The Health Benefits of Ginger

Perhaps the widest known use for ginger taken orally is for its antiemetic properties. Expectant mothers with morning sickness can benefit from ginger. Many expectant mothers are concerned about taking medications during pregnancy, and for many, ginger can work almost as well (although should consult their health care professional before considering taking ginger).

A strong tea preparation is common for this purpose, but there also ginger hard candies that will serve the same purpose if the sufferer is not a tea drinker. There are also ginger-filled capsules and concentrated liquid forms of the herb.

Pregnancy nausea is not the only type of stomach malady that ginger can help. Motion sickness sufferers should keep a few ginger candies at hand for long road trips, as well as those who are prone to after dinner indigestion.

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Ginger is also found in many over the counter remedies for infant colic, a condition that causes stomach pain, crying and even excessive spitting up in babies. Whether in a prepared remedy mix or just given as a few drops of liquid into the baby's mouth, ginger can help to resolve the cramping and tension that plague colic-ridden babies.

In addition to digestive issues, taking ginger orally can also be beneficial to persons with circulatory issues. It has mild anti-inflammatory properties, which helps blood and platelets move more freely about the body.

This same anti-inflammatory aspect of ginger can also be of aid and comfort to people who suffer from allergies and sinus problems. Ginger is a common additive in herbal decongestants for this very reason.

Ginger can be infused into topical applications as well. Arthritis is one condition that is aided by topical application of ginger-based creams and ointments. Muscle aches and pains can also be eased by use of same.

When using ginger for its medicinal properties, it is important to use potent ginger. A basic rule of thumb is this: the more pungent the odor, the stronger the healing properties. Anyone interested in making his or her own ginger-based remedies might consider starting with actual ginger root, and converting it into powder, grated or oil forms depending on the particular application. This way the potency can be determined. The powdered form purchased in the spice aisle was likely ground up a long time ago, and thus might not offer the level of strength needed for optimal use.

If crushing and grating your own ginger root doesn't seem like a great idea and you don't want to eat it right from the root, there are several prepackaged applications that can be used. There are several forms of ginger tea, which can be taken several times a day. There are also ginger capsules that vary in degrees of potency.

As previously stated, ginger has medicinal properties, and there are conditions for which care must be used, and a doctor consulted. For example, ginger increases fluid flow throughout the body, so someone suffering from gall bladder problems would not want to take excessive amounts, as it will increase bile production. Small amounts should provide relief without causing this side effect.

Pregnant women should always tell their doctor that they want to take ginger supplements. The doctor should not have an issue with this, but only the doctor can determine if the expectant mother has any pregnancy issue that could contraindicate with ginger.

Ginger is a spice that can provide comfort care for a variety of painful and uncomfortable conditions. It is versatile and therefore can be taken in any number of formats. Anyone who has ever taken it for a chronic nausea problem, whether pregnancy related, motion related or due to other reasons knows that no medicine cabinet is complete without it.

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