Reduce the Pain of Arthritis with Ginger

Ginger is a plant native to Southeast Asia that is also grown in the United States, China and India. The fresh or dried ginger roots are widely used in Asian and Chinese cuisine.

Fresh ginger roots are sold in the produce department of most grocery stores. Other forms of ginger include dried root, capsules, tablets, tea, extracts and tinctures. Ginger roots can be peeled, sliced and simmered in water and sugar to make a delicious candied-ginger treat.

Ginger combats nausea caused by motion sickness and is far superior to the commonly used over-the -counter and prescriptions drugs used for motion sickness. Ginger may also be taken as a remedy to prevent or relieve nausea resulting from chemotherapy, pregnancy and surgery.

A recent study revealed that chemotherapy patients who started taking ginger capsules several days before their scheduled treatment had fewer or less severe side effects from nausea.

Ginger soothes the digestive system resulting in relief from gas and indigestion. It is effective in reducing migraine headaches without the side effects of drugs. Herbalist recommend ginger to regulate blood cholesterol and improve blood circulation especially to the hands and feet.

A Cornell University Medical College conducted a study that revealed ginger may prevent hardening of the arteries and that ginger's active ingredient, gingerol, has proven effective in preventing the reoccurrence of "mini strokes."

The gingerols found in ginger are powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that inhibit the production of nitric oxide, which helps relieve joint pain that is associated with arthritis. It also provides substantial pain relief from gout, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and decreases swelling and morning stiffness.

Ginger has twelve types of anti-oxidants and is an excellent antiseptic and body cleansing herb with active ingredients that offers lymph-cleansing and stimulates the kidneys to increase kidney filtration. It is also known to be an aphrodisiac.

Ginger has very few side effects when used in small doses, however, it does contain moderate amounts of oxalate, therefore, if you have a history of oxalate-containing kidney stones seek advice from your personal physician before using ginger or any alternative health practices.

Warning: Since raw ginger or ginger juice has a hot a spicy taste it is advisable to avoid giving it to very young children.

Sources: Richason, Jack, N.D. - The Little Herb Encyclopedia, herbwisdom.com, ehow.com/gingercandyrecipe