Super-food and Natures Antibiotics: Ginger Root

Organic Ginger Root

Ginger is a flowering plant, in the family Zingiberaceae whose rhizome (ginger root), is widely used as a spice and natural medicine. It is a herbaceous perennial which grows annual stems about a meter tall bearing narrow green leaves and yellow flowers. Turmeric, cardamom and galangal also belong to the Zingiberaceae family. Ginger is thought to have originated in India which is now the largest producer of Ginger root. It also used to grow wild in the tropical jungles of Southern Asia.  It contains several essential oils that give it it’s distinct flavor and aroma: Zingerone, Shogaols & Gingerols. Gingerols are the anti-inflammatory properties found in ginger, they can both reduce and prevent pain and swelling by hindering the formation of inflammatory compounds, thus making ginger an excellent anti-inflammatory it is also anti-parasitic, antiviral and antibacterial. According to the research done at The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, ginger can destroy ovarian cancer cells. They found that ginger triggered two types of cell death, Apoptosis and Autophagy. Apoptosis, results from cancer cells essentially committing suicide. The other type of cell death, called autophagy, results from digesting or attacking themselves. Consuming Ginger also helps protect you against colon cancer, reducing colon inflammation and inflammation of the intestines, thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer.

Great for diseases caused by or fueled by inflammation – Obesity, Arthritis, Alzheimer’s, numerous cancers and cardiovascular disease.

Benefits of Ginger

Reduces Risk of kidney stones

Delivers nutrients for liver function

Relieves Pain & Inflammation

Improves circulation

Reduces inflammation in the throat, congestion in the lungs & sinus issues

Soothes stomach aches, nausea & indigestion (tea or infused water)

Digestive stimulant & carminative (relieves gas) Ayurvedic Medicine

Motion sickness (ginger pills)

Apply externally to sore muscles & Joints

Helps with circulation

Bad Breath & oral infection

Lowers bad cholesterol, raises good cholesterol

Can slow down growth of cancer cells

Increases fertility

Contains antioxidants that may reduce free radicals in body

Reduces risk of colon cancer

Heart burn, acid reflux

Toothache, Rub raw ginger into gums

Fat metabolizer – 1 cup of ginger tea a day is said to reduce your risk of a stroke, as ginger breaks down fat deposits that block arteries.

Precautions when using Ginger

It’s likely safe for most people. Some people may experience mild side effects such as diarrhea, heartburn and heavier flow during menstruation. Raw ginger salves and pastes may cause skin to become irritated if put directly on the skin. A cloth should always be placed in between the raw ginger and the            

                           

Pregnancy: Although controversial. Concerns about using ginger for morning sickness & miscarriage around 12wks & that it may affect fetal sex hormones.

Medications that can interact with Ginger

Calcium Channel Blockers

High blood pressure and heart disease

• Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)
• Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan)
• Diltiazem (Cardizem)
• Isradipine (DynaCirc)
• Felodipine (Plendil)
• Amlodipine (Norvasc)

Blood Clotting Medications

• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Phenprocoumon

Medications for Diabetes

• Glimepiride (Amaryl)
• Glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase Pres Tab, Micronase)
• Insulin Pioglitazone (Actos)
• Rosiglitazone (Avandia)
• Chlorpropamide (Diabinese)
• Glipizide (Glucotrol)
• Tolbutamide (Orinase)

Recommended Dosing

The food and Drug Administration recommends no more than 2grams of ginger for every kilogram of body weight each day. 155lb person (70kg) maximum dosage would be 1/3 LB which is a lot of ginger. But always remember it is possible to consume too much of this wonder from nature & side effects can show up when taking a lesser amount than the maximum dosage.

Using Ginger In The Kitchen!!!!

Ginger Ice pops

Blend orange juice, peach slices and grated ginger, freeze

Blend coconut milk, pineapple, grated ginger and raw honey, freeze

Blend carrot juice, grated ginger, all spice, nutmeg, sweetened condensed milk, raw honey, freeze

Ginger mint tea with a splash of condensed milk, freeze

Ginger pancakes Add a teaspoon of ground or fresh ginger to batter Ginger Seasoned Vegetables Sprinkle ground ginger over cooked carrots, yams or onions just before roasting Use fresh ginger when preparing Baby bok choy

Ginger Tea Fresh ginger with fresh mint in hot water, add raw honey to taste, may drink hot or cold.

Ginger added to Sandwiches Layer pickled ginger on tuna sandwiches, salmon salad sandwiches, chicken salad sandwiches

Creamy Ginger/Carrot Concoction 2 cups, freshly juiced carrot juice 1 cup clear coconut milk from can 1 tablespoon Coconut cream from top of canned coconut milk Nutmeg Allspice Ginger Raw honey Blend in blender, drink warm, room temp or chill ingredients before blending or add ice when blending Place BPA free can of organic coconut milk in the refrigerator overnight, scoop the thick cream off the top (for whipped cream) and save clear liquid on the bottom for smoothies

Disclaimer: The strategies, suggestions and techniques expressed here are intended to be used for educational purposes only. The Author, Kira Miller, is not rendering medical advice nor is she trying to diagnose, prescribe or treat any disease, condition, illness or injury.

If you are under the care of a physician, it is imperative that you consult their advice before beginning any new exercise or nutrition program.

Kira Miller claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss or damage alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application or interpretation of the material presented here.