Top 10 Health Benefits of Ginger

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By Annette Rozen

Ginger is a perennial plant, distinguished by the white and yellowish-greenish flowers it produces, as well as its thick and long twisting rhizoid (stem). The ginger plant is known to have originated in China, however it has since then been cultivated in many other countries, including: India, South West Asia, West Africa and the Caribbean. The plant is famous for its concentrated, spicy aroma, which can be attributed to the fact that it is composed of up to 3% natural essential oils.

The rhizoid is the part of the plant which is generally sold and used today. It has been made widely available for eating and for the use of flavoring foods. It is also ground up and processed into all sorts of powders, tinctures, crystals, tonics and flavorings and then marketed in health food stores.

Below I have listed the top 10 health benefits attributed to this multi functional root:

  1. Ginger has carminative properties (anti spasmic) and can be used to calm in upset stomach, providing relief for the relief of bloating and gas.
  2. The intake of ginger helps stimulate the secretion of mucus, quieting your cough and soothing any scratchiness I your throat.
  3. Ginger has been proven (in multiple studies) to treat feelings of nausea, particularly in the form of seasickness, morning sickness, motion sickness and as a side effect of chemotherapy.
  4. Ginger contains anti viral, anti toxic, and anti fungal properties, and is used for the prevention of and treatment against the common cold.
  5. Ginger acts as an antihistamine and aids in the treatment of allergies.
  6. Ginger displays anti inflammatory properties and can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and various other muscular disorders. The chemical components of the root are instrumental in inhibiting the biosynthesis of prostaglandins which are responsible for causing inflammation. Thus the root has proven to be a highly effective form of treatment, in some cases, even more so than the NSAID's that are traditionally prescribed.
  7. Ginger contains special enzymes responsible for catalyzing the proteins in your food, thus aiding in digestion and the prevention of cramps. The ancient Greeks used to eat ginger after a large meal in order to ease the digestion process.
  8. Due to its promotion of mucus secretion, ginger protects against the development of ulcers, unwanted holes in the lining of your stomach.
  9. Ginger has proven to help lower your cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of blood clots.
  10. Ginger is often used to settle an upset stomach or treat severe stomach ailments such as dyspepsia or colic. It is frequently used today in developing countries to treat diarrhea.

Comments

Eileen Hughes profile image

Eileen Hughes Level 3 Commenter 3 years ago

Great helpful hub. I have emailed this to friends. I often eat christalised ginger if think I am getting a cold or sore throat. And yes it does work. Thanks for sharing this.

Annette Rozen profile image

Annette Rozen Hub Author 3 years ago

Your very welcome! Crystalized ginger is also excellent for baking with - try it in gingerbread cookies or gingerbread for a yummy snack.

J D Murrah profile image

J D Murrah 3 years ago

Annette,

Your hub is very informative and easy to read. Welcome to Hubpages, I am sure you will be an assett to the hub community.

J D Murrah

Annette Rozen profile image

Annette Rozen Hub Author 3 years ago

thanks for the positive feedback and encouraging remarks JD!

monitor profile image

monitor 3 years ago

This is a great wealth of information on ginger, Annette. It will definitely be worth my time to fit ginger into a few more dishes for all of those great health benefits. Nice work!

Your fan.

Mon.

Annette Rozen profile image

Annette Rozen Hub Author 3 years ago

thanks mon - appreciate your support! You'll definitely find it worththe effort:)

NAREN PATEL 3 years ago

When I experience toothache, I place a piece of dried salted ginger root next to the tooth and my pain subsides. Then, I visit my dentist to solve any dental problem that I may have. This relief from pain before the visit is a huge benefit to me, and so I would like to share that information with others. Similarly, clove or clove oil can also be used if you like the taste. Thank you.

midnightbliss profile image

midnightbliss Level 4 Commenter 3 years ago

wow, really informative hub, I didn't know that there are numerous health benefits ginger can give us.

Eat Smart Age Smart 2 years ago

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.

Dustin 2 years ago

Thanks for the info!

I have really became a ginger junky the last year. i always feel better after some ginger ale or sliced ginger. i have started making ginger ale with my own recipe. i fint it important to make sure that i dont add any sugar. i found that mixing some light doses of other helpful herbs and vitamins is helpful. i crack open a bottle when i feel a cold coming on. and a good portion of the time it will stop the cold in its tracks.

