Apr 15

Apr 15 Ginger: A Spice for Life

Ginger: Zingiber Officinale

The exact origin of ginger is unknown but believed to have arisen from Southeast Asia and has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for at least 5,000 years well before the transcription of records. No varietal of ginger is known to still grow in the wild but is extensively cultivated for commercial consumption with India being the principal grower and manufacturer of this commanding plant.

If one doubts the therapeutic benefit of ginger consider it’s staying power. This piquant rhizome has been revered and referred to as universal medicine in the practice of Ayurveda for thousands of years, is still widely used within this form of medicine and it’s popularity doesn’t appears to be diminishing. Ginger used as medicine for an astonishing amount of health conditions is not just a unique feature to Indian Traditional medicine either. China has prescribed Ginger as an essential treatment for countless conditions for countless people for a countless amount of years. In fact it is estimated that half of all Chinese formulas contain ginger within them. However, if the timeframe and volume of people who’ve attested to ginger’s medicinal power still leaves one skeptical there is now a growing body of evidence substantiating what those billions of people over thousands of years were declaring.

Ginger bestows warming and drying qualities upon the body when used internally or externally making it a well-indicated remedy for conditions that are presenting with symptoms that are cold and damp in nature (Interestingly enough, the 'cold/hot' properties described in the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine as in the example of ginger being warming have been researched and verified to be accurate assessments when describing the effects of the herb on the body by using cellular temperature detection (3).

Making it a well-indicated remedy for conditions that are presenting with symptoms that are cold and damp in nature. Ginger has great affinity for the respiratory, digestive and cardiovascular system, is a renowned anti-inflammatory and has the unique property of assisting other remedies in reaching their destination, making it an ideal 'emissary herb.'

Nutrient Content:

Ginger is rich in various chemical constituents, including phenolic compounds, terpenes, polysaccharides, lipids, organic acids, and raw fibers. Ginger also contains vitamins such as pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5) and includes a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, and magnesium. The health benefits of ginger are mainly attributed to its phenolic compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols. Accumulated investigations have demonstrated that ginger possesses multiple biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, cardiovascular protective, respiratory protective, antiobesity, antidiabetic, antinausea, and antiemetic activities (5).

Research: (more extensive research literature exists than could be mentioned here)

Inflammatory pain:

With its ability to decrease inflammation we have seen ginger be used in the treatment of painful conditions related to chronic inflammation like Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis by ingestion as well as topical applications quite effectively. Evidence also shows a dose-dependent decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (pro-inflammatory messenger molecules) and replenishes the total antioxidant capacity of the body ([6]).

Respiratory System:

Studies suggest that ginger and constituent 6-shogaol have the potential to combat asthma via two mechanisms: acute airway smooth muscle relaxation and chronic inhibition of inflammation ([7])

Migraines:

One study investigating ginger and it’s ability to treat the symptoms of migraines found that powdered ginger was statically just as effective as one of the commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals (sumatriptan) without the unwanted side effects (7).

Cardiovascular Health:

We are now aware that many cardiovascular issues are the secondary result of an underling primary metabolic disease like insulin resistance, NASH, and diabetes. Ginger has been shown to positively improve adverse health parameters related to these metabolic diseases like reducing HgBA1C, Insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, and blood pressure thereby improving cardiovascular health and resiliency. Ginger is also well researched for its anti-inflammatory effects further mitigating, reducing and preventing sequel from these metabolic conditions (13).

Nausea:

When thinking of ginger’s uses most of us first think of it as a defense against nausea. Not only has ginger been shown to be statically significant is treating pregnancy induced nausea and motion sickness there is also substantial research revealing ginger to possess properties that could exert multiple beneficial effects on chemotherapy patients experiencing nausea and vomiting. Bioactive compounds within the rhizome of ginger, particularly the gingerol and shogaol class of compounds, interact with several pathways leading to the reduction of symptoms of nausea(3).

Infections:

While human trials are still lacking ginger has been found in numerous studies to be show the antimicrobial effects against bacteria involved in strep throat (9), fungal infections(10) as well as intestinal infections such as giardia(11).

Cold/Flu:

Ginger is a phenomenal go to remedy to use when signs and symptoms indicative of the common cold or flu occur. It is great at warming a person up when experiencing the chills, works wonders at helping get that thick, stuck mucus flowing, helps soothes a sore throat when taken in tea form as well enhances immune response, extolling it’s antimicrobial properties upon those nasty invading pathogens (4).

Dysmenorrhea:

Collectively randomized control studies provide suggestive evidence for the effectiveness of 750-2000 mg ginger powder during the first 3-4 days of menstrual cycle for primary dysmenorrhea (2)

Digestion:

With it’s carminative and warming assets, ginger becomes one of the herbs par excellence for aiding in digestion. IT is especially useful when feelings of bloating, constipation and sensations of heaviness after meals are experienced. In fact, in one study ginger was found to accelerate the stomach’s ability to empty it’s content into the small intestine, making it useful preventatively for the GI system but also for people who experience indigestion (functional dyspepsia) (8).

Cancer:

Ginger has been found to be effective against various GI cancers such as gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, and cholangiocarcinoma (12).

