Ginger is an erect perennial herb that has thick tuberous rhizomes. The botanical name of the herb is Zingiber officinale, derived from its Sanskrit name Singabera, which means horn-shaped. Ginger has a long tradition of being very good in relieving gastrointestinal distress, effectively handling arthritis and managing pregnancy related morning sickness.
Ginger for Nausea & Vomiting During Pregnancy: Ginger for Gassy Stomach and Abdominal Pain
The herb is decidedly effective in treating nausea and vomiting related to pregnancy, including hyper-emesis gravidarum, a highly severe form of morning sickness that may even require hospitalization. Clinical trials say that about 250 milligrams of ginger powder, taken four times a day reduces the intensity and frequency of nausea and vomiting during preganancy.
Ginger is an outstanding carminative, i.e., it promotes the elimination of intestinal wind. It acts as a spasmolytic, and helps ease spasms and pain in the abdomen. The compounds present in ginger exert an anti-inflammatory action and allay all GI distress and disturbances.
In fact, several studies have demonstrated that ginger is far more superior to Dramamine, a frequently used over-the-counter drug to tackle nausea and vomiting.
Experts recommend consuming a decoction of ginger, or ginger tea as a mid morning beverage, or alternatively, mix one teaspoon of ginger powder with one tablespoon of honey and consume about half an hour after meals.
This relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract, helps get rid of intestinal wind, and relieves flatulence and bloating successfully.
Ginger Provides Arthritis Pain Relief: Natural Cure for Rhematoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
Ginger is packed with compounds called gingerols. These are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that assuage inflammation and swelling efficiently. Gingerols inhibit the formation of cytokines, i.e. chemical messengers of the immune system. Consumption of ginger reduces pain levels appreciably and vastly improves mobility.
When individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were put on a diet with generous amounts of ginger, they reported significant improvements – there was less pain, swelling and morning stiffness while the range of motion increased.
Likewise, patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) showed considerable improvement in the joint pain and swelling. There was substantial pain relief, increased joint mobility and diminished inflammation.
Treating for Motion Sickness: Ginger Tea
Ginger appears to be equally effective for train, boat, airplane and automobile trips. It decreases all symptoms associated with motion sickness, including nausea, vomiting, headache, giddiness and sweating.
Ginger has a beneficial effect on the GI tract and slows down the interaction between the nausea center in the brain, and the stomach, by absorbing and neutralizing gastrointestinal toxins, acids and hormones.
Ginger tea can be made by steeping about ½ an inch of fresh ginger in a cup of hot water or boiling grated ginger in a bowl of water.
Whether used in the form of whole fresh roots, dried roots, powdered herb or crystallized ginger, the health benefits of this rhizome are far reaching and truly remarkable.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Reference:
Med Hypothesis, Srivastava, K.C., and T. Mustafa, Ginger In Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Disorders, 1992.
Shweta Shah - A practicing homeopath using aromatherapy, yoga, acupressure and diet in patient management
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