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GINGER Ginger aids the digestion, is a popular remedy for nausea, notably for travel and morning sickness, and improves circulation. In natural medicine it is also used to protect against respiratory and digestive infections and to ease flatulence and griping pains. Ginger can also be chewed raw to relieve toothache. Taken at the first signs of a cold or flu, hot ginger tea makes a comforting drink and may help to clear a blocked nose and stimulate the liver to remove toxins from the bloodstream. It is made with a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger, the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of honey, topped up with boiling water. I especially love to drink this ‘hot, ginger, lemon tea’ during July and August, towards the end of winter as it has tremendous healing and cleansing benefits for the body. From ancient India and China to Greece and Rome, ginger was revered as a medicinal and culinary spice. Medieval Europeans believed the herb grew in the Garden of Eden, and it has long been valued by traditional healers. In modern homes and hospitals, it’s used to quell nausea and much more. COMMON USES
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What it is? Ginger, renowned for its stomach-settling properties, is native to parts of India and China, as well as Jamaica and other tropical areas. This warm-climate perennial is closely related to turmeric and marjoram, and its roots are used for culinary and therapeutic purposes. As a spice, ginger adds a hot and lemony flavour to foods as disparate as roast pork and gingersnaps. Medicinally, it continues to play a major role in traditional healing round the world. What it does? For thousands of years this pungent spice has been popular as a treatment for digestive problems, ranging from mild indigestion and flatulence to nausea and vomiting. It’s also been helpful for relieving colds and arthritis. Modern research into ginger’s active ingredients confirms the effectiveness of many of these ancient remedies. MAJOR BENEFITS: Do you get seasick? - Try ginger! In a Danish study, 40 naval cadets who took one gram of powdered ginger per day, were much less likely to break out in a cold sweat and vomit (classic symptoms of seasickness) than 39 others who took a placebo. Because ginger works primarily in the digestive tract, boosting digestive fluids and neutralising acids, it may be a good medical alternative to anti nausea medicines which can affect the central nervous system and cause grogginess. Studies of women undergoing exploratory surgery (laparoscopy) or major gynaecological surgery show that taking one gram of ginger before an operation can significantly reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting, a common side effect of surgery medications and anaesthesia. Ginger also appears to counter the nausea created by chemotherapy, though it’s best to take with food to minimise any stomach irritation. Ginger’s anti nausea effects make it useful for reducing dizziness, a common problem in older patients, as well as for treating morning sickness. For years, ginger has been a staple of folk medicine, primarily as a digestive aid to counter stomach upsets. Ginger supplements (or fresh pulp mixed with lime juice) are also a fine remedy for flatulence. ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: Ginger’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties may help to relieve the muscle aches and chronic pain associated with arthritis and other conditions. In a study of seven women with rheumatoid arthritis (an auto immune disease characterised by severe inflammation), just 5 to 50 grams of fresh ginger or capsules containing up to one gram of powdered ginger lessened joint pain and inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties also suggest that ginger may ease the bronchial constriction that occurs with allergies and colds. How to take it? DOSAGE: To prevent motion sickness, dizziness and nausea, reduce flatulence and relieve chronic pain or rheumatoid arthritis: Take ginger up to three times per day, or every four hours as needed. The usual dose is 100 to 200 mg of the standardised extract in pill form, or one or two grams of fresh powdered ginger, or a 13 mm slice of fresh ginger root, or one of the two tinctures (weak tincture B.P. 1,5 to 3 ml three times per day, or strong tincture B.P. 0,25 to 0,5 ml three times per day). Other preparations, including ginger tea (available in tea bags, or use 1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger root per cup of very hot water) or natural ginger ale (containing real ginger), can be used several times per day for similar purposes and for arthritis and pain relief. While travelling, try crystallised ginger. A 2,5 cm square, about 6 mm thick, contains approximately 500 mg of ginger. GUIDELINES FOR USE: Take ginger capsules with fluid. If you’re trying to prevent motion sickness, take ginger three to four hours before your departure, and then every four hours as needed, up to four times per day. For postoperative nausea, begin taking ginger the day before your operation, under your doctor’s supervision. Possible side effects Facts & Tips
Refreshing Summer Punch 1 tin fruit cocktail Put the full contents of the fruit cocktail in a punch bowl or jug, add 1/2 (500 ml) of the Ginger Ale And/or Ginger Beer, add the full litre of lemonade. You can add fresh strawberries or any fresh seasonal fruit. (Try granadilla, crushed pineapple, orange and lemons) Add ice cubes and serve immediately. Top up with the rest of the Ginger Ale and Ginger Beer for taste preferences. Serve at parties or social gatherings as a non-alcoholic drink. |