Let’s talk about ginger…

The crud is certainly going around town this late winter/early spring.  Unfortunately many seem to be suffering from influenza, stomach flu, or both.  Do you know about the amazing healing effects of ginger?  Got a sore throat? Feeling nauseous? Experiencing indigestion?  Just feeling punk?  Think ginger!

While it may look a bit like space alien byproduct, ginger is actually a perennial root which creeps and spreads underground.  Historically, ginger has a long tradition of being very effective in alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress.  It can be used to reduce intestinal gas and soothe the intestinal tract.  Moreover, modern research has revealed its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Ginger is excellent for relieving nausea.  It is a safe and effective option for expectant mothers suffering from morning sickness, due to its strong anti-vomiting/anti-nausea properties.  In fact, recent studies have even shown ginger to be far superior to Dramamine in reducing symptoms of motion sickness, including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and cold sweating.

Ginger contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. Thanks to these little buggers, people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis experience reductions in their pain levels and improvements in their mobility after consuming ginger on a regular basis.

So lets break it down and give you some ideas as to how you can use ginger to feel well…

Got a tummy ache, indigestion, nausea, dizziness, or flatulence (the fancy word for gas)??

Chew on a bit of raw ginger root.

Living with joint pain due to osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis??

Float a bit of ginger essential oil in your bath to soothe aching joints or incorporate ginger in your diet.

Got a cold with the sore throat, stuffed up head, chills, nagging cough,  etc…??

Make a tea by steeping ginger root slices in hot water with a couple lemon slices and a dab of honey.  Ginger soothes the throat, clears the nasal passageways, warms the body, and boosts the immune system.  Lemon helps breakdown mucus in the throat. Honey also coats the throat and helps reduce coughing and sore throat.

So basically if you aren’t feeling well…reach for ginger!