Ginger - Nature Cures®

Table of Contents

Also known as (Gingiber officinalis, Zingiber officinale)

Ginger has powerful antioxidant, antiseptic and expectorant properties and can increase energy. It also helps the body to eliminate wastes through the skin and relieves congestion in the airways. It also enhances circulation and acts as a catalyst for other herbs, to increase their effectiveness.

Ginger prevents nausea and vomiting by inhibiting the vagus nerve serotonin function in the digestive tract.

The active ingredients in ginger include gingerols and shogaols. These work together to inhibit pain-triggering pathways and support quicker recovery from headaches and migraines.

Benefits and health conditions ginger can help to treat

Bacterial infections (E. coli. Helicobacter pylori and shigella)
Bronchitis
Cancer growth can be inhibited by ginger
Cleanses the digestive tract in cases of diarrhoea
Colds coughs and influenza
Digestion problems
Fungal and yeast infections
Headache and migraines
Lowers blood pressure and thins the blood
Muscle and menstrual cramps
Nausea and morning and motion sickness
Sore throat
Poor circulation
Promotes perspiration in a fever
Stomach ulcers
Virus infections (Respiratory syncytial virus RSV)

Consuming 2g of ginger per day can produce significantly higher insulin sensitivity which is beneficial to diabetics as well as lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Ginger can be taken with food, as a tea and the raw peeled root can be dabbed onto the affected area for relief of hives.

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can help to reduce liver inflammation and fat and support overall liver function.

Ginger and weight loss

Ginger can boost the metabolism by increasing thermogenesis, which is the body’s process of burning calories to produce heat. Drinking ginger water on an empty stomach can help kickstart the metabolism, aiding in weight loss efforts.

External uses of ginger

Externally, ginger is applied as a fomentation for the treatment of pain, inflammation and stiff joints. Simmer one ounce of dried ginger root in two quarts of water for ten minutes. Strain and soak a cloth in the water and apply to the affected area. Keep changing the cloth to keep a constant warm temperature on the skin. The skin should become red as the circulation increased.

External cough balm

For children and adults with bronchial coughs: mix ginger root powder with a non-petroleum jelly and rub on the chest to help loosen coughs and expel mucous.

Nutrients and beneficial substances in ginger

Fibre (2g per 100g)
Gingerols
Salicylates
Shogaols
Vitamin B3 niacin (0.7 mg per 100g)
Vitamin B6 (0.2 mg per 100g)
Vitamin C (5 mg per 100g)

Minerals in ginger per 100 grams

Copper (0.2 mg)
Iron (0.6 mg)
Magnesium (43 mg)
Manganese (0.2 mg)
Phosphorus (34 mg)
Potassium (415 mg)

NOTE: Avoid cumin, ginger and turmeric if taking anticoagulants (blood thinning medication), or hormone therapies and contraceptive pills or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen, have heart problems or during the first three months of pregnancy or are breast feeding.

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