Ginger is most commonly used in Southeast Asian and Indian cuisines, but the spicy root has been used for centuries.
It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, which also includes turmeric, another edible plant with potent medicinal properties.
Ginger is most commonly used to relieve nausea, especially during pregnancy.
However, it also has anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it an effective pain reliever and aid in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
Fresh, dried, or powdered ginger can be consumed as a tea, in food, or as a supplement.
Ginger's health benefits: What effect does ginger have on the body?
Gingerols are the active compounds found in ginger.
According to preliminary research, these have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergenic properties.
This means that ginger has been found to have a variety of health and wellness benefits.
It can help with digestion
In 2004, Indian researchers reported that ginger could stimulate a number of digestive enzymes, shortening the time it takes our bodies to process food and potentially aiding in the prevention of conditions such as constipation.
Ginger has also been shown to help with indigestion.
In 2011, researchers at Taiwan's Chang Gung University College of Medicine discovered that patients with chronic indigestion who consumed powdered ginger before a meal had their stomachs empty 50% faster.
As a result, they experienced fewer indigestion symptoms, such as abdominal pain, for a shorter period of time.
It can help with osteoarthritis symptoms
Ginger has been shown in several studies to reduce the production of various chemicals in the body, including leukotrienes, which cause joint inflammation.
A 2015 meta-analysis of evidence concluded that ginger was "modestly effective and reasonably safe for the treatment of OA."
According to Versus Arthritis, ginger has'moderately beneficial effects in reducing pain and disability.'
It can help with nausea
Ginger is probably best known for its ability to soothe a nervous or nauseous stomach.
Ginger has been shown in studies to alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness, seasickness, morning sickness, and even nausea caused by medical treatments such as chemotherapy.
A natural period pain reliever
Add ginger to your period pain treatment arsenal. A 2009 study conducted by Iran's Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences discovered that ginger was effective in relieving monthly abdominal cramps.
It provides natural pain relief
Add ginger to your gym bag if you're in training or have recently increased your fitness regimen.
Researchers in the United States discovered that taking 2g of ginger after an exercise session reduced muscle soreness by 25%.
Furthermore, a 2009 study conducted by Iran's Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences discovered that ginger was effective in relieving menstrual abdominal cramps.
How much ginger is safe to consume?
There is no RNI for ginger, but it is not recommended to consume more than 3-4g of ginger per day from all sources, including food and supplements.
So far, research has found that using ginger for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy has no negative effects on the mother's or baby's health; however, pregnant women should consume no more than 1g of ginger per day.
Side-effects: What are the risks of taking ginger?
If you consume too much ginger, you may experience the following symptoms:
- heartburn
- indigestion
- diarrhoea
- burning or sore throat
If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications, consult your doctor before increasing your intake of ginger, either fresh or as supplements.
Uses and benefits of ginger essential oil
Ginger oil is derived from the rhizome (the roots) of ginger plants, as the name implies.
Ginger essential oil, like the food ingredient, has a warm and spicy scent that can be used in aromatherapy and topically.
The ginger plant (or Zingiber Officinale) comes from the same plant family as turmeric and cardamom and is found all over the world, most notably in Asia and Africa.
How is it created?
Ginger oil, like most essential oils, is extracted from ginger plant tree sap in a variety of ways, the most common of which is steam distillation.
How long have people used ginger essential oil?
Ginger as a whole has a long history of being a natural healer.
The Romans and Greeks used it for a variety of treatments, from flavouring food to aiding digestion.
Ginger root has been used in folk medicine for thousands of years and is well known for its flavouring and digestive properties.
Ginger oil has traditionally been thought to help with emotional issues such as anxiety and low self-confidence in Ayurvedic medicine.
How can it be put to use?
Ginger oil has numerous applications. You may:
Inhale it deeply.
By adding 1–2 drops to a facial steamer or a hot bowl of water. Cover your head with a towel if using the second method to capture all of the ginger oil vapours.
You can also inhale it directly from the bottle, or sprinkle some droplets on a towel or cloth and place it under your pillow.
It should be sprayed.
To spruce up your space. Simply add 10 to 15 drops of essential oil per ounce of water to a spray bottle and spritz away!
Apply it.
Apply a few drops to the bottom of your feet or rub it into your pulse points after diluting it with a carrier oil (such as almond, jojoba, coconut, or avocado oil).
Disperse it
Put some in a diffuser and inhale the warm, spicy aroma. (Try combining 3 drops ginger oil, 2 drops bergamot, and 2 drops patchouli essential oils.)
It should be massaged.
Apply 5 drops of essential oil to 10ml of Miaroma base oil and massage gently.
It works well with the oils of lemon, cinnamon, rosemary, and peppermint.
Take a bath in it.
Pour 4 to 6 drops of oil into a bowl of warm running water. Then soak in the bath for at least 10 minutes to let the aroma work its magic.
The advantages of ginger oil
Ginger oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are widely used. As a result, there are numerous advantages to using it, including the following five:
- Reduces inflammation – preliminary research indicates that ginger can help soothe and ease the body.
- It fades scars due to its antioxidant properties, which can reduce the visibility of hypopigmented scars.
- Reduces anxiety due to its warming and calming properties.
- Calm the senses - inhaling ginger essential oil can help reduce mucus buildup in the lungs and throat.
- Reduce nausea – the pleasant aroma is said to help stomach upsets, motion sickness, morning sickness, altitude sickness, and migraine-related sickness. When inhaled, it also aids digestion, which can potentially contribute to nausea.
How to Use It Carefully
Always perform a patch test to ensure that it does not irritate your skin, and always dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.
- Ginger oil is thought to be more potent than ginger because it contains more Gingerol, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- It has been discovered to be a natural aphrodisiac.
- It is also known as 'The Oil of Empowerment.'
- It can aid in hair growth. Using a carrier oil, dilute a few drops and massage the mixture through your hair and scalp. Allow it to sit for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
