Medicinal Benefts Of Eating Ginger

Ginger has been used in Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years.

The stem of the herb can be eaten fresh, ground down into a powder, or added to drinks and foods in order for patients to enjoy its varied health benefts.

It is commonly used to help treat stomach upsets, but has also enjoyed positive clinical trials for helping to prevent cancer of the colon, to treat the symptoms of arthritis, and even to reduce exercise induced muscle pain. Here are additional benefits of ginger.

Help Prevent Cancer of The Colon

A study published in the Cancer Prevention Research journal has shown that ginger root supplement reduced inflammation markers in the colon within one month.

This inflammation is seen as a precursor to cancer of the colon, and reducing the chances of inflammation subsequently reduces the chance of patients contracting this form of cancer.

Treat Arthritis Symptoms

The University of Miami published one study which suggested that ginger could, one day, be considered a viable replacement for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).

The report went on to say that the herb offers anti-inflammatory properties that could prove especially useful for patients that suffer from osteoarthritis. It also has minor analgesic properties.

Reduce Muscle Pain Following Exercise

Participants in a study of ginger supplements and their efect on post-exercise muscle pain, published in the Journal of Pain, found that muscle pain was reduced.

Research induced minor muscle injuries in participants, and concluded that ginger supplements reduced pain levels, but that heating ginger frst did not help further improve results.

Reduce Chemotherapy Induced Nausea

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy treatment. Anti-vomiting medications are typically prescribed, and research presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology in 2009 showed that patients that combined these drugs with ginger supplements saw nausea symptoms reduced by as much as 40%.

Migraine Relief

A study in Phytotherapy Research showed that ginger could prove as effective at treating migraine symptoms as the drugs that are typically prescribed for this condition.

The research also pointed out that the side effects typically associated with common ginger were less than those associated with drugs like Sumatriptan.

Ginger has very few known side effects, when taken in reasonable and recommended dosages. However, before taking any herbal supplement, it is important that you consult with your doctor or physician.

Ginger, like any other remedy, may interact with prescription drugs or medication that you are taking.