Integrative Health Blog

Ginger is a potent spice with wonderful health benefits.

There are many reasons to use this amazing spice and with cold and flu season looming just around the corner, it is a good time to talk about ginger's health benefits and uses.

Healing Properties of Ginger

Ginger tastes great and it has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects in the body. Gingerols are the potent anti-inflammatory component in ginger responsible for reducing pain and increasing mobility. Inflammation can sometimes be silent in the body, on a cellular level, without our noticing it, setting the stage for disease formation.

When consumed on a regular basis, people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis may experience less joint pain and find that it’s easier to move around.

Ginger for Nausea

Ginger is well known to alleviate nausea or vomiting whether it be due to pregnancy or motion sickness. Make ginger tea by steeping 1-2 slices of ginger root in a cup of hot water for a few minutes. Ginger tea can be helpful for nausea and also aids in digestion and helps to reduce intestinal gas.

How to Use Ginger for Prevention

• If you sense a cold or flu coming on, ginger is an excellent choice to use as an anti-viral.

• Here is a great recipe from Lisa Wilson, CHC, The Raw Food Institute, to chase away an oncoming cold:

• Blend 1 clove of garlic and 1 inch of fresh ginger in a cup of water in a high speed blender, blending until hot. Add lemon if you wish. Drink several times throughout the day.....it’s not been proven scientifically, but it sure helps you feel better!

• Sweet potatoes, although wonderful by themselves, can benefit from the addition of a little grated ginger and a touch of orange  juice.

• Put some grated ginger in your lemonade to give it a kick or try making your own ginger ale with, or (hopefully) without sugar, using this simple recipe :http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/drink/views/Homemade-Ginger-Ale-358033#

• Use freshly minced ginger root in sauces when making stir fries or grated on top of hot cooked rice.

• Add a few inches of fresh ginger root to a morning smoothie to counteract any inflammation in the body.

Buying Ginger

Get used to buying and using fresh ginger root found in the produce section. It will have more flavor and have higher levels of the important gingerols, than the dried form. It’s important to store ginger in the refrigerator where it will keep for 2-3 weeks. You can also freeze fresh ginger for up to 6 months.

Include ginger in your diet to start reducing inflammation and reaping the benefits of this powerful and flavorful spice.