The weather here in Portland has been fairly wet and cold lately. We dodged the huge snow storm that was predicted but the temperatures have been hovering around an uncomfortable 35-40 degrees with plenty of dampness. I have been hearing from many clients that they are having a difficult time feeling warm during this weather. When I hear people talking about trying to warm themselves, one of my first recommendations is to add ginger tea to their days. According to Chinese Medicine, ginger is considered a warming spice, meaning adding it to your diet can impart a feeling of warmth. Ginger is not only warming, but it also has many other health supporting characteristics.
One well known use of ginger is as an anti-nausea treatment. It has successfully been used to battle nausea in cancer patients, for motion sickness and is particularly effective for pregnancy related morning sickness.
Gingerol, one of the compounds found in ginger, has anti-inflammatory properties that protect against inflammation in the gums, reducing gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingerol also helps combat osteoarthritis and may reduce muscle soreness post workout if consumed on a regular basis.
Ginger may also be helpful in the fight against colorectal and ovarian cancer.
Ginger helps improve digestion by increasing the body’s ability to empty food from the stomach more quickly. Quicker stomach empting leads to less heartburn.
Ginger can lower blood pressure by helping to dilate blood vessels, making it easier for blood to move through the body.
Ginger root can be used fresh, dried, powdered, as a tea or as in an oil or juice. It is a spicy, tasty addition to a healthy diet.
