Ginger is a plant valued across the world for its medicinal properties. It has been widely used in traditional and folk medicine and is commonly added to meals for its flavor.
Ginger’s remedying benefits cover a wide range. It has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting that occurs after surgery. It has also been found to be able to reduce dizziness and symptoms of morning sickness. Some research shows that ginger extracts can also reduce symptoms of menstrual pain.
While there is enough scientific evidence to back all of these benefits of ginger up, there are even more claims of ginger’s other beneficial properties that range from curing a hangover to aiding the respiratory system.
Ginger Treats Arthritis
Ginger is famous for supposedly being a cure for the most common ailments that affect people. However, it’s most well-known and possibly it’s most likely use is for the treatment of arthritis, specifically rheumatoid arthritis.
Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties have been studied extensively. Many experts have compared its effectiveness to that of commercial pharmaceutical products, such as ibuprofen and celecoxib.
Ginger has also been found to be more efficient in treating pain caused by arthritis than most conventional pain relievers. This is because ginger suppresses leukotrienes, which are the molecules that cause inflammation, and actually switches off inflammatory genes. This makes it more efficient than conventional painkillers used for arthritis, as these traditional painkillers only block the enzymes that cause swelling and pain, while ginger gets to the root of the problem and fixes it.
This, combined with the fact that these painkillers come with a variety of harmful side effects, including gastrointestinal problems, high blood pressure, kidney damage, allergic reactions and heart problems should be enough proof that ginger is a much more effective remedy for symptoms of arthritis.
One study in 2012 found that a specific ginger extract called Eurovita Extract 77 reduced inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis cells as effectively as steroids. It has also been found to reduce pain in those who have arthritis during standing and walking.
Researchers recommended taking 255 mg of Eurovita Extract 77 twice daily or drinking 4 cups of ginger tea daily. If you prefer not to take the extract and want to know an easy way to make ginger tea, keep on reading.
Ginger Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ounces of fresh ginger root
- 3 cups of boiled water
- Honey or maple syrup as sweetener (optional)
- Apple or lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Wash ginger under cold water.
- Peel the ginger and cut it into small, thin pieces.
- Bring your water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Once water is boiling, add chopped up ginger.
- Once ginger is added bring heat down to a simmer and let it sit for fifteen to twenty minutes.
- After it is finished simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for five minutes.
- Pour the liquid into a teapot and place the leftover ginger in a tea ball and let it steep for another fifteen minutes.
- Remove the tea ball and strain any leftover ginger, then serve.
This ginger tea can be drunk while warm or at room temperature or cold and can be stored in the fridge.
Here are a few more great recipes to help you include ginger in your diet!
- Homemade Ginger Ale
- Coconut Ginger Broth
- Homemade Ginger Candy
