Do you love your cup of ginger tea? If yes, then here is good news for you! There are many amazing benefits of ginger for your skin hair and health.
What Is Ginger?
Ginger is a perennial herb native to China and India. It is obtained from the plant Zingiber officinale. It is one of the most revered medicines in Ayurveda. Ginger is often referred to as a root, but it is actually an underground stem called rhizome. As a spice, the use of ginger dates back 4000 years. The medicinal properties of ginger were discovered around 2000 years ago.
Ginger has a peppery flavor, with a hint of lemon, and a sharp aroma. Its pungent, spicy, and aromatic smell can be attributed to the presence of essential oils and phenolic compounds such as gingerols and shogaols. Due to its strong and spicy aroma, ginger occupies an important place as a spice, delicacy, and even medicine. Apart from being used fresh, it is dried, powdered, pickled, or used in the form of juice or oil. Ginger tea is a favorite in Indian households and a great remedy for battling cold and flu.
Benefits Of Ginger For Health
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Treatment Of Respiratory Problems
Due to its antihistamine properties, ginger is effective in treating allergies. It inhibits airway contraction and helps in stimulating the secretion of mucus. For centuries, it has been used as a natural remedy for colds and flu. A teaspoon of ginger juice and honey is effective in relieving the persistent cough and sore throat associated with colds. Ginger tea helps to get rid of congestion of the throat and the nose. A mixture of fresh ginger juice and fenugreek is helpful in curing asthma. Ginger is also found to be helpful in treating stomach flu or food poisoning. This is one of the most applied uses of ginger.
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Aids Digestion
Ginger is considered the best herb for digestion. Consumption of ginger encourages the gallbladder to release bile, stimulating digestion. This encourages the assimilation of nutrients from the food we eat. In addition to this, ginger also provides relief from stomach cramps, diarrhea and bloating caused due to gastritis. We can take ginger in the form of tea or supplements to aid digestion.
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Cancer
Several studies have demonstrated ginger’s ability to fight various types of cancer cells, including lung, ovarian, prostate, breast and colon cancer. Researchers at Michigan University have found that ginger powder can kill ovarian cancer cells. It can also treat prostate cancer by killing cancer inducing cells. Ginger contains gingerol, a compound that is shown to have anti-metastatic properties and can help treat breast cancer and ovarian cancer. According to the health experts, ginger root is one of the most inexpensive and effective ways of preventing the onset of cancer and improving the life quality as it eliminates toxic substances from the body.
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Treatment Of Morning Sickness
Research has proved that ginger is as effective as vitamin B6 in treating morning sickness. Thus, it is often recommended to pregnant women for preventing morning sickness.
How To Take Ginger For Nausea
For Children
- Ginger should not be given to children under the age of 2.
- Children over the age of 2 may take ginger as a natural remedy for nausea, headaches and stomach cramps. However, you should consult a doctor for the appropriate dose.
For Adults
- In general, you should not exceed 4 grams of ginger per day. It is also important to keep in mind that pregnant women should not take more than 1 gram per day.
- For nausea, indigestion or gas: As you have already learned, some studies have used 1 gram of ginger per day in doses that are divided. You should consult your doctor to find the dose that is right for you.
For Nausea During Pregnancy
In some studies, 650 milligrams to 1 gram a day have been used to treat nausea induced by pregnancy. You should consult your doctor to make sure that it is safe for you to take ginger while you are pregnant.
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Anti-Inflammatory
Ginger is very beneficial for treating chronic inflammation. It provides substantial relief from pain caused due to inflammation and even decreases swelling and morning stiffness. It successfully inhibits cyclooxygenase and five-lipoxygenase-enzymes that cause inflammation.
According to a study conducted by the University of Michigan Medical School, ginger root supplement, when administered to the people suffering from colon inflammation, was found to be very effective in alleviating the condition. The co-researcher, Suzanna M. Nick, who was a part of the study, has stated that a reduction in the colon inflammation helps reduce the chances of developing cancer in the colon.
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Reduction Of Pain
The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger are effective in reducing the pain and swelling in the patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee, rheumatoid arthritis, and general muscle discomfort. Ginger root also alleviates pain and is especially beneficial for those who have to take a painkiller to reduce the arthritis inflammation. Adding ginger oil to your bath can help relieve muscle and joint ache. In case of muscle strain, you can apply a mixture of warm ginger paste and turmeric for relief. If such patients incorporate ginger root supplements regularly in their diet, their need for painkiller medication will be reduced considerably. Thus, ginger is very beneficial for relieving pains caused due to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.
