If the first thing that comes to mind when you think of ginger is sushi, think again. This awesome plant can do so much more than add flavor. In fact, people have been using ginger in traditional medicine for centuries.
Ginger comes from China and Southeast Asia, where its many potential health benefits were first discovered. Now, you can find it everywhere, from your local grocery store to your favorite supplement.
People are most familiar with the plant’s root, and scientific research is starting to show the awesome benefits some users have been experiencing for decades.
Today, we’re going to go over the benefits of ginger and how to incorporate it into your routine.
Reduce Symptoms of Nausea and Heartburn
No one wants to feel sick, especially in the gastrointestinal department. Thankfully, ginger can be an easy natural remedy. One of ginger's most common benefits is its ability to help with nausea and vomiting.
Ginger may help the effects of motion sickness, morning sickness, and upset stomach. It can also help patients going through chemotherapy experience less nausea and vomiting.
Don’t just take our word for it: Several studies support using ginger to reduce nausea and vomiting. One study looked at 67 pregnant women who were experiencing nausea and vomiting. They split them into a control group and an experimental group. The experimental group took 250 mg of ginger capsules for four days, while the control group took a placebo.
The women in the experimental group experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms. The ginger users reported an 85% improvement, while the placebo group reported a 56% improvement.
You can take ginger to help with nausea in a variety of ways, like supplements, turmeric-ginger tea, crystallized ginger, and essential oils. You should always consult your medical provider to find the underlying cause of your nausea to get the best possible treatment plan.
Ginger May Help Ease Chronic Indigestion
Ginger can be an excellent all-natural remedy for stomach issues.It can improve digestion and reduce inflammation in your stomach.
People frequently take ginger to relieve symptoms like bloating, gas, and overall stomach pain. It works by upping your body's production of bile and digestive enzymes, which can speed up nutritional absorption and digestion. Ginger may also be able to relax stomach muscles, which helps alleviate pain from cramping and spasms.
Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties can help eliminate discomfort from certain digestive conditions. However, ginger may interfere with several medications, so it's important to talk to your doctor before using supplements or drastically increasing your ginger intake.
The Refreshing Aroma of Ginger
Ginger root is known for its invigorating, zesty, and subtly sweet scent. Its distinctive aroma comes from the root's essential oils: gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone. These compounds are responsible for both ginger’s fragrance and taste.
Ginger is often used in aromatherapy to create an uplifting and energizing atmosphere. Aromatherapy is a holistic practice that uses essential oils to help with physical and emotional well-being. These oils can be massaged onto the skin, dissolved into a bath, or even breathed in through a diffuser. These oils are believed to affect the olfactory and limbic systems in the brain to create therapeutic results.
Introducing ginger-scented products into your routine can give you those relaxation vibes. Step up your shower routine with the following ginger-infused scents.
White Ginger Hawaiian Buffer
This tropical scent from Spongellé’s Hawaiian Collection is made with Awapuhi and Kukui Nut Oil along with white ginger. The ginger fragrance will transport you to a tropical island while gently cleansing your skin.
Ginger Bergamot Boxed Flower
The Ginger Bergamot Boxed Flower is a body wash-infused buffer. It perfectly combines ginger, citrus, and floral scents. The buffer is designed to cleanse, exfoliate, and massage your skin.
Mystic Ginger Spiritual Detox (Yellow Jade)
Spongellé’s Spiritual Detox Buffer in Mystic Ginger combines ashwagandha and ginger root for a refreshing experience. It also comes with a yellow jade chakra stone for meditation and cleansing.
Ginger May Help Lower Cholesterol Levels
The gingerols and shogaols compounds in ginger have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds may help to lower cholesterol levels by reducing the production of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol.
Gingerols and shogaols work by slowing down the activity of enzymes that lead to the production of LDLcholesterol in the liver. They also can increase the production of bile acids, which are necessary for the breakdown and absorption of cholesterol.
Ginger increases the activity of AMPK, a protein involved in controlling the metabolism of cholesterol. Therefore, ginger may lessen the buildup of LDLcholesterol in the blood vessels and improve cardiovascular health.
Overall, if you're attempting to lower your cholesterol levels, adding ginger to your diet may be beneficial. However, more research needs to be done on the connection between ginger and its ability to lower cholesterol. Before using any supplement, it is always smart to speak with a healthcare provider to see if it’s right for you.
Ginger May Aid Weight Loss
Ginger is a popular ingredient in many weight loss supplements and diets. It can help boost metabolism and aid in digestion. The active compounds in ginger have thermogenic properties, which means they can increase the body's temperature and metabolism, leading to more calories being burned.
Ginger speeds up metabolism by increasing the release of enzymes that help your stomach break down fats and carbs. Your body will burn more calories, even when resting, which significantly aids in weight loss.
The body can also absorb nutrients more effectively and eliminate waste when food is properly digested. As previously mentioned, ginger can help reduce inflammation, which can also help you shed those pounds.
Your body weight can be impacted by stress and poor sleep. Lack of sleep can have serious consequences, including messing with the hormones that control appetite and metabolism. Stress can also result in overeating and making bad food choices.
