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Ginger
has many benefits. It has been considered a great healer throughout the
centuries. It can help motion sickness, relieve your migraines and
arthritis, and inhibits blood clots.
In Asian societies, ginger has always
been known for its healing powers. Pythagoras was one of its greatest
supporters in Ancient Greece. King Henry VIII of England used it to
protect himself against the plague. Though we don't know for sure if
ginger can actually protect you from the plague, we do know that it is
beneficial in many other ways.
The American Phytotherapy Research Laboratory in Salt Lake
City has conducted a classic study on motion sickness, which may cause you
to leave the "Dramamine" on the shelf during your next vacation.
In a study, motion sickness-prone
students in two groups. One group was given Dramamine, the other group
ginger. It was discovered that the group given the ginger was able to
withstand the full 6 minute "spin" with less nausea and dizziness, while
the other group stopped the ride within 4 1/2 minutes.
Japanese
researchers believe the gingerols found in ginger, may be
responsible for blocking the body's reflex to vomit. Taking 1/4
teaspoon 20 minutes before a car or boat trip should give you
about 4 hours of relief. Another popular remedy is 3 or 4 slices
of sliced ginger in a cup of boiling water to make ginger tea. Sip
as needed to relieve nausea caused by motion sickness.
In another study,
Denmark researchers have discovered that ginger can block the
effects of prostaglandins. These are substances that cause
inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain, which leads to
migraines. Though the results are still experimental, 1/3 teaspoon
of fresh of powdered ginger taken when you feel a migraine coming
on can help stop pain before it starts. Using the same theory,
ginger has been found to produce "marked" relief in arthritis
pain. The ginger tea described above or 1/2 teaspoon of ginger is
recommended by Danish researchers for arthritis relief. |