Ginger, a flavorful, intense spice prominent in Asian cuisine, is a flowering plant originating in China. A member of the Zingiberaceae family, it is closely related to turmeric, cardamon and galangal. Packed with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for body and brain, ginger is among the healthiest spices on the planet. It contains 40 antioxidant compounds, in addition to potent anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
With so much going for it, ginger boasts a strong reputation as a healer and has a long running history of applications for beauty and wellness purposes, making it a great ingredient to include in your skin care and body treatments! In Ayurvedic medicine, ginger is called “Vishabhesaj,” which translates to “universal medicine.” Because of its wide variety of applications and uses, ginger has a high value when it comes to holistic medicine. In fact, one of the most important signs of health and longevity in Ayurvedic medicine is good digestion. Ginger is commonly used to promote good digestion and ease congestion or a clogged or slow digestive system.
The healing properties of ginger are derived from its strong nutritional composition. Ginger is rich in vital micro nutrients such as:
• Potassium:
one of the seven essential macrominerals. The human body requires at least 100 milligrams of potassium daily. Potassium helps regulate fluid balance and controls the electrical activity of the heart and other muscles.
• Magnesium:
plays a role in over 300 enzymatic reactions within the body, including the metabolism of food, fatty acids and proteins. Magnesium is also important for nerve health.
• Copper:
an essential trace mineral necessary for health. Found in all body tissues and plays a role in the production of red blood cells and maintaining nerve and immune system function.
• Manganese:
also an essential trace mineral, manganese is required for normal brain, nervous system and enzyme function. Manganese is stored in the kidneys, liver, pancreas and bones.
• B vitamins:
plays a significant role in nerve function, the formation of red blood cells, and the production of DNA. While most people get plenty of vitamin B12 benefits in a varied, balanced diet, if you are on a vegan or vegetarian diet, you are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency.
Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger, with amazing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These elements combine to deliver the following benefits:
SENSATIONAL SKIN
Fights aging:
Ginger’s high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties prevent free radical damage and work to even skin tone and boost elasticity, all factors in preserving a youthful appearance.
Rejuvenates:
By stimulating circulation and removing toxins, ginger enables better delivery of nutrients to skin for a rejuvenating effect.
Clears acne:
A powerful antiseptic and cleansing agent, it helps keep skin clean and smooth. It kills acne-causing bacteria to minimize acne formation.
Fights inflammatory conditions: Gingerol’s inflammation fighting effects make it a potentially beneficial tool for addressing various inflammatory-related skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis and rosacea.
Fades scars:
The toning and antioxidant properties in ginger can reduce the appearance of hypopigmented scars, which are white or much lighter than one’s natural skin tone. Ginger can work directly on the damaged skin cells, comprising the hypopigmented scar and stimulating the melanocytes to produce adequate melanin. As a result, the natural color of the skin comes back and the white scars disappear gradually.
BODY THERAPY
The topical superpowers of ginger even extend beyond beautiful skin. This wonder herb can be used externally to treat abdominal cramps, joint stiffness, skin burns and inflammations, making ginger-based products a valuable element to incorporate into body treatments. Consider the following possibilities:
• Ginger compresses can be used to address everything from gout, headaches, menstrual cramps, muscular stiffness and aches, sinus congestion, spinal pain, stomach cramps and swollen glands.
• Ginger essential oil can help alleviate arthritis symptoms, as well as joint and spinal problems. It improves circulation and blood flow, making it the perfect ingredient for a treatment targeted to relieving tired, achy muscles.
• Ginger’s reputation as a powerful aphrodisiac makes it a great ingredient to incorporate into couples’ therapies.
GUT GOODNESS
In addition to the topical treasures of this spicy wonder, the purported ingestible benefits of ginger to the gut are abundant. Taken orally, ginger helps with both digestion and relief of pain or discomfort in the gut.
DIGESTION
Ginger provides protection to the digestive system by increasing the pH of gastric acids and decreasing the level of acidity in the stomach.
The increased pH of gastric acids reduces the amount and rate of gastric secretion and increases the activity of digestive enzymes, thus helping digestion and speeding the emptying of the stomach. This is also beneficial for indigestion and related stomach discomfort, described below:
PAIN AND DISCOMFORT AID
• Infection relief: The anti-bacterial properties of ginger can help provide relief from bacterial infections of the stomach, such as gastritis and other infections caused by Helicobacter pylori, a common type of bacteria that causes infection in the stomach.
• Ulcer prevention: Ginger has the ability to neutralize the secretion of gastric acids, which could possibly cause ulcers in the stomach.
• Irritation: The phenolic compounds in ginger are known to help relieve gastrointestinal irritation.
• Nausea: Everything from motion sickness to chemotherapy side effects may be alleviated with ginger.
• Menstrual relief: Ginger, ingested in the form of tea, is a known remedy for painful periods.
Complete your gut related services by offering your clients a serving of ginger tea to provide benefits from the inside out. Recommend that clients with gut health struggles incorporate supplements, tea or fresh ginger into their regular diets to reap the digestive perks.