Ginger may be able to help you by lowering stress levels and enhancing your sleep. Before using ginger (or any product in a weight loss regimen), you should speak with a doctor and come up with a game plan.
Ginger May Help Reduce Menstrual Pain
Being in pain is never fun, and dealing with severe cramps can feel debilitating. Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce the severity of menstrual cramps and other symptoms during that time of the month.
One of the main causes of menstrual pain is the contraction of the uterus, which leads to cramping and discomfort. Ginger has been found to have a natural pain-relieving effect by hindering the production of prostaglandins. These lipids are responsible for causing the uterus to contract.
Plus, we know ginger can help with nausea and bloating, which you may struggle with during your period. Ginger can also help to regulate menstrual cycles and improve overall menstrual health.
Some studies found that ginger can help balance hormones, which can help to regulate the menstrual cycle and avoid irregular periods. Balanced hormones can also help to reduce the risk of other menstrual-related conditions.
There are several ways to consume ginger to help reduce menstrual pain. You can add fresh ginger to your diet in teas, smoothies, soups, stir-fries, and more. You can also take ginger supplements, which are available in capsule or tablet form — but remember to consult your doctor first.
Ginger May Benefit Brain Function
Ginger may be able to improve your overall brain function. Some studies show that ginger can aid with memory, concentration, and response time. Increased blood flow and decreased inflammation from ginger may be the reason it helps with your brain performance.
Ginger may also be beneficial for reducing the risk of neurological disorders. Ginger's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can aid in preventing free radical damage to the brain. The buildup of amyloid plaques is a characteristic of a prevalent brain disorder, and ginger may be able to slow down its formation.
One study examined middle-aged women by giving them daily doses of ginger. They had better reaction times and working memory with no negative side effects reported. Another study involving animals showed that ginger could help with an age-related decline in brain function.
Overall, ginger is a versatile superfood that may be able to provide a wide range of benefits for the brain. Incorporating ginger into your diet through cooking or supplements is a simple way to help improve brain health.
Ginger May Help Lower Blood Sugar
Struggling with high blood pressure can be stressful and lead to health problems. Consuming ginger is a home remedy that may help lower your blood sugar. Studies have found ginger can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce glucose absorption in the gut.
Another way ginger can help lower blood sugar is by reducing glucose absorption in the gut. Glucose is a sugar that is absorbed into the bloodstream from your stomach. When there is too much glucose in the bloodstream, it can lead to high blood sugar levels. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger are also beneficial because inflammation is a contributing factor to diabetes.
One 2015 study took 41 participants with type 2 diabetes. They gave 22 participants two grams of ginger powder per day. The other 19 people were given a placebo. The researchers found that the participants taking ginger experienced lower blood sugar.
Ginger May Decrease the Risk of Heart Disease
Ginger may help lower the risk of developing heart disease. Heart disease is significantly influenced by chronic inflammation. It may cause the arteries to develop plaque and raise the risk of blood clots.
When you reduce inflammation, your blood flow will improve, and your blood vessels will relax. Your risk of stroke and heart attacks will decrease with the reduction of inflammation. In addition, ginger has been demonstrated to decrease cholesterol and blood pressure, two important risk factors for heart disease.
Ginger's antioxidant qualities can help prevent cardiac damage brought on by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that have the potential to harm cells. They also play a role in the onset of heart disease. Ginger's antioxidants may be able to combat free radicals and shield the heart from potential harm.
Still, more research is needed to fully understand how ginger can decrease heart disease. Incorporating ginger into your diet may be beneficial for heart health, with little to no side effects for most of us. As always, you should consult with a doctor before adding ginger to your diet.
More Potential Benefits of Ginger
There are many other potential benefits of ginger. Consider consulting your healthcare provider about adding ginger into your routine if you struggle with the following.
Osteoarthritis: The compounds in ginger may help reduce oxidative stress in the joints. Ginger may also reduce pain and help improve mobility in people struggling with osteoarthritis. However, more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and preparation for osteoarthritis treatment.
Migraines: Ginger can reduce inflammation and pain associated with migraines. Also, the compounds in ginger can reduce the intensity and frequency of migraines. Ginger's ability to help blood flow may help to alleviate migraine symptoms.
Fungal Infection: Ginger can help fight fungal infections by inhibiting the growth and reproduction of fungal cells. Ginger naturally has antifungal properties that help fight against various types of fungi. The compounds in ginger can also boost the immune system, helping to fight off fungal infections more effectively.
Skin Irritation: If you're struggling with irritated skin, you may want to try ginger. Research on mice found ginger can help prevent and treat skin irritation caused by allergies.
Final Takeaway
There are many potential health benefits of ginger. It can be a powerful natural remedy for inflammation, nausea, pain, and other health conditions. Through aromatherapy, ginger can help you unwind and relax.
Ready to get started? You can introduce ginger into your routine through Spongellé products today.
Sources:
Ginger for Nausea: Effectiveness, Safety, and Uses | Healthline
Effects of ginger capsules on pregnancy, nausea, and vomiting | NCBI
Ginger Benefits | Johns Hopkins Medicine | Hopkins Medical
Ginger for weight loss: How it works and how to consume it | Medical News Today
Ginger in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases | IntechOpen
