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a flowering plant with annual stems growing to one meter in height and with yellow flowers. You would be most familiar with the rhizome or ginger root from which fresh ginger and ginger spice comes.
Did you know? The ginger plant is in the same family as turmeric and cardamom.
Historical Uses
Ginger has been used medicinally for centuries. Commonly treated conditions include indigestion, gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying), constipation and colic. Ginger wine has been made commercially since 1740.
Health Benefits of Ginger
- Eating ginger stimulates the production of saliva, making it easier to swallow food.
- Research has been carried out to determine if ginger can treat various health disorders such as nausea and arthritis. No conclusions about its effectiveness have been made to date in this regard.
- Smaller studies indicate benefits for treating seasickness, morning sickness, motion sickness and helping with chemotherapy.
- Many people believe ginger helps to reduce inflammation, relieve swelling and pain.
- Ginger is often used in tea and as a hot tonic.
How do I use it?
Ginger comes in many forms:
- dried
- powder
- oil
- extracts
- fresh (herbalists recommend this type)
You can peel, chop, slice, grate and julienne ginger. It’s great in stir-frys, with chicken and seafood, you can bake with it and of course make ginger bread. Personally I like to make hot ginger tea (I’ve included a recipe below) and occasionally I eat carob coated crystallised ginger.
When to Get Further Advice
Ginger may interact with some common prescription medications, contributing to unwanted side effects. You may want to get further advice on possible interactions that may occur.
Easy Ginger Tea
Easy ginger tea
Make your own hot ginger tea using fresh ginger. See for yourself if this hot tonic improves your digestion.
I personally make fresh ginger tea and often share it with my patients. Add a squeeze of lemon and there really is nothing fresher – especially enjoyable during the colder winter months.
This is how I make my ginger tea:
- Fresh ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced. Use 4-6 slices (more or less depending on taste)
- 1.5-2 cups of water
- 1 slice of lemon or lime
- Honey to taste
- Boil ginger and water for at least 10 minutes to help the flavours diffuse.
Summary
This blog article summarised many of the health benefits and uses of ginger. Ginger has been used for thousands of years in cooking and for medicinal purposes, particularly for digestion.
There are many claims about what ginger may or may not help with. Smaller studies indicate ginger provides relief from indigestion, sea and motion sickness and with chemotherapy.
Ginger is a popular ingredient in many dishes and makes for a refreshing tonic.
What do you think of ginger? Do you know of any other uses? Please leave comments or questions in the box below.
Contact us Today
To book a chiropractic consultation at New World Chiro please phone or email us today. We have a New Patient Consultation to get you started with chiropractic.
Dr. Rosemarie Jabbour (Chiropractor) is the owner and chiropractor at New World Chiro, Parramatta. Rosemarie is an experienced and highly professional healthcare practitioner with over 25+ years experience in caring for the local community. Rosemarie was also one of the chiropractors for the Sydney 2000 Olympic games. With a keen interest in spinal health, neuroscience and sports fitness, Rosemarie is a natural health champion and advocate.
In addition to running New World Chiro, Rosemarie runs corporate health and wellness training programs, chiropractic assistant training, and networks within a variety of local business networks.
Qualifications
- B.Sc.(Biol.Sc.)
- B.App Sc (Clin.Sc)
- B.C.Sc.
- Cert CCSP (U.S.A).ICSSD
- The International Chiropractic Sports Science Diploma 1997
- Graduate Certificate in Sports Chiropractic in 1998
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