The curative wonders of the ginger root

Ginger root has been on many family’s shopping lists for as long as we can all remember but mostly only as a spice and surprisingly not all of us know of its important health benefits. The root has been known to do more than just adding an aroma to tea and food and if taken often will help avert even the serious health problems that puzzle us.

According to Dr Muhamed Jjuuko, scientific research has and is still discovering more and more therapeutic applications for this powerful root. Unlike most herbs, ginger is easy to take and cheaply available in all most supermarkets and fresh food markets around. The fresh root form is preferred to the factory packed powder because it’s more effective, the latter working maybe only as a spice.

Nausea Ginger root is an an effective treatment for nausea, morning and motion sickness; suck on a root of fresh ginger to relax the stomach and that will be the end of the nauseous feeling.

More so, Jjuuko says the root extract is a soother and when taken before and during your menstrual cycle, it will reduce and eventually cure menstrual cramps. If you can’t suck on the root directly, crush a fair amount and add to a hot cup of honey water or tea for faster relief, he advises.The root oil extract is also good for your hair, especially in fighting off dandruff.
Stomach Ginger aids digestion and treats stomach upsets, abdominal cramping, colic, diarrhoea, flatulence and other bowel related complications.

It’s an active element in the breakdown of proteins which are known to take longer to be digested and are one of the causes of indigestion and stomach upsets, says Jjuuko.

It’s anti-septic and carminative and can be used to treat food poisoning and other intestinal infections. So, when added to your daily menu be it in raw or cooked form as a spice, ginger will go a long way in helping you have a healthier stomach.
Heart Problems Ginger is believed to boost and strengthen the heart. Research has shown that it is helpful in reducing the levels of bad cholesterol in the body thus reducing the risk of heart disease. It is also active in prevention of blood clotting, Jjuuko adds. With reduced cholesterol levels and blood clotting the chances of vessel blockage are less likely thereby reducing heart stroke incidences.

Respiratory Disorders The root is an expectorant and an effective treatment for respiratory ailments like flu, cough, breathlessness caused by asthma and bronchitis. For better results, always add honey to the extract and take the syrup as often as you can to clear respiratory problems. The extract, even when taken in absence of any respiratory infection will help in prevention.

Inflammation and pain Ginger contains a substance called zingibain, which gives it anti-inflammatory properties. It’s analgesic in nature and its extract reduces pain caused by muscle aches, migraines, headaches, arthritis, and rheumatism. Constant use of the root paste or oil extract to massage affected areas will lead to the reduction of prostaglandins, which are the compounds associated with pain.

Immune booster Jjuuko says that constant use and consumption of ginger is believed to gradually improve body immunity. It’s also active against stress, yellow fever and malaria and is believed to dissolve kidney stones.