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Ginger root is a spice highly valued for its distinct pungency. It gives off an agreeable aroma, which is caused by organic compounds noted to have medicinal potential. Indeed herbal preparations of ginger have been around for more than a thousand years. In India, where it is consumed in large amounts, it is common knowledge that it cleanses the alimentary canal of toxins and relieves digestive problems.
Zingiber officinale is the plant species referred to as ginger in general, although other closely related species share the same name in many parts of the world. In fact, the family of plants it belongs to is called ginger in the scientific community. Like several other notable members of this family, the part used in this plant species is the rhizomatous root. It is a good source of nutrients and phytochemicals.
Promotes Healthy Digestion
Ginger products are known for their effect on digestion, and thus often used as digestives. The root is especially good for the digestive tract, inasmuch as it contains chemical compounds that promote the production and release of digestive enzymes required for the process of digestion. When taken before meals, it stimulates appetite. Also, it relieves nausea, vomiting, stomachache, and motion sickness.
In addition to its putative role in inducing the release of endogenous compounds that are involved in digestion, ginger root promotes fast transit of food products and waste materials in the alimentary canal. It attracts water as it works its way into the colon, softens the fecal matter, and stimulates peristaltic movement in the large intestines. By so doing, it promotes normal bowel movement.
Counters Inflammatory Agents
Intermediaries of inflammation trigger numerous conditions that afflict the stomach and the intestines. Ginger root is one of the oldest all natural remedies prized for its analgesic and antipyretic properties. It counters pain chemicals and inflammatory agents tied to stomachache and even fever. To this day Ayurvedic physicians prepare medications that contain extracts of ginger root to alleviate inflammation.
Sufferers of abdominal pain with no known cause are very likely to benefit from oral intake of ginger extracts. Alteration in bowel habits, sensation of bloating, and chronic abdominal pain are symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and chronic functional abdominal pain. Natural remedies like ginger root are good for these idiopathic conditions, which are digestive problems known to have obscure causes.
Destroys Pathogenic Microbes
Scientific research and alternative medicine alike have attributed antimicrobial properties to ginger. Compounds found in ginger root, such as zingerone, shogaol, and gingerol, display antibacterial activities, and thus often considered as bactericidal and bacteriostatic. Infusions, tinctures, and other herbal preparations of ginger contain high concentrations of these antimicrobial agents.
Ginger root is good not only for digestion but for overall health. In recent years, almost all of its age-old health claims have been proven. It is an ancient herbal remedy that becomes even more widespread in the past few decades due to the unwavering popularity of nutraceutical products.
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