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Menstrual Cramp Relief
Taking ginger at the beginning of the menstrual period can reduce the symptoms of menstrual pain in some women. Ginger tea with brown sugar is often used in the treatment of menstrual cramps in Chinese medicine.
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Relieves Migraines
Ginger provides migraine relief as it can inhibit the prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in the blood vessels. Applying diluted ginger paste on the forehead provides relief from migraine.
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Relief From Heartburn
Ginger has been used as a natural remedy for the treatment of heartburn. Ginger tea is very effective for this purpose.
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Promotes Weight Loss
If you want to lose weight, then ginger root can be of great help as it plays an integral role in the process of weight loss. It is touted as one of the biggest fat burners as it not only promotes general weight loss, but also eliminates the stubborn fat from your body. Ginger root supplements make you feel satiated after you eat a meal, even in small portions. This limits your food intake, thereby causing weight loss.
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Enhances Immunity
A strong immune system can keep all the diseases and infections at bay. Instead of taking medications to treat a particular disease or a condition, it is always better to take measures to prevent them. Ginger root extract is quite helpful in improving the immunity of your body. The regular consumption of ginger in small amounts reduces the risk of stroke by eliminating the fatty deposits within the arteries and keeping the blood circulation free.
Skin Benefits Of Ginger
In addition to its medicinal value, ginger has been used in skin care as well. It is often used in a number of commercial products to improve the skin. Ginger juice is often applied topically to treat several skin issues. Given below are the ginger benefits for skin:
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Anti-Aging Benefits
Ginger contains around 40 antioxidant compounds that protect against aging. It improves the appearance of your skin by removing the toxins and stimulating the circulation, resulting in the delivery of more nutrients to the skin. The antioxidants prevent damage from the free radicals, thus preserving the youthful appearance of the skin. It improves the elasticity, making your skin more firm and youthful. In this way, it slows down the signs of aging.
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Soothes Burns
Applying fresh ginger juice can relieve the pain and heal burnt skin by restoring it to the natural position. You can also rub a fresh ginger slice on the skin two to three times a day to fade the scars within 6 to 12 weeks. Ensure to use a fresh ginger slice each time for topical application.
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Clears Blemishes And Acne
Being a powerful antiseptic and cleansing agent, ginger helps in keeping the skin clean, smooth and free of blemishes. Besides, it also invigorates and stimulates your skin. It is also the best natural acne-fighting weapon as it minimizes the rate of acne formation and eruption by killing and clearing the acne-causing bacteria.
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Treatment Of Hypopigmented Scars (White Scars)
Hypopigmented scars occur when the skin loses its pigmentation, and are generally white or much lighter than the actual skin tone. Ginger can reduce the appearance of hypopigmented skin to a significant extent. All you need to do is cut a sliver of fresh ginger and dab it on the hypopigmented areas and leave it for some time. You will see a slight improvement within a week or two. However, this should be done every day without fail for noticeable results.
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Tones Skin
Ginger is known for its aphrodisiac, antioxidant and toning properties, which contribute to radiant skin. You can prepare a simple mask by mixing two grated gingers with two tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of lemon juice and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Apply it on your face and rinse with cool water after 30 minutes. This will nourish and soften your skin and prevent aging.
Ginger Benefits For Hair
Ginger has been used for hair treatment for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, which relies on herbs for the treatment of ailments. Ginger oil is particularly beneficial in this regard as it stimulates the hair growth. Thus, ginger is beneficial for your hair in the following ways.
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Stimulates Hair Growth
Ginger increases the scalp circulation, resulting in the flow of blood to the scalp. Thus, it stimulates the hair follicles and encourages growth. The fatty acids present in ginger are beneficial for thin hair.
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Good For Dry And Brittle Hair
Ginger is great for dry and brittle hair as it contains vitamins, zinc and phosphorus which impart sheen to your hair.
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Treatment Of Hair Loss
Ginger root is a great remedy for hair loss. Ginger extracts make your hair stronger and pleasant smelling.
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Treatment Of Dandruff
Dandruff is one of the most common scalp problems. Ginger has antiseptic properties that can help to get rid of dandruff. Ginger oil is an effective remedy to combat dandruff naturally.
Side Effects
There are no known side effects of ginger; however, it is always recommended to patch test when trying a new skincare ingredient.
