What are the Health Benefits of Ginger Root?

Ginger root has a wide range of health Benefits.  It is a very good remedy for digestion and nausea.  

Ginger is a perennial plant which grows in tropical climates. Ginger has been grown for thousands of years across the world and is used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Ginger root is used in alternative medicines like ayurveda, aromatherapy and herbal therapy to treat a variety of diseases. It is also used to flavor food in several cuisines. It is been wide use alternative medicine for its health benefits for a long time

Ginger

Wikimedia Common: Thamizhpparithi Maari

Ginger for Vomiting and Nausea

Ginger can be eaten powdered or raw to get rid of nausea and vomiting. It can get rid of nausea and vomiting which occurs during the 15-18 months of pregnancy. Clinical trials have shown that ginger is also effective in controlling nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Ginger for Digestion

Ginger stimulates digestion and is a very good remedy for digestion problems. It also prevents E.coli from causing diarrhea. Ginger is soothing on the stomach and aids digestion. It can also contribute to weight loss. According to researchers from Maastricht university of Netherlands, it has fat burning properties and boosts metabolism.

Ginger for Cough and Cold 

Ginger is a very good remedy for cold and cough. It can even provide relief for laryngitis. Ginger tea can be prepared with the addition of lemon and honey. Take it several times a day to get rid of colds and cough

Cholesterol and Hypertension

Ginger will help to reduce the LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in the blood. Higher levels of LDL can contribute to the formation of plaque on the walls of the arteries and narrow them down. This will increase the blood pressure levels. The plaque can also lead to the reduction of elasticity of blood vessels. The reduction of blood pressure will reduce the chances of the formation of blood clots. This will also help to prevent heart attack and strokes.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea has several health benefits. Peel ginger and get rid of its skin. Cut it into thin slices. Boil water in a sauce pan. Add the slices to it and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea. Add lemon and honey to it. Drink a cup the tea 2-3 times a day. This will help you to get all the health benefits of ginger.

Other Methods of Using Ginger

- Fresh ginger can be grated or ground and added to your food

- Crystallized ginger candies which can be purchased, can be used like lozenges

-  The commonly available beverage, ginger ale is quite tasty and healthy.

These area some of the important heath benefits of ginger.

Natural Remedies for Upset Stomach

Natural remedies for upset stomach due to indigestion are banana, ginger ale and mint tea. You should also make sure that you drink plenty of water.

An upset stomach could be due to a variety of reasons. Some of the common reasons are indigestion, motion sickness, food poisoning and heartburn. Indigestion could be due to greasy or oily food. Heartburn can also cause indigestion.

• You have to identify the cause of upset stomach. If a certain food is causing stomach upset you have to stop eating it.

• If the cause of upset stomach is indigestion then ginger candy, ginger ale or ginger tea would be a very effective cure.

• If it is due to heartburn then antacids can be taken.

• Take half a glass of water and add half tea spoon of baking soda and stir it well. Drink it two to three times at an interval 2-3 hours.

• Banana is a very good natural remedy for upset stomach.

• Mint tea is also a very good remedy.

• If the upset stomach is due to stress or emotional disturbance then take a hot bath and go to sleep.

• Another effective remedy is drinking butter milk with two teaspoons of amla powder added to it.

• Light exercises like walking is also good for the problem.

Food poisoning can cause upset stomach. Contaminated and unhygienic food could be the problem. If you are suffering from diarrhea, fluid intake has to be increased. If the fluid lost is not replaced it may cause dehydration.

Things that have to be avoided when you have an upset stomach are aspirin alcohol and cigarettes. Eat as little as possible. If you are hungry eat fruits and vegetables. They can be digested easily as the have fibers. Avoid all diary products including milk.

These are some of the natural remedies for upset stomach