Herbs and spices have been used for centuries as a natural medicine for all kinds of different conditions.  One revered spice that offers a list of benefits is ginger.  If you have never tried ginger, it’s the underground stem of the Zingiber officinale plant.  It has a spicy, zingy taste to it.

There has been a number of studies on the effects of consuming ginger. They have concluded that ginger has some powerful healing properties, including the below.

Anti-inflammatory

Ginger can help with Osteoarthritis.  In a review of several studies, participants who consumed ginger capsules reported less pain, and were able to move around more easily.

Lowers Blood Sugar

Uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to heart disease.  There have been a few studies conducted that have shown some promising results with ginger and blood sugar.  Not only can it help lower fasting blood sugars, but it may also improve hemoglobin A1c which is another marker of diabetes.

Nausea

Nausea can occur under many different conditions, including after surgery, during chemotherapy, and during the early stages of pregnancy.  Ginger can help reduce the feelings of nausea, especially with morning sickness.  

Digestion

Indigestion is a common ailment that affects a lot of people.  It’s believed that indigestion happens when food sits in the stomach for too long.  Ginger may help facilitate digestion, allowing food to leave the stomach faster.  In turn, this helps relieve stomach discomfort associated with indigestion.  

Ginger is very easy to incorporate into your diet.  Here is a recipe for helping digestion:

Digestion Enhancer

In a large mason jar mix:

32 oz of spring water

2 Tbsps of raw apple cider vinegar

1 Tbsp of freshly grated ginger  

Add a packet of stevia if you need it for taste. 

Shake and put in the refrigerator to chill.  Drink 1 cup 15 to 20 minutes before eating to enhance digestion.

Baked Apple

2  Apples

½ tsp of cinnamon

¼ tsp powdered ginger

1 tsp of ghee or butter for each apple

Wash and core the apples and put them in a baking dish.  Sprinkle the ingredients between both apples—Bake at 350 degrees for approximately ½ an hour.