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Ginger is a good digestive aid and has an
antispasmodic, anti-nausea action used to relieve nausea, dizziness, vertigo, vomiting,
indigestion, and to calm an upset stomach. Strengthens the heart's overall functioning. One study showed that it appears to be as effective as the prescription drug metoclopramide (Reglan, Clopra) in reducing the nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. If your doctor says that your blood-clotting is impaired, Ginger should not be taken while going under chemotherapy. A study in the British journal Lancet(1982) showed it was actually more effective than Dramamine in preventing motion sickness. It even soothed seasick Danish sailors who were observed out on the high, heavy ocean waters. In an experiment done in Bringham Young University using 36 students, they were asked
to take either 100 mg. of Dramamine (dimenhydrinate), two capsules of Ginger or a placebo.
After 30 minutes, they sat in a special tilting and rotating chair for 6 minutes. None of
those who took Dramamine or the placebo lasted the full 6 minutes; whereas 50% of those ho
took Ginger remained in the chair for the full time. To prevent motion sickness, swallow two capsules 30 minutes before departure and then one to two more as symptoms begin, about every four hours. Relieves of menstrual cramps and morning sickness in pregnant women, according, according to European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology(1991). Ginger contains at least six pain-relieving compounds and six anti-cramping compounds. Drink two cups of Ginger tea daily. It prevents blood from clotting and intermittent claudication pain just as effectively as Garlic and aspirin, but without stomach irritation or other side effects. One of the most commonly used drugs for blood thinning is warfarin sodium (coumadin), which is also used as a potent rat poison. Try this alternative--take two capsules of Ginger twice daily in between meals. A very weak Ginger preparation may be used in infants to relieve the symptoms of colic. Used in the treatment of colds, bronchitis, flu and soothes a sore throat. It contains a dozen antiviral compounds; one, sesquiterpenes, fights the most common family of cold viruses, the rhinoviruses quite effectively. Other constituents, gingerols and shogaols, relieves cold symptoms by reducing pain and fever, suppresses coughing and has a mild sedative effect. Its anti-inflammatory agent, zingibain (a proteolytic enzyme) is useful in relieving bunions, rheumatoid, bursitis and most kinds of arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Also plays an additional role in controlling autoimmune diseases. They help reduce the blood levels of immune complexes, high levels of which activate the immune system to attack the body itself, leading to tissue damage. Containing more than 12 antioxidants, Ginger helps neutralize the highly reactive molecules--free radicals--that play a role in causing inflammation. Ginger lowers blood pressure and reduces the level of cholesterol, according to many studies, including one in The New England Journal of Medicine. This "hot" herb treats conditions involving cold, including the cold fingers caused by Raynaud's Disease. Try this recipe. To tame alcohol abuse and hangovers, try a tea of equal parts Ginger and Kudzu Root. Used externally as a compress, its an effective pain reliever--it soothes sore muscles, fibromyalgia, joint stiffness, abdominal cramps, kidney stone attacks, stiff neck, toothache, neuralgia, bladder inflammation, prostatitis and skin inflammations such as mumps. For skin applications, try adding some Cayenne to the compress. Its 23 antifungal compounds helps relieve athlete's foot. Just prepare a strong decoction using one ounce of chopped Ginger dropped in one cup of boiling water and let simmer for 20 minutes. Apply directly to area using cotton ball or cloth. In hypertensive headaches, it relieves the excruciating pressure building up inside and takes away that "exploding" sensation. Just mix enough Ginger powder and cold water to make a thin, smooth paste. Then apply to the forehead using the back of a large tablespoon and lay down for awhile. According to the American Journal of Chinese Medicine, Saudi scientists asserted that Ginger extracts significantly increase sperm motility and quantity. Make an "Erector" tea by combining both Ginger and Cardamom. Drink warm Ginger tea to help break a high fever and rid mucus buildup in the sinuses. Drink one cup every 2½ hours. Ginger has a long folk history of use for treating anxiety and depression. Has a full and uplifting flavor. And use generously in dishes, it can give you medicinal doses used as a spice.
Ginger: Common Spice and Wonder Drug, by Paul Schulick.
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