Ginger… the almighty natural medicine
Ginger’s therapeutic, preventative and pharmaceutical properties are well documented in scientific research for its nutritional and medicinal properties, being...
“used widely to treat various health problems such as high blood pressure, coughs, colds, swelling, nausea, rheumatic disorders, vomiting, bronchitis, indigestion, gastric ulcers, and behavioral problems. Ginger has shown benefits in preclinical and clinical studies for neurology, cardiovascular disease, and cancer” [1]
There are more than 200 identified compounds in ginger, and its bioactive constituents and phenolic compounds have various pharmacological effects such as… anti-inflammatory, anti-fever, anti-pain, anxiolytic, anti-cough, anti-tumour, carminative, diaphoretic, anti-allergic, anti-viral, antispasmodic, antiemetic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-arteriosclerotic anti-parasitic, antioxidant and neuroprotective.
Ginger has been shown to have nutraceutical value as a natural origin drug being… “an alternative to synthetic drugs, which often have serious side effects.” [2]
Ginger as a powerful analgesic…
That is… it acts as a pain reliever and is a natural and highly effective alternative to Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) e.g. Ibuprofen and an alternative to Paracetamol.
Ginger has been shown to have the same effect on pain and swelling as Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), and Paracetamol, WITHOUT the negative effects on stomach mucosa and research shows that when comparing ginger with ibuprofen, ginger is as effective as ibuprofen the management of pain, and it can be an efficient substitute for this synthetic agents. [3]
“Several clinical studies support the value of ginger for the treatment of osteoarthritis, and in some cases, a significant reduction in knee pain was reported.” [4]
“Ginger relieved pain and swelling to varying degrees in patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and muscular pain without causing serious adverse effects even after long periods of use.” [4]
“Treatment of osteoarthritis based on anti-inflammatory drugs gives relief but also shows side effect and may cause gastric ulcer. Ginger shows a significant role in the treatment of osteoarthritis.” [5]
“It has been shown that ginger was as effective as ibuprofen and mefenamic acid in relieving menstrual pain.” [6]
“As a result of anti‑inflammatory effect of ginger, it can reduce muscle pain after intense physical activity.” [7]
Ginger works in the same way Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) e.g. Ibuprofen, and Paracetamol work in the body by suppressing prostaglandin biosynthesis through inhibition of cyclooxygenase- 1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).
NOTE: Prostaglandins are pro-inflammatory molecules and are produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases and its production is significantly increased in inflamed tissue and contribute to the development of the cardinal signs of acute inflammation. Excess prostaglandins can cause chronic pain and inflammation and they have been implicated in the pathogenesis of arthritis, cancer and stroke, as well as in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease.
Powerful anti-allergy, anti-viral, antibacterial, antimicrobial actions…
Ginger suppresses leukotriene biosynthesis, something that Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Paracetamol CANNOT do. Thus, Ginger possesses a greater therapeutic profile than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. [1]
It is effective for the management of allergies and seasonal hay fever. Unlike over-the-counter antihistamine drugs i.e. ‘Loratadine’ which may result in drowsiness, headaches, increased appetite and difficulty sleeping, research shows…
“The ginger extract is as good as loratadine in improving nasal symptoms and quality of life in AR [allergic rhinitis] patients. However, ginger extract caused less side effects especially, drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness and constipation. Therefore, the ginger extract could be used as alternative treatment for patients with AR.” [14]
Anti-viral…high concentration of Ginger has been shown to stimulate mucosal cells to secrete Interferon beta (IFN-β) which is responsible in counteracting viral infections by reducing viral attachment and internalization. [9]
Antibacterial … activities are attributed to Ginger’s ‘zingerone’ and other phenolic compounds that “are known to avoid inflammatory processes and bacterial growth.” [11]
Antimicrobial… Ginger and its constituents play a vital role in the prevention of microbial growth…
“Drug resistance is increasing worldwide and it is consider as a main culprit in the failure of treatment. The use of antibiotics against bacteria/microorganism is effective mode of treatment but also causes adverse complications. Earlier investigators have shown that, ginger and its constituents play a vital role in the prevention of microbial growth or acts as antimicrobial agents.” [15]
*Leukotrienes are chemicals your body releases, for example, when you come into contact with something that result in coughing, extra mucous and inflammation or airway swelling.
