Ginger has been used for thousands of years by many Asian cultures. It is mostly found in Asian counties but is now being cultivated in Jamaica and shipped worldwide. The healing power ranges from migraine headaches to bowel motility. England’s King Henry VIII, during the years of the plague, took Ginger as a preventative measure against the deadly disease. Whether it worked or not is not currently known however, studies on the beneficial effects of ginger are showing positive results.
The American Phytotherapy Research Laboratory in Salt Lake City have tested the anti nausea properties of Ginger and found that it is effective for nausea associated with motion sickness. The study indicates that ¼ teaspoon taken approximately twenty minutes prior to riding in a car or on a boat will effectively alleviate nausea and will sustain relief for about four hours. Researchers from Denmark have discovered Ginger inhibits the uptake of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins is an enzyme that precipitates inflammation in blood vessels; particularly vessels in the brain. It is believed this is the main cause of migraine headaches. If 1/3 teaspoon of fresh powdered Ginger is taken at the onset of a migraine headache it will cease the progression of the headache by increasing blood flow. Ginger not only has anti-inflammatory properties but also has blood thinning properties as well. It works similarly to aspirin; therefore alleviating pain and reducing inflammation, especially for all types of arthritis. Further studies have also shown promise in reducing cholesterol levels as well.
The most in depth studies were conducted on patients who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. The studies have indicated that Ginger inhibits “substance P” which is a pain mediator that is sometimes high in patients with Fibromyalgia. It is the same mechanism that Capsaicin is absorbed to lessen arthritic pain and inflammation. Dried Ginger in larger doses seems to be the most effective; doses ranging from 3000 to 4000 mg per day. In addition to pain relief, Ginger has also been indicative to reducing the risk of heart disease. Because it works similar to aspirin it prevents platelet aggregation; which is the leading condition to blockages in the coronary arteries. Ginger is also an effective antioxidant and can avert infections such as Salmonella and Vibrio.
These remedies are just the tip of the iceberg, research continues on this herbal remedy as well as others. More information and indication for use are being discovered with every study. But be cautious about the Ginger that you purchase. It is found that African and Indian Ginger is much more potent than other areas; and for each complaint the preparation of the Ginger may be different. For instance ground Ginger is better for cooking; whereas slices of Ginger in boiling water is the more effective preparation for nausea. But regardless of how it is prepared it is an herb that has been proven to be extremely beneficial. No wonder why Grandma gave us Ginger Ale when we were sick; even she probably didn’t realize what made it work, but it worked nonetheless.
