Juicing For Health - Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Name
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) also known as Black ginger, Root Ginger, Canton ginger, Cochin ginger, Common ginger, Garden ginger, Gingembre, Imber and Jamaican ginger.
Parts Used
Rhizomes, Roots.
Information
Ginger is a tuber that is consumed whole as a delicacy, medicine, or spice. It is the rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale. It lends its name to its genus and family (Zingiberaceae). Ginger cultivation began in Asia and has since spread to West Africa and the Caribbean.
Tradtionally Ginger root was used in the treatment of fighting inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis, morning and motion sickness, circulatory problems, bowel disorders, fever, indigestion, vomitting and nausea, as an anti-oxident, increase appetite, reduces spasms and cramps and as a anti-microbial agent.
Benefits
- Cancer
- Circulation
- Inflammation
- Nausea
Ginger has shown anti-cancer properties in recent studies. Research showed that gingerols, the active phytonutrients in ginger, kill ovarian cancer cells by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) and autophagocytosis (self-digestion). These same phytonutrients that give ginger its distinctive flavour may also inhibit the growth of human colorectal cancer cells.
Ginger stimulates all tissues of the body and is fantastic for poor circulation. Ginger offers substantial protection from stroke and heart attack because of its ability to prevent blood clotting thus helping to prevent heart disease. Research has also shown that ginger lowers blood pressure.
Ginger has long been used in traditional medicine to reduce inflammation. Ginger contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. These substances are believed to explain why so many people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis experience reductions in their pain levels and improvements in their mobility when they consume ginger regularly. Ginger was also shown to suppress the pro-inflammatory compounds.
Traditionally recommended for relief from nausea. Ginger has been found effective in multiple studies for treating nausea caused by travel sickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy.
Side Effects/Precautions
Ginger is considered a safe herb to use and side effects associated with ginger are rare, but if taken in excessive doses the herb may cause mild heartburn, diarrhea and irritation of the mouth.
People with gallstones or gallbladder disease should consult a doctor before taking ginger. Make sure to tell your doctor if you are taking ginger and will be undergoing surgery or placed under anesthesia for any reason.
Do not take ginger if you are taking blood-thinning medications, including aspirin.
Buying Information
Good product sources can be purchased from the links below.
Back To Herb Guide