Antiemetic… effective against vomiting, nausea and motion sickness.
“Ginger and its constituents show a significant effect on nausea and vomiting.” [12]
“Clinical trials show that ginger can reduce nausea and vomiting in women during early pregnancy.” [12]
“Ginger was demonstrated to be effective for controlling chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in a meta-analysis of 10 studies and for treating nausea and vomiting in pregnancy in an analysis of 18 studies.” [13]
A potent anti-inflammatory…
With the ability to reduce inflammation or swelling through inhibiting pain/inflammation {COX2 and LOX] pathways. Ginger has nearly 40 antioxidant compounds, which can be used to treat various inflammatory conditions…
“Some diseases, such as obesity, which is characterized by elevated levels of pro‐inflammatory markers, can receive the benefit of being treated by ginger.” [9]
“Ginger has staring potential for treating a number of ailments including degenerative disorders (arthritis and rheumatism), digestive health (indigestion, constipation and ulcer), cardiovascular disorders (atherosclerosis and hypertension), vomiting, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. It also has anti‑inflammatory and anti‑oxidative properties for controlling the process of aging.” [7]
Anti-cancer properties…
“The anticancer potential of ginger is well documented and its functional ingredients like gingerols, shogaol, and paradols are the valuable ingredients which can prevent various cancers.” [7]
“Certain dietary components, such as ginger and its compound 6‐gingerol, may be associated with a reduced risk of cancer development." [11]
"Studies show ginger derivatives, as an extract or isolated compounds, exhibit relevant antiproliferative effects on tumoral cells, as well as anti‐inflammatory activities.” [11]
“Ginger and its constituents show a vital effect in the control of tumour development.” [15]
Anthelmintic …
Is a drug used to treat ‘worm’ infections such as flat worms, tapeworms and round worms.
“It is concluded that ginger and curcumin extracts have potential anthelmintic properties against A. galli (roundworm). Ginger in all concentrations used exhibited a higher death rate observed than curcumin.” [16]
“Moreover, ginger has other activities that may help in parasitic clearance, such as its ability to increase digestive fluids, absorb and neutralize toxins.” [17]
Make it stand out
A powerful antioxidant… Ginger exerts significant direct and indirect antioxidant effects. It has the ability to scavenge free radicals (these essentially ‘rust’ the body) while having a sparing effect on antioxidant Vitamins C and E (e.g. minimizes the overuse of them in the body so they can be used effectively elsewhere). It needs to be pointed out that the overproduction of free radicals in the human body is a cause of many diseases!!
Ginger… “has an antioxidant effect that enhances the immune response, allowing the body to fight the infections naturally.” [17]
“Ginger was reported to decrease age-related oxidative stress markers”… with… “Ginger root contains a very high level (3.85 mmol/100 g) of total antioxidants, surpassed only by pomegranate and some types of berries.” [18]
So powerful it is phytocompounds that… “Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties proved its worth in the pharmaceutical industry.” [1]
“Oxidative stress is a key factor in the development and progression of psoriasis, which is known to be caused by a number of factors, including alcohol consumption, smoking, infection, drugs, obesity, cell metabolism, immune response, and pathological state. The production of reactive oxygen species is a critical step in the creation of oxidative stress in psoriasis.” [11]
Anxiolytic… meaning, it can assist with reducing anxiety…
Due to Ginger’s ability to increase Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the hippocampus. GABA plays a major role in controlling anxiety, stress and fear and bringing body back into balance, during stress. Decreased GABA levels are associated with several mental health conditions.
“Ginger rhizome exerts anxiolytic like behaviour in a specific subset of defensive behaviour, particularly those related to generalized anxiety disorder.” [19]
Neuroprotective…
Ginger has compounds that defend the central nervous system (CNS) against injury. Either because of acute injury (e.g. trauma or stroke) or neurodegenerative disorders such as Dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Epilepsy etc.