George 2 years ago

my stomach is very delicate when I eat certain foods, so I have always avoid the consumption of a lot of good healthy foods and vegetables, and some cooked foods as well, but since I started consuming ginger on the daily basis I feel much better eating most foods now. I love to drink Ginger tea made from fresh Ginger root slices, I add some honey and cinnamon to it, I even eat the root pieces.

Oko 2 years ago

Done what doctors can't do for me in the past 10 years.

Heidi 2 years ago

Slice it up and steep it in your cammomile tea.

Fred  2 years ago

How long does Ginger stay without going bad?

Mandy Amulen 2 years ago

Personally,it also helps a lot in cleansing the throatal passage and it's the fastest cure of colds and influenza simply by chewing it raw and swallowing its juice.

George 2 years ago

Annette:

Thanks for the informative article.

I can testify that recently when I had an upset stomach caused by eating the wrong food, a cup of chicken soup (stock) boiled with ginger slices did provide excellent soothing effects.

More importantly, the chicken-ginger concoction (taken 2 or 3 times a day) seemed to help keep my normally high blood pressure low, often to a level below 110/60. Are you aware of any formal scientific clinical studies that can substantiate my observations?

Do you know if it is safe to drink ginger soup on a daily basis for a long period of time, e.g., for the sake of controlling blood pressure? What are the adverse health effects of long-term consumption of ginger if there are any? Are there any peel-reviewed scientific publications on these topics?

Thanks.

George 2 years ago

Annette:

After submitting my comment to you a short while ago, I discovered an Internet article on ginger released by Mayo Clinic (copy right 2010). One of the sections addresses safety of taking ginger. I would like to share it with you and your readers because I am concerned about their safety.

Although generally considered safe to consume ginger, the article indicates that under special circumstances, ginger may present unwanted side-effects, for example, in pregnant women, menstruating women and patients undergoing anti-platelet treatments. I would urge these individuals to read the safety section (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ginger/NS_patient and consult their doctors before consuming ginger.

Thanks for letting me post on your site. 5/12/10

Pearl99 2 years ago

I have been having heartburn and am trying ginger along with dietary changes. I read the Mayo Clinic article. I hope it helps!

janie 2 years ago

can i ask, what is in ginger that can help in preventing ulcers?.

CarolRucker profile image

CarolRucker 24 months ago

I like ginger too!

Laurie 23 months ago

I've been taking ginger supplements to settle my stomach for years. I have a reaction to lactose in some products (not always, its weird) and ginger helps relieve the symptoms. I swear by it!

Anthea (aka The Chai Girl) 23 months ago

Very informative, thanks. Ginger is also renowned for it's heating qualities I like to add a few slices of fresh ginger when I'm brewing up my pot of RealChai for some extra winter warming zing!

Hank 22 months ago

gingers have no soul!

Melanie Munn 22 months ago

Ginger is great, include it in your recipes for healthy cooking!

sonny 21 months ago

I mix genger 1/4 tsp one tsp honey in a cup of coffee every day=ginger is expensive in stores but on inter net can get a lb for around $20-25 i use fronteer but are more,a bottle 1-1/2 oz can be $3.00 honey is also good for you

GmaGoldie profile image

GmaGoldie Level 6 Commenter 21 months ago

I love pickled ginger - great for the palate and great for the digestive track too! Didn't know all the other benefits you shared and never thought of ginger in my coffee with honey - hmmmm - I will try.

lindaadams37 profile image

lindaadams37 20 months ago

Apart from all the benefits one can derive from Ginger. One thing which you cannot forget is the Ginger Tea.

Tim 19 months ago

Ginger is a diuretic also. I found this out by accident after eating fresh ginger added to my food for a few weeks. Started wondering why I kept waking up in the middle of the night then I looked it up.

