Ma. Glenda Deloso personal blog site.

What is Ginger?

Ginger is a plant that comes from southeast Asia, and is now also cultivated in Jamaica and other tropical areas. The ginger herb root is used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Ginger is a natural spice and is known world wide for its smell and pungent taste. Ginger has been used by Chinese herbalists for more than 2,500 years as flavouring in food and also as a medicine.

The spice ginger is the underground rhizome of the ginger plant, known botanically as Zingiber officinale. The plant’s botanical name is thought to be derived from its Sanskrit name “singabera” which means “horn shaped,” a physical characteristic that ginger reflects.

The flesh of the ginger rhizome can be yellow, white or red in color, depending upon the variety. It is covered with a brownish skin that may either be thick or thin, depending upon whether the plant was harvested when it was mature or young. The ginger rhizome has a firm, yet striated texture and a taste that is aromatic, pungent and hot.

What are the vital health benefits of ginger?

Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment -> Ginger has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and the flu. Many people also find ginger to be helpful in the case of stomach flus or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract.

Reduces Pain and Inflammation -> One study showed that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful natural painkiller.

Menstrual Cramp Relief -> In Chinese medicine, ginger tea with brown sugar is used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment -> Ginger may be powerful weapon in the treatment of ovarian cancer. A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that ginger powder induces cell death in all ovarian cancer cells to which it was applied.

Colon Cancer Prevention -> A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.

Morning Sickness -> A review of several studies has concluded that ginger is just as effective as vitamin B6 in the treatment of morning sickness.

Motion Sickness Remedy -> Ginger has been shown to be an effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness.

Heartburn Relief -> Ginger has long been used as a natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.

Migraine Relief -> Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.

Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy -> A study done on diabetic rats found that those rats given ginger had a reduced incidence of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).

Here is a list of medicinal properties ginger has been known to have throughout history.

antiemetic/antinausea
anticlotting agent
antispasmodic
antifungal
anti-inflammatory
antiseptic
antibacterial
antiviral
antitussive
analgesic
circulatory stimulant
carminative
expectorant
hypotensive
increases blood flow
promotes sweating
relaxes peripheral blood vessels

“http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-ginger.html”
“http://www.nutritional-supplements-health-guide.com/benefits-of-ginger.html”