Ginger is what we call nature's immunity root.
If you can find ginger root in your local grocery stores right now, I'd grab a few "claws" and keep it in your fridge. I'm going to tell you why here in a bit.
Before I get deep into this blog post, Im going to be giving you credited information. Info that I've pulled from my Chinese medicine healing foods book, my studies with Ayurveda, and medical based clinical case studies. Yall, it's incredibly important to me, when I make a health claim on something that there's credited resources to back them up (not info from pinterests or a health blog). With that being said, I've done all the dirty work for you all here on the importance of this flippin awesome ancient root we call GINGER.
Ginger is an herb\spice. It belongs to the same family of spice as turmeric and cardamon, thus why those spices tend to blend well together. It also consists of active constituents called Gingerols. ( You're asking yourself what the heck are gingerols? -- I gotcha!). This means ginger is made up of different strains of oleo-resin. These strains demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which helps our bodies fight off infections, viruses, and bacteria that can affect our immune systems. These strains in ginger also support the body's adrenal system, along with stopping the spread of cancer cells. Pretty impressive, huh?
Because Ginger helps reduce swelling this is a huge component for folks who struggle with auto immune disease that causes inflammation or if you have a sinus infection or you sprain your ankle. Its a blood thinner. If you combine GINGER + TURMERIC together, you got your self a natural Ibuprofen. This is why folks who have arthritis or illness from cancer, can take Ginger in high doses and feel relief fairly quickly. The case studies I've reviewed suggested anywhere from 250-500 mg of powdered Ginger for extreme cases.
Last little tid bit I want to share with y'all, before I show you different ways to incorporate Ginger into your daily intake. Let's take a moment to talk about Digestion. Ginger helps break down high protein foods in the GI system such as meats & beans It also helps lesson the acid build up in our guts from these acidic foods we consume (especially good for Pitta DOSHA when you're imbalanced...acid reflux? Ginger, baby!). Ginger also helps with vomiting, morning sickness, and nausea. I read a case study that out of 30 pregnant women struggling with a bad case of morning sickness all took 250mg of powdered Ginger, 27 of them found nausea relief with in 10-15 mins. The organs and parts of the body that benefit from ginger are the colon, kidneys, ovaries, sexual organs, &varicose veins.
How to incorporate Ginger into your day?
Well, there are 3 ways you can buy ginger : a raw root, a powder form supplement, or dried ginger. I personally like to intake ginger in its raw form on a daily basis in my green juices or a smoothie. If you are someone that struggles with digestion or immunity issues, I would take it in a raw form so your body can absorb it immediately and your gut can receive the benefits of it breaking down food and acid. If you don't have access to a juicer, a daily supplement works great, just make sure you take in a blend form like: black pepper, vitamin C, or amino acid blend to help your body with absorption. I do have on hand a pretty powerful supplement of turmeric and ginger for times when I personally struggle with swelling from TMJ or heavy work outs or sinus headaches. This powerful supplement is from Gaia. I would only take this as needed rather than a daily basis. When struggling with digestion issues like bloating, constipation, or acid reflux, I love this Enzyme Blend from Rainbow Light.
Well, folks, I hope I helped bring some light around one of my favorite herbs. Ginger is a healer of the immune system. The times were going through now, it doesn't hurt to incorporate nature's immunity root.
Please, let me know your thoughts or questions. I have been a health coach for over 10 years. Im always available to answer any questions or to work with you one-on-one to help solve your body's struggles, imbalances, or enhance your journey of health & wellness!
xo, Mel
R E C I P E
Super Green Ginger Juice
8 Romaine Leaves
5 Stalks Celery
1 English Cucumber
8 cups Spinach
1 Green Apple
1 Lemon
1 inch knob of Ginger
R E C I P E
Ginger Lemon Tea
4-5 slices of Raw Ginger
1-2 slices of Lemon
1 tsp Manuka Honey
1-2 cups Boiling Water
** let it steep for 4 to 5 mins
Enjoy the recipes! If you decide to incorporate Ginger into your daily lives, be sure to take a picture and tag me on IG @melyogamama