“There is evidence that ginger is anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-tumor, anti-microbial, antiemetic, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective.” [1]
“Studies have showed that extant phenolic compounds and anthocyanins including gingerols and the sugevals had many neuro protective effects such as analgesic effects, memory improvement, and learning caused by the aging process.” [23]
“These results suggest that ginger exhibit a neuroprotective effect by accelerating brain anti-oxidant defense mechanisms and down regulating the MDA levels to the normal levels in the diabetic rats. Thus, ginger may be used as therapeutic agent in preventing complications in diabetic patients.” [24]
Relieves Gastrointestinal discomfort… as Ginger assists in relieving reflux, heartburn, indigestion, flatulence, bloating and associate symptoms such as spasms and pain.
It has been shown to stimulate the flow of saliva, bile and gastric secretions and shown to increase gastrointestinal motility without affecting gastric emptying.
“Ginger as an important dietary agent which possesses carminative effect, decreases pressure on lower esophageal sphincter, reduces intestinal cramping, and prevents dyspepsia, flatulence, and bloating.” [20]
“Ginger and its metabolites appear to accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract and exert their effects by relieving pain through anti-inflammatory effects, soothing the digestive system through carminative effects.” [21]
“The effectiveness of ginger as an antiemetic has been attributed to its carminative effect, which helps to break up and expel intestinal gas.” [18]
“Ginger exerts potential protective effects on the gastrointestinal membrane and lowers the chances of mucosal injury.” [22]
“It has been reported that dietary ginger altered the permeability and fluidity of the intestinal membrane, resulting in increased absorptive surface of the small intestine with an increase in microvilli length.” [22]
“Ginger also increased the absorption of zinc, iron, β-carotene and calcium in the intestines.” [22]
Disease remediation…
Across a wide range of disease-states, Ginger exerts preventative and therapeutic properties…
“Numerous studies have demonstrated that ginger is capable of potentially preventing cardiovascular diseases, associated pathologies that act as cardiovascular diseases risk factors (diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome), chemotherapy-induced emesis and nausea, arthritis, gastric dysfunction, pain, respiratory disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.” [11]
Ginger… “prevented inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and reduced pain in these diseases by strengthening immune system.” [23]
“Generally, ginger and its constituents are effective agents in the treatment of metabolic syndrome by reducing lipid accumulation.” [25]
“Ginger has beneficial effects on modulating glucose metabolism in rats fed a high-calorie diet and suggest that ginger may be effective in preventing the development of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes”… with its [6]-gingerol phytocompounds demonstrating … “insulin resistance can be prevented by [6]-gingerol.” [26]
“A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed for 6 trials/ 345 participants to evaluate the efficacy of ginger on blood pressure, revealing that ginger supplementation has favorable effects on blood pressure [65]. A similar result was obtained by the analysis of 4628 participants, which revealed that ginger is potentially effective against hypertension and coronary heart disease.” [13]
“Ginger was found to have favorable effects on triacylglycerol and low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol levels.” [13]
In a meta-analysis… “ginger intake reduced the body weight, waist-to-hip ratio, hip ratio, fasting glucose and insulin resistance and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.” [13]
When will it start to work? Ginger can have a quick effect i.e. studies show improvement within 30 minutes and significant improvement after continual use.
Purchasing: [Australia only] Purchase Organic Dried Ginger Root HERE . Outside Australia, you will need to Google to find an online outlet or visit a local health food store, ensure its organic!
How to make: In a teapot combine 1 tablespoon of Organic dried Ginger root with 2 cups (500ml) of hot water and let steep for 10-20 minutes, or longer. Serve warm. Should you wish to have cold just add ice blocks. Or to make a refreshing alcohol-alternative drink download this Ginger-Lime Spritz recipe.
Safety issues: Ginger is generally well tolerated, although it should be used with caution by individuals with gallstones, gastric ulcers or reflux.
Click HERE to find out more about my Gut Health Programs that are designed to IMPROVE your Gut Health… OR… if you want to eat your way back to health — one meal at a time — check out my Gut Health Recipe Compendium. Nat xx
References
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