We all remember drinking ginger ale when we had tummy aches as children. It was kind of the go to for stomach bugs.
Ginger ale was really the only experience I had with ginger for most of my life. I tasted pickled ginger with sushi once and decided I didn’t like it.
Let me preface this by saying I’m not a doctor and this is in no way medical advice, rather things that I have learned and have done in my life. All medical advice should be from a doctor and be sure to ask your doctor before trying anything, may it be: natural remedies, exercise, supplements, etc.
The Amazing Health Benefits Of Ginger
However, as I got old, ginger became a regular part of my life, as well as my husband’s, and I learned that I really really like it actually. May it be in shots, adult beverages, food, hard candies, (not the dried and sugared, pickled, and even in tea form!
It all started with some ginger and lemon tea packets my neighbor gave me years ago. My husband had some digestive problems and they worked wonders at not only soothing his stomach, but they also helped with gas, diarrhea, nausea and eventually I found myself drinking it.
Ginger Is Antibacterial, Antiviral, and Antifungal
It didn’t taste bad at all.
Then I started using it for recipes when we were trying to lose weight and enjoyed the taste and it escalated from there.
It isn’t just about the taste though. Ginger is something I highly recommend keeping around at least in tea form, though I like ground and fresh as well.
It has so many benefits beyond just the stomach.
Ginger is antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. While it can cure many things, it is not an end all and cure all, please understand that.
Vitamins And Nutrients In Ginger
It is also full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Don’t forget about all the vitamins and nutrients within it like:
- carbs
- fiber
- protein
- iron
- potassium
- sodium
- magnesium
- phosphorus
- zinc
- vitamin c
- folate
- niacin
- riboflavin
- vitamin b6
So we already talked about ginger helping with stomach problems, but what other things can it help.
Ginger Helps Aid The Recovery Of A Number Of Ailments
Well, there are a number of ailments in can help like:
- cold
- flue
- helps prevent stomach ulcers
- reduces arthritis pain
- helps with asthma
- helps protect your liver
- aids in weight loss
- improves cognition
- helps with muscle pain
- helps manage dysmenorrhea
- boosts heart health
- helps manage diabetes
- good for dental health
- increases sexual activity
Sounds pretty great, huh? So many herbs and foods we eat everyday help aid us in being healthy in a natural way. It helps our body do what it is supposed to do.
Too Much Of A Good Thing
But just like medicine, too much of something isn’t good and can have side effects, plus people can have an allergic reaction to it.
Too much ginger can cause:
- an upset stomach
- diarrhea
- heartburn
- hives
- swelling
- breathing issues
Avoid If….
It can cause more problems in people with health issues like:
- acid reflux (can worsen)
- gallstones (can increase bile production)
Medication Interactions
Medications ginger can interact with:
- blood thinners
- antidiabetic medication
- blood pressure medications
Herbal Interactions
When paired with other herbs that increase anticoagulants like: garlic, ginkgo biloba, panax ginseng, red clover, and tumeric, it can cause excessive bleeding and bruising.
Most things are safe in moderation and can have great benefits, but not understanding how to use it or using way too much can cause more problems than it is worth.
Everything we eat or any home remedy we use either helps or hurts our body, and everything in moderation is key. Ginger is now something I keep around the house whether dried, fresh, tea form, or even in the form of Suja digestion shots. It’s there when we need it and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love some ginger chicken time to time?