Useful as a spice and as a medicine, ginger makes for a great herbal tea and is packed with benefits. You can grate fresh ginger as desired or conveniently keep a spice jar, full of the pre-packaged and already-ground variety, in the pantry for year-round enjoyment.
Alleviating Stomach-Related Problems
Ginger is a go-to herbal treatment for many common stomach problems including motion sickness, gas, nausea and diarrhea. The spice can even be helpful when it comes to morning sickness, menstrual pain and loss of appetite. Especially when you’re having stomach problems, one of the most convenient and appetizing ways to consume ginger is in tea form.
Digestive Troubles
Ginger has laxative properties and can be used as a natural diuretic to keep your digestion on track while also working as an antacid and anti-gas medication. The chemicals in ginger may also be effective in controlling nausea from a brain and nervous system standpoint, going a step further than solely working directly on your stomach and intestines.
Motion Sickness
Some individuals consume ginger before travel as a means to prevent motion sickness. According to some research, ginger may even be more effective than the antihistamine dimenhydrinate, which is marketed under the brand Dramamine and is often used before taking a road trip, flying on an airplane or riding on a cruise.
Morning Sickness
Even though ginger is an herbal treatment and a much better option than many over-the-counter or prescription medications, consuming any kind of substance for medicinal purposes while pregnant can be a risk. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor before incorporating medicinal amounts of ginger tea into your daily routine.
Menstrual Pain
As an alternative to drinking ginger tea, some women actually take a ginger extract at the beginning of their menstrual periods to further provide relief from such pain and discomfort. Whether you opt for a glass of herbal tea here or there or the more serious approach of taking a dietary supplement, either way may produce some positive benefits in terms of how you feel during that time of the month.
Providing Relief from Joint Pain and Muscle Soreness
Arthritis
Whether you continually suffer from severe forms of arthritis or are just having a bad day, ginger can be effective in helping soothe your aches and pains. Ginger, whether in tea or extract form, can help reduce inflammation and discomfort that comes from movement and stiffness. In studies, taking a ginger extract has produced similar results that can be expected from taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen. When trying to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and serious conditions, you will likely to want to consult with a doctor about dosages and an optimal treatment plan that may need to be carried out for a few months before showing notable differences.
Muscle Soreness
Drinking ginger tea may be able to help reduce muscle soreness that comes from workouts and other factors alike. In the world of massage therapy, you can also use a ginger-infused oil to rub over an irritated area in order to help reduce joint pain and stiffness. Even if you don’t go to a licensed massage therapist, you can pick up ginger-based product at your healthfood store or simply mix ginger and some olive oil in order to give yourself a quick at-home massage.
Providing Cardiovascular Advantages
High Cholesterol
Ginger may be able to help lower your cholesterol. Although ginger can be taken in capsule form for such purposes, ginger tea can also be consumed. In studies, consuming one gram of ginger three times a day may be able to produce positive results after forty-five days. However, if you have high blood pressure, it’s always safest to consult with a healthcare professional before trying to remedy the situation on your own using self-prescribed treatments.
High Blood Sugar
Ginger may help lower your blood sugar, but if you currently have a diabetes treatment plan, check with your doctor before increasing your ginger intake. Combining multiple methods on your own for lowering your blood sugar can place your levels in a dangerous situation. Talk with your medical adviser first about proactively decreasing any current medications if necessary.
Metabolism Issues
Ginger is a mild stimulant and can boost your metabolism, helping break down fats and keeping your body healthy. Because the spice can help promote circulation and keep your blood pumping, drinking ginger tea at least every now and then may be a real source of good.
Treating Headaches, Infections and Dizziness
Migraines
According to research, ginger may be an effective means for lessening the intensity, and cutting down the frequency, of headaches including migraines. Sometimes ginger tea and feverfew supplements are used in combination to combat a headache, but you should always be careful when combining treatments, even if they are of natural origin. Before consuming large quantities of either herb, talk with a doctor if you suffer from severe and frequent headaches.
Infections
Ginger has antiviral properties and can help strengthen your body against cold and flu attacks. Some research suggests that the spice can actually be helping in treating upper respiratory tract infections and bronchitis.
Dizziness
Anecdotally, drinking ginger tea seems to be able to help lessen dizzy sensations and light-headedness. Having someone prepare a cup for you when you’re in the midst of a dizzy spell may be able to help your body recover more quickly.
Posing Possible Side Effects
When using ginger tea as any sort of medicine, do your research and check with your doctor. Since ginger can negatively interact with medications you’re on, make sure you and your physician are on the same page when it comes to what’s best going forward.
Although drinking ginger tea is safe for most people, some individuals can experience mild side effects. For some, ginger can actually cause oral irritation, stomach discomfort, heartburn and extra menstrual bleeding. The spice can also worsen some heart conditions.
If you suspect you’re having any ginger-related problems, stop drinking ginger tea and, as needed, visit with a healthcare professional to address any lingering side effects that don’t stop even after having changed your consumption habits.
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