Overview
Benefits of Ginger (Adrak) And Its Side Effects
The primary benefit of Shankhpushpi is that it is a brain tonic and improves memory and intellect. Besides that it can be used to treat epilepsy and headache. It also controls vomiting and helps to cure diabetes.
Table of Content
Ginger (Adrak)
Ginger has multifarious uses. It is cooking ingredient that adds a sharp aromatic flavour, its strong smell is used in making perfumes and it contributes heavily as a remedy for various ailments too. There is a common misconception about ginger being a root as it grows below the ground. In actuality it is the stem of the ginger plant. These types of underground stems are called rhizomes. Its scientific name is Zingiber Officinale. The scientific name is believed to have been derived from its Sanskrit name – Singabera (horn shaped). The fleshy part of ginger can be of three colours, yellow, white or red depending upon its variety. It is covered in a light brown skin which might have stripes on it. The taste of ginger is pungent and hot. Ginger has made its way to the FDA’s list of generally safe foods.
Nutritional Value of Ginger (Adrak)