How to use:

When purchasing ginger if possible try to buy organic as herbicides, pesticides, and chemicals can become absorbed into and, take residence within it’s skin. When purchasing fresh ginger try and buy pieces that look plump with smooth skin. Dried ginger should have be fiery and invigorating and acquired from a reputable source (as with any herb).

Dosage:

Ginger is a culinary delight and can be used to delicious up any dish, savory or sweet. A little goes a long way so no need to be heavy handed with this herb.

For therapeutic amounts for ginger are as follows:

Fresh root: 1 to 15 grams a day

Dried root: 3 to 12 grams a day

As tincture: 1:2 60% alcohol, 1 to 2 ml in water 3 times per day.

Special Considerations:

Ginger should not be used in large quantities while pregnant and if on any blood thinning medication please consult with your health care practitioner before using ginger therapeutically.

Ginger Home Remedies:

Ginger Lemon Tea:

A wonderful drink to sip when feeling cold, experiencing a sore throat, are dealing with a cold or flu, or just wish to infuse your body with the beautiful constituents of this herb.

Ingredients:

· 1 tablespoon grated ginger

· squirt of lemon

· Honey, to taste-if desired

Directions:

Place ginger with lemon juice and honey (if using) into mug

Bring a cup of water to boil

Pour into cup and steep for 15 minutes.

Drink while warm. You can strain prior to drinking-I just keep and reuse or eat.

Ginger and Lavender Massage Oil:

This oil is great to have on hand to use should a painful joint, back or muscle give you trouble but can also be used any time one is looking to increase circulation and decrease pain.

Ingredients:

¼ cup grated ginger

½ cup oil (olive, avocado, jojoba, almond, grapeseed, apricot are suitable)

10-15 drops lavender essential oil

Directions:

· Add freshly grated ginger to a jar. Pour oil over the ginger and stir. Let stand for 12-24 hours. Shake a few times to help infuse ginger constituents into oil.

· Once ginger is well infused into oil of choosing, strain, add lavender essential oil. Stir.

· Due to water content of ginger and potential for spoilage use oil within 2 weeks.

· Keep in refrigerator.

· Massage onto desired area.

Ginger Massage Oil and Salve: (another option)

As mentioned ginger is potent anti-inflammatory and when used (in this case topically) it can be a true ally to help reduce pain related to chronic inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Ingredients:

½ cup sweet almond oil
1 tbsp cayenne powder
1 tbsp ginger powder
12 drops frankincense essential oil
½ oz (1/8 of a cup) beeswax pastilles or shaved beeswax

Instructions:

In a double boiler or a heat safe measuring cup or bowl placed in a pan of water, simmer the sweet almond oil and herbs over very low heat.
Simmer gently for 30 to 60 minutes or longer, keeping the oil between 95-110 degrees. As
Strain your oil using cheesecloth or muslin .
For the Massage Oil: If making a massage oil, allow the oil to cool a bit, stir in the frankincense essential oil and transfer to a glass bottle ( a bottle with a pump works great for massage oils.) This recipe yields approximately 2 oz of massage oil.
For the Salve: Wipe out any remaining herbs from your double boiler, and then add your infused oil and beeswax. Heat your infused oil and beeswax over low-medium heat until the beeswax has melted. Add your essential oils and stir to combine. Immediately pour into prepared tins or small glass jars. Label and date your salve. This recipe yields approximately 4 oz of salve.

Notes:

Avoid touching eyes and face with your hands after applying.

For arthritis and other chronic pain, use the massage oil or salve daily. It can take a week or more to start seeing results.

Ginger Foot Bath:

A ginger footbath is a great way not only to relax but to help you warm up & sleep on the cool Fall & Winter nights.

Ingredients:

1 gallon very warm water. As the water starts to cool you want to keep adding hot water as you go to keep the temperate hot and consistent.

Juice of 1 lemon

½ cup epsom salt

2 tablespoons ground ginger or ½ cup freshly grated ginger

If desired on can add essential oil or dried herbs of choosing

Directions:

Fill a small basin with enough water to completely cover your feet up to your ankles. As the water starts to cool you want to keep adding hot water as you go to keep the temperate hot and consistent, but not too hot that it burns your feet. Add the lemon juice, sea salt and ground ginger to the water and stir. Slowly put both feet into the basin. Relax and soak your feet for 10 to 20 minutes.

Ginger Bath:

This Ginger Bath can be used when you feel a cold coming on or in the winter when you want to increase your core body temperature or get a good sweat going. As always, consult your health care practitioner to see if this remedy is indicated and safe for you. Adapt as needed to address your specific want/condition.

Ingredients:

1 c. Epsom salts
3 Tbsp. ground ginger or ½ cup freshly grated ginger.
A few drops of ginger essential oil or other scent preference (optional)

Method:

Fill your bath tub with the hottest temperature water you can stand without burning the skin
Add the salt, ginger and optional oil to the running water. Swirl to incorporate.
When the tub is full submerge yourself up to your neck or as far up the body as possible.
Try to stay in for 15 minutes and up to 30.
When finished towel off and hop in the bed for an hour to sweat.
Afterwards rinse off in the shower and continue to rest.
Drink plenty of fluids