Ginger health benefits 19 months ago

This is a really useful page packed with great info, thanks for posting.

almighty colon cleanse 18 months ago

I had a harsh cold/flu recently...and when I get sick like that...I burp a lot (lots of excess gas). I chop up a tablespoon of ginger, and steep it like a tea...and it really settles my stomach and relieve all my gas whether I'm burping or farting. the bonus is it really helps your sore throat, because of it's spicy properties

.. 17 months ago

good for voice

Christopher 17 months ago

Ginger may be good for you. I suspect it is, but where is the evidence for the 10 benefits claimed?

Tarah_ profile image

Tarah_ 16 months ago

I never used to like ginger but since I now receive it in a community supported agriculture box each week, I have been noticing the benefits. I didn’t realise that ginger can help an upset stomach, a sore throat, nausea and the list goes on. It should be called a super food!

QUAJO 13 months ago

great stuff.really ginger works magic when mixed with honey and warm water.the cold would run faster than BOLT!!!

Sacudas Mikee 13 months ago

Nice post! I don't shy away from ginger. Ginger is a common ingredient in my household. It improves immune system and helps increase our body's metabolism.

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hadija 13 months ago

very helpfuul.i didnt know before that using ginger has alot of benefits to our health.

Bashir Ahmed Chauhan 12 months ago

Ginger is a natural gift and when used with alovera juice, benefits patients of heart,prostrat enlargement, diabetese, and digestive difficulties.

irfan ahsan farooqi 12 months ago

Great! Thanks a lot for a wonderful explanation on ginger and it really works, better to replace your regular normal tea with ginger tea.

Nadia 12 months ago

I didnt know that ginger have lots of health benefits..i jst love the ginger candy they sell in the chinese grocery...i eat a few pieces everyday!!!never have colds..must b effective,,i simply love ginger!

Alladream74 profile image

Alladream74 Level 4 Commenter 12 months ago

I love ginger tea. Great to know I benefit from something I love to ingest.Thanks for a great hub.Voted up and useful!

Moon Daisy profile image

Moon Daisy Level 5 Commenter 9 months ago

I found this hub via google, after searching on 'health benefits of ginger'. Nice hub. I love ginger, and eat loads of it (the crystallised version, so not sooo healthy due to all the sugar), but I was wondering about all the different things it might be good for.

I also like ginger tea, but the really spicy kind you find in Chinese supermarkets. :)

One day I would like to try the ginger version of Altoids. We don't get them here (except for the peppermint ones), so it'll have to be on a visit to the States. I think they would be extra strong and really great!

Robert Llantero Loquillano 9 months ago

Im using ginger powder as my tea now for almost one year , and thanks God my blood pressure is now regulated and i seldom drink my maintenance medicine...

Ginger Powder is a very good natural medicine for hypertension.

Please use Ginger that are grown Organically this is better compare to those cultivated using pesticide,insecticides and other chemicals....

smid05 8 months ago

Does anyone know if ginger root or crystalized ginger relieves RLS? Please advise. ( thank you )

Ayuba Nasiru 7 months ago

I like ginger too ,it cures cold if mix with lemon orange in a cup of tea.

itebu mercy 7 months ago

Thanks for the wonderful information on the benefits of ginger, I have been using it in my cooking, but never knew its that useful. I think I have to try the tea aspect of it. You have made my day.

Herschell 7 months ago

Quite by accident I discovered a health benefit of ginger. Recently bought a bag of ginger snaps. I ate 4 or 5 and about 3 hours later did a glucose readjng to find it much lower than expected. I experimented a few more times and got the same results. that's what brought me to this site. I have since bought a small jar of ginger.

donaldfarmer 6 months ago

I've used ginger as long as i can remember.Gone an extra mile, now an organic ginger farmer(commercial).You need it in bulk contact me at "macdinho@yahoo.com".Harvesting time is april 2012.Order now.

Paul Rose 5 months ago

After averaging 3 colds and 2 doses of flu every year of my first 76 years I have, for the last 4 years, taken 1/4 of a level teaspoon of ginger powder every day in ginger ale and have had no trace of colds or flu during this time.

Nwaimo emma 4 months ago

I find this site exciting really

Mary Cox 4 months ago

I have been struggling with weight loss and all the fun stuff that goes with it but recently I discovered that eating a few pieces of candied ginger helps cut cravings for a variety of yummies not on my current menu! I'm excited to explore other benefits of this zippy, fabulous root!

