The health benefits of ginger

1. Ginger Fights Disease

Ginger has long been recognized as a medicinal spice, warding off colds and flu, nausea, fever, digestive difficulties and infection. It is used to treat heart attacks, arthritis pain, skin cancers and even aid in weight loss. Ginger's healing properties have been shown to enhance energy and longevity. As an ingredient in over half of all medicinal herbal supplements, ginger has been relied upon for over 5,000 years as a "universal medicine" by ancient Chinese and Indian cultures (Indian Journal of Nutrition).

2. Studies Support the Benefits of Ginger

Several research reports conclude definitive benefits from the consumption of ginger. A clinical trial proved that ginger helped nausea associated with seasickness over a blinded placebo. In animals, studies indicate that ginger slowed the growth process of cancerous tumors, reducing cancer symptoms overall (Herbal Drugs and Pharmaceuticals). And in a study regarding ginger to aid pregnant women's morning sickness, ginger root was proved an effective treatment (Obstet Gynecol, 2001). To find out if ginger helps alleviate your particular symptoms, experiment by taking ginger in some form when symptoms arise. For more serious health conditions, seek medical guidance to help you incorporate ginger use as part of your treatment.

3. Ginger Should Be Taken Properly

Most adults require no more than 4 g of ginger per day, through diet or supplement. Most foods contain less than 0.5 percent ginger, so over-consumption is unlikely. In supplement form, a standard dose consists of 75 to 2,000 mg, divided throughout the day and taken with food. For digestive problems or nausea, 2 to 4 g of fresh ginger root can be taken daily. For arthritis pain, ginger extract or tea in a dose of 2 to 4 g per day is helpful. Ginger can be used topically as well, by rubbing ginger oil over the skin of an inflamed joint. For cold, flu symptoms or menstrual cramps, ginger tea or shredded ginger in hot water twice daily is recommended (University of Maryland Medical Center).

4. Ginger's Negative Side Effects are Rare

Most individuals do not experience any negative side effects associated with the intake of ginger. Taken excessively, ginger can induce heartburn, stomach upset or belching. Children under the age of 2 should not take ginger. Ginger can interact with blood-thinning medications, so if you are taking blood thinners, seek approval from your doctor before utilizing ginger as a health aid.

5. A Variety of Ginger Forms are Available

Ginger may come in fresh or dried root form, generally purchased at a health food grocery store, or in extracts, capsules, oils, tea and cooking spices, and can be found in a variety of popular foods and drinks, including gingerbread, ginger snap cookies and ginger ale. For general health benefits, enjoy a variety of ginger sources in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet. For specific medicinal benefits, utilize appropriate dosage and precautions.

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