Fresh Ginger For Migraine Relief? Studies Say...Yes!

Author: Willie Jones

It has been long known by many that ginger is excellent at soothing an irritated stomach and works well to alleviate motion sickness but according to a study done at the Odense University in Denmark, researchers discovered that ginger works the same way that aspirin does by blocking prostaglandins (A chemical that causes inflammation in the blood vessels of the brain). It reduces the stickiness of blood (platelet aggregation).

At the beginning signs of a migraine, taking a ½ to 1 tsp of ginger in warm or room temperature water, can greatly reduce or even eliminate the pain. It has a strong peppery taste but is not intolerable. For those that are allergic to aspirin or who don't want to take drugs for every little pain, ginger may be able to help you.

Other benefits of ginger are;

- it stimulates the digestive system and can move undigested food and gas through the intestines (this is good news for seniors because they often have digestive difficulties that make them feel sluggish and tired).
- Japanese studies have indicated that ginger works very well for reducing the pain of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
- can help in the healing of stomach ulcers.
- can aid in reducing nausea, particularly helpful for chemotherapy patients.
- reduces platelets in blood vessels and thins the blood to reduce the chances of having a stroke or heart attack.
- helps to sooth menstrual cramps.
- Is very helpful in minimizing the effects of colds or the flu

If you are not familiar with how to buy fresh ginger at your supermarket, look for a firm root that does not have any discoloration in the flesh. If you see browning in the flesh or cracks and splits, then it is on its way out. It is interesting to note that the ginger you buy in most supermarkets has a dry brown skin that is hard to peel. Fresh ginger just pulled out of the ground does not have dry skin at all and is very easy to peel, but, it's difficult to find that kind of freshness at any grocery store.

Fresh ginger is best, but powdered will work if that is all you have on hand. To keep fresh ginger readily available, one of my favorite chefs had a great tip. Peel off the skin of firm fresh ginger, place it in a freezer bag and freeze, and it will be ready to grate anytime you need it. Frozen ginger is also much easier to grate than fresh.

There are many great recipes but here are a couple of simple ones to start with, especially if you are trying to stave off a headache or quell nausea etc.

Recipe for ginger tea;

Add one oz of grated fresh ginger (or 1 tsp of ground) to 1 cup of boiling water and steep for 5 to 6 mins, then strain. Add the juice of ½ a lemon and 2 tsps of Blue Agave (A low glycemic syrup) or sweetener of your choice. Enjoy!

Quick and easy homemade ginger ale;

Place ½ tsp of ginger and 2 tsps of Blue Agave (or sweetener of your choice) in a glass. Slowly add carbonated water to ¾ of a glass. Add lemon juice and stir. Enjoy! Note: make this only when you are going to drink it right away because ginger will reduce the carbonation level of the water.

There are many recipes online if you want to incorporate ginger into your diet on a regular basis. Find out what you and your family like and enjoy!

About the Author:
Willie is a freelance writer and researcher whose own health problems prompted her to search for as much information on health as possible and share that knowledge with others. She's co-owner of http://www.cleanbodydetox.com a site that focuses on health and detox through an ionic foot bath.

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