What Are Some Benefits of Ginger Root?
Some benefits of using ginger root include decreasing nausea, vomiting, pain and joint inflammation, according to Everyday Health. Ginger root also inhibits some cold viruses and intestinal bacteria, and may even avert the occurrence of stomach ulcers.
WebMD reports that ginger root is a well-known homeopathic remedy in the treatment and prevention of nausea, whether the nausea is caused by motion sickness or by robust treatments for other illnesses, such as chemotherapy. Ginger root is also beneficial for relief of other gastrointestinal issues, such as colic, flatulence and even constipation.
Ginger root benefits other parts of the body as well, according to WebMD.com. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of ginger root relieve pain caused by inflammation of the joints, such as pain experienced by arthritis sufferers, especially for those people with osteoarthritis. Ginger root lessens cramps in women during their menstrual cycle. It also reduces the painful effects of migraine and other headaches. Some people even apply ginger root juice directly to the skin to soothe burns.
However, the University of Maryland Medical Center cautions that, while the use of vitamins and natural remedies has a long and ancient history, even holistic treatments can produce adverse effects. UMMC states that adverse effects from ginger are rare, but that ginger root should be used under the supervision of a doctor if a person is already taking daily aspirin or medication for high blood pressure.
Ginger root is the rhizome of the ginger plant. The active ingredients in ginger root are gingerol and shogaol. In Asian countries, this spice is popular for cooking and in herbal medicine fir different conditions ranging from abdominal problems to respiratory infections.
