HEALTH & WELLNESS: Jamaican Roots & Herbs: 10 Health benefits of Ginger you didn't know about.

 Yes, many Jamaicans and other Caribbean people will swear to drinking Ginger tea for 'bussing up the gas on wi stomach' or just how great it is to season our meats and excellent for cooking other dishes. But there are some other cool and healthful things it can do too. Continue reading to find out more...

Ginger - the super root

Ginger, way back, about 5000 years ago was used by the Chinese and Indians for its medicinal properties and was used to cure ailments such as:

1. Nausea
2. Loss of appetite
3. Colic
4. Flatulence (gas)

Though originated from South East Asia this noble plant and its root were widely traded across the Mediterranean and was being grown in other countries thus making its use more widespread in the ancient world. It has been recorded that ginger was widely used across the Roman empire

being exported from India. 

Later on, ginger became the main trade of the Arabs, who in the 13th and 14th centuries traveled to Africa and cultivated it there thereby spreading the plant. By the 15th century, the Europeans, who had caught on to its usefulness brought ginger from Africa to the Caribbean. 

Today, it is quite easy to access this wonder root but in medieval times a pound of Ginger was equal to the value of a whole live sheep!

Here are some of the health benefits of ginger you didn't know about:

• Reduces inflammation

Ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties that aid in alleviating pain in joints and muscles. It is therefore good to drink ginger tea after a workout session or relief for arthritic pain. 

• Improves Digestion

It aids digestion by enabling the stomach's proper absorption of food and reduces bloating and has also been known to prevent the development of stomach ulcers

• Ginger alleviates congestion caused by the cold.

Ginger's antioxidant properties protects the body from bacteria and boosts the immune system. Drinking ginger tea when you have the flu, you will notice that it causes you to sweat. This is good as it enables the body to flush out toxin build up, which in turn helps the body heal itself from the flu.

• Beauty Products

 It is often used in herbal products such as soaps, shampoos, massage oils, and perfumes.

• Relieves Nausea

Research has proven that ginger helps in curing nausea and vomiting connected with morning sickness in pregnancy.  Also, it has long been used as a preventive measure for motion sickness and seasickness. Cancer patients who have to endure rigorous chemotherapy can benefit from this root as it will relieve the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Its quick absorption and rapid regulation of body functions cure nausea in people who have undergone surgeries, without any side effects. Nausea and vomiting, being symptoms of a migraine, can also be treated by ginger.

• Removes Excess Gas

Ginger is very good for removing flatulence or 'gas'. Excess gas can cause bloating and even headaches. Chewing on a small piece can help force the gas out in a healthy way and also prevent additional gas from building up again.

• Relieves Asthma

Ginger has been used traditionally as a medicine to treat respiratory disorders. Recent studies on it have also confirmed that its anti-inflammatory property Zerumbone, an active compound, helps relieve asthma.

• Weight loss

Instead of trying a crazy diet try drinking some ginger tea to shed the pounds quicker! It accelerates your metabolism so you burn up calories easier. Also ginger boosts muscle endurance so you can work out longer to get the desired results you're looking for.

• Boosts Sexual Performance (Libido)

The ginger root improves blood circulation in the body hence blood flow to the genital area is increased and therefore sexual arousal is heightened, leading to greater interest and pleasure during the sex act.

• Eases menstrual cramps 

As a muscle relaxant ginger aids in reducing menstrual cramps. Drinking a hot cup of ginger tea will do the trick!

These are just a few of the many benefits of ginger we hope you found this information useful. God bless! 

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References

1. http://www.indepthinfo.com/ginger/history.shtml
2. https://www.motherearthliving.com/natural-health/know-your-spice-a-brief-history-of-ginger
3. https://m.timesofindia.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/8-health-benefits-of-ginger-tea/articleshow/27715978.cms
4. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/ginger.html

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