Randy Maginn 4 months ago

Your article id very informative, although I'm not sure it can do all you say it can. However, I'll give it a try and see what happens.

Donald 4 months ago

Members can you find me any body who can buy my fresh organic ginger in large quantities.I am a farmer and i can raise tons come April 2012

Donald 4 months ago

If any body whether company or individuals needs cleaned organic ginger come April 2012 can reach me on macdinho@yahoo.com or call +256 712 333633 for booking.

Thanks

Kampala,Uganda

East Africa

Emoghene joe 4 months ago

Your write up is very informative,really gained a lot from it.

Weeks Billion 4 months ago

Very informative#Thanks

Dale Moses 3 months ago

I love to cut and apple or peel an orange and sprinkle with lots of ginger powder and some sea salt. DELICIOUS. A great way to add extra health benefits to fruit.

Janet 3 months ago

I would love to know who long I can keep ginger in my freezer.

P-H 3 months ago

Thanks for the article, lot of information,

Personally, I enjoy ginger as tea. Simply cut 3-5 small pieces of ginger and add hot water on top. Very refreshing!

Thanks.

P-H

http://bettereatingjourney.blogspot.com/

Penny Rich 3 months ago

I use fresh (pink) ginger on eggs at breakfast, with soups at lunch and with veggies at dinner. I feel GREAT everyday because of its many health benefits. You can get it in Asian restaurants but you can also ask for a pink size cup of it for around $4 that can last a week.

Penny Rich 3 months ago

....opps, I meant "pint" size cup.

Mps 3 months ago

I use ginger for baking making drinks seasoning my meat put a little also in my rice and bean have to have ginger in my kitchen

GIFTY OFORI AMANFO 3 months ago

can it be used to treat

candidiases?

i wan to know please.

Conrad 3 months ago

My wife uses ginger in frying fish to eliminate the fishy smell and I think it works. Also on some pork dishes to eliminate sometimes porky smell.

Rishi 3 months ago

After eat

Chidimma.A. 3 months ago

I v never tried usn d root for tea. And i am jst takn it nw as am typn ds. I pray to God dat it cures my soar throat and gves me bk my voice. Thank u 4 ds nfo. Am findind this hub useful. Thank u guys and God bless u all.

norah 2 months ago

i love it, ginger did magic during my pregnancies, it could get rid of morning sickness.

katrinasui profile image

katrinasui 2 months ago

This is a wonderful hub. Ginger has so many benefits. It stimulates digestion, works with nausea or motion sickness.

abiakamg@yahoo.com Gloria Abiakam 2 months ago

I need more information on its ability to cure diabetes if it's said to control blood sugar

Amaka 7 weeks ago

Pls I would like to know if a person with ulcer can take ginger, like taking it raw, using it to cook or drinking it as tea. Because I realy need to use it and solve my problem of indigestion.

Haaniem@The Rooibosh Health Shop 6 weeks ago

Annique's Ginger Detox Tea and the Ginger Himalayan Bath Salts are Excellent to use for all the Ginger Benefits. I absolutely love it!

morade 5 weeks ago

ginger is good

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arlene 4 weeks ago

its nice to know the big benefits ginger can give in our body. i"m always eating ginger almost everyday. sometimes i made my own salad composing this herbs. thank you for this portion that warns us regarding this herbs..... ..

KevinTimothy profile image

KevinTimothy 2 weeks ago

Ginger has been used in my family for years...and with good reason. I encourage everyone to get used to cooking with it, or even preparing Ginger Beer once a month. It's non-alcoholic, of course. These 10 tips are only just the surface. The list of health benefits of ginger goes on and on. Its one of the best anti-oxidants our there. If interested in my Ginger Beer recipe feel free to connect with my on Hubpages. Take care all.

sherma 2 weeks ago

Ginger does work,it helps me a lot with gas,

Dhel Deypalubos 9 days ago

It's really a healthful information. It did cure my dyspepsia.

KevinTimothy profile image

KevinTimothy 7 days ago

I've never really seen the foliage of a genuine ginger plant. Does anyone actually grow it for purposes other than it's health benefits?

Sparkle Chi profile image

Sparkle Chi 3 days ago

Fantastic hub! It is full of useful information, and the background too! Love it!

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