THE BENEFITS OF GINGER ROOT

Ginger is a valued ingredient in recipes around the world. This herb is found as a seasoning in a variety of foods including cakes, cookies, breads, beverages, sauces, fruit dishes, and Asian cooking.

More than just a spice, Ginger Root is a powerful weapon in your arsenal against sickness. This potent root protects the stomach and is useful in the treatment of bowel disorders, cleansing the colon. In treating stomach upsets, it is strong enough to relieve the nausea of chemotherapy patients and gentle enough to ease morning sickness associated with pregnancy or colic in an infant. Ginger can help relieve diarrhea along with indigestion, motion sickness and vomiting.

Ginger reduces spasms and cramps, making it an effective treatment for muscle pain and the pain associated with menstruation. Because it helps stimulate the circulatory system, it can also help relieve poor circulation.

These qualities combine with Ginger Root’s anti-inflammatory properties to make it a good selection when dealing with osteoarthritis. Ginger has been beneficial in dealing with the symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis. Studies suggest that this herb may lower cholesterol levels and prevent the blood from clotting. Further studies have found that ginger may have some anticancer activity.

A strong antioxidant, effective antimicrobial and an anti-viral: Ginger Root helps fend off pathogenic microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and viruses. Additionally, these qualities make it a good choice for healing poultices applied to wounds.

Taken internally, this herb helps protect the liver and cleanse the kidneys while moving excess toxins from the body. It is traditionally used to treat the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches and other pains.

It’s no wonder this herb is found in many traditional tonics and herbal cleansing blends. In our family, we like to use it in a tea at the first sign of congestion and love the flavor it adds to stir fry dishes. Look for ways to incorporate this beneficial herb in your daily living today.

CONGESTION CLEARING TEA
1 Tbsp fresh minced ginger root
1 Tbsp fresh minced garlic
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Honey to taste

Place ingredients in a mug and add 8 ounces of boiling water. Cover, and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain the bits from the liquid, enjoy.


MORNING LIVER TONIC SMOOTHIE RECIPE
Have this first thing in the morning before eating.

In a blender, puree the following until smooth. Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
• 1 inch fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin cold pressed olive oil
• 1 clove of garlic
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 apple, chopped small
• ½ small beet, diced
• 1 stick celery, chopped small
• a few sprigs of parsley, chopped small
• 1 cup filtered water

The apple cider vinegar helps the oil and water emulsify. Garlic will lose its potency once it’s cut. For these reasons, it is best to drink this tonic before it separates.

If you want to intensify the effects of this tonic, increase the number of tablespoons of olive oil and the number of garlic cloves over a few days. For example, on the 2nd day use 2 Tbsp oil and 2 cloves, on the 3rd day use 3 Tbsp and 3 cloves and so forth, but don’t go beyond five tablespoons and cloves.

Blend and enjoy!

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TAKE NOTE: Information and ideas presented here are for the reader’s use and enrichment. This is not offered in lieu of solid medical advice. The opinions and ideas expressed are fallible and that of the author. Readers are encouraged to be well-informed and draw their own conclusions.

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Here’s a video of another variation of the “liver flush.”

Here is a CBS news segment about a mother and daughter who bake ginger snaps for cancer patients.