Ginger

The Ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale) has been used for health problems since ancient times. It's volatile oils and pungent phenol compounds such as gingerols and shogaols are thought to be what promotes healing.

It is an excellent carminative and has antioxidant, immune building and anti-inflammatory properties. Always choose fresh ginger over dried ginger whenever possible as it has far stronger healing powers.

Ginger is well known for alleviating gastrointestinal problems. Whether suffering from heartburn, indigestion, morning sickness, vomiting, nausea after surgery or travel sickness, it reduces all symptoms by chewing on a piece of fresh ginger, taking 5-10 drops of the tincture or drinking ginger tea. Make the tea by adding 1 teaspoon of fresh grated ginger or half a teaspoon of dried ginger to a cup of boiling water. Infuse for 5 minutes and drink.

With colds, bronchitis or 'flu, ginger has been found to relieve the symptoms. You can take 5-10 drops of ginger tincture or drink ginger tea three times a day. It helps by promoting healthy sweating, detoxifying the system and boosting circulation. A foot bath with a few drops of ginger oil or a massage with two drops of ginger oil added to a tablespoon of carrier oil like sweet almond oil with also reduce any aches and pains present at this time.

Studies have proved if ginger is taken regularly, people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis experience reductions in their pain levels and improvements in their mobility. The reason being the gingerols inhibit the production of nitric oxide and suppresses the inflammatory compounds produced in the body. With only a slice of ginger added to meals daily relief should be felt within a short period of time. Relief can also be given externally by rubbing ginger oil, diluted with a carrier oil, into the painful joint or adding a fresh grated ginger poultice to the joint.

It has been thought that ginger may also inhibit the growth of rectal cancer cells and destroy ovarian cancer cells. Research and studies are currently being done..

Ginger is available fresh, dried, in extracts, tinctures, capsules, and oils.

Precautions: People with high blood pressure should not take excessive ginger and it is recommended not to give it to a child under two years old. If taking medications, especially blood thinners, consult your medical practitioner before using ginger.

For nutritional info and cooking recipe ideas visit my other blog The Vegan Diet.

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Ginger Natural Health and Beauty Recipes

Ginger Skin Cream
By Sharon123 at RecipeZAAR
Ginger invigorates, and oil soothes. Try this double dose for dry skin.

2 inches piece fresh ginger
2 tsps light sesame oil
2 tsps apricot kernel oil
2 tsps vitamin E oil
1/2 cup cocoa butter

Preheat your oven on the lowest setting. Finely grate the ginger just enough so that you have about an 1/8 teaspoon of ginger juice. To obtain the juice, squeeze the freshly grated ginger over a small bowl. Place the ingredients, including the ginger in a glass or stainless steel pan and heat just until the cocoa butter is melted and the oils are blended. Pour into a clean, dry container and store in a cool dry place. You can add a few drops of lemon or other essential oil for a nice twist.

Japanese Ginger Cellulite & Circulation Scrub
From CraftBits

2 tsp of Grated ginger
2 tbs of Sea salt

This ancient remedy will have your fatty deposits broken down in no time at all. The circular application also aids to improve circulation. This recipe makes enough for a single application of the upper thigh area. You may need to increase the quantity to suit your needs.

Remedies to deal with pre-mature Greying of Hair
From ShivajiPark Beauty Tips

Rinse hair with saffron, ginger root, marigold or red oak bark.

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