12 Days of Self-Care: Day 10
Use ginger for gut health!
Written by Brandi McMurry
Photo by Tamanna Rumee on Unsplash
Hot tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world and has ample health benefits. Try a festive ginger tea to soothe your nerves, help digestion, and perhaps slow down time just a bit to unwind this season.
The aroma of ginger spice this time of year brings me to a happy place. Ginger is festive, I’m a young girl in my memories as I sip ginger tea and am quite content.
Ginger for Digestion
Ginger has been used in herbal remedies for thousands of years, most notably for digestive health.
When you put food in your mouth your body increases saliva, to help moisten the food to swallow. Before you swallow your food your saliva produces enzymes that help to break down your carbohydrates. So the digestive process has begun even before you swallow your food. Upon ingesting ginger, your body can increase its saliva production even more, which can help aid digestion as inflammation is reduced.
Sip on ginger tea or a bit of shaved ginger after a large meal to help tame gas and bloating. It can help with inflammation, which soothes the intestines and helps to relax your colon muscle.
Ginger can soothe an upset stomach and nausea as well as indigestion and help alleviate heartburn, and it can also help with bacteria causing diarrhea.
If you experience motion sickness during your holiday travels in the car, ginger can help. Or try ginger to help curb nausea after chemotherapy treatments or morning sickness.
Ginger for pain relief
Gingerol is an anti-inflammatory property that helps at a cellular level to reduce pain in muscles and joints. According to a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, ginger has properties as other anti-inflammatory non-steroid medications, making it a great option for chronic conditions requiring long-term treatment plans, such as arthritis.
Ginger added during a massage can also help stiff muscles and joints, including knees. So during your next massage do not hesitate to ask about essential oils that can be added to your treatment!
Studies show that ginger can also help with migraine pain similar to sumatriptan. Nausea from migraines, throbbing, and light sensitivity can be reduced when you drink ginger tea at the onset of a headache. The Phytotherapy Research journal states that “ginger works on migraines by blocking prostaglandins, which stimulate muscle contractions, control inflammation in the blood vessels, and impact some hormones.”
Ginger can also help relieve menstrual pain symptoms.
Study shows ginger can help with ovarian cancer
www.medicalnewstoday.com
A study by the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center has promising news for treatment for ovarian cancer cells. The study states that ginger powder and water were placed directly on the cancerous cells, to which the cells died by attacking themselves. Scientists believe that the treatment can be effective in helping resistance to chemotherapy as well, which is common for ovarian cancer patients.
Ginger has a wonderful flavor with so many therapeutic benefits. Treat yourself to a self-care day with ginger for your health and a hint of festive spirit.
Photo by Julia Topp Unsplash
