Ginger in particular is widely used as a seasoning, and has also been used as a medicine for generations. It was even effective when used against the dreaded Black Plague during the middle ages. Today it is used in the treatment of such ailments such as the simple cold or a sniffle, and can alleviate the sympoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
There is plenty of well documented evidence indicating the effectiveness of ginger against headaches. When taken for alleviating a migraine, ginger can reduce the pain by blocking prostaglandins, which are the chemicals that are responsible for causing the swelling in blood vessels, which cause the migraines. It is this anti-inflammatory property of ginger that can relieve the discomfort of headaches, colds and flu.
If suffering from congestion and stuffiness, ginger can be used to block the production of substances that cause this. It also contains compounds, called gingerols, which are natural cough suppressants.
People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis can benefit from the use of ginger, as it reduces joint swellings. Ginger has been known to erase the symptoms in 50% of people suffering from osteoarthritis who used it as a remedy, and in 70% of those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. It's no secret that the health implications of drugs like Celebrex and Vioxx are cause for concern. Ginger is believed by many to be a much safer, and considerably more cost-effective alternative.
The way that ginger works can be compared to the way that aspirin works, in that they both thin the blood. Thromboxane compounds clump blood platelets and constrict blood vessels. What ginger does is dissolve the clumped blood platelets. This results in the reduction of blood clots and helps reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Relief of menstrual cramps has also been known to be provided by the use of ginger. Certain chemical compounds in ginger function as anti-spasmodics, and result in inhibiting the painfully uncomfortable contractions that women feel.
Garlic is an extremely powerful home remedy as well, with as many benefits as ginger. Garlic has great restorative powers, and it's use dates back to as early as the ancient Egyptians who have been known to give it to slaves constructing the pyramids, in order to increase their stamina and efficiency while working.
Garlic, much like ginger, can reduce the tendency of blood clot, by improving blood flow throughout the body. The garlic acts like a vasodilator, causing the blood vessels to expand, which in turn reduces blood pressure. Even in small amounts, garlic, say about 3 to 4 grams, will have a considerably beneficial effect on the breaking down of blood clots. In higher doses, say 25 grams, garlic is highly effective in the promotion of beneficial changes in blood fat composition, and the adhesiveness of platelets.
A great way to lower LDL cholesterol levels and tryglycerides, while increasing the beneficial cholesterol or HDL, is also through the use of garlic.
Let's not forget about the anti-tumor properties which garlic possesses. It's oil is very effective in the inhibiting of enzymes that are responsible for curtailing the production of prostaglandins ( many cancers are dependent on prostaglandin). Research also makes apparent that there exists an inverse relationship between the incidence of stomach cancer and garlic intake, especially when ingested on a regular basis. Studies also suggest with clarity, that garlic may lower the risk of colon cancer by 30%, and stomach cancer by an even greater degree, as much as 50%. There is also a considerable amount of laboratory evidence detailing that garlic can shrink cancers of the lungs, breasts and skin.
Last but not least, the essential oil of garlic is naturally excreted through the lungs, which means that it is particularly effective in helping clear up respiratory ailments.
With all the benefits that ginger and garlic have to offer, consuming some amount of one, the other, or both on a daily basis, will result in ones health surely improving, or being well maintained in many respects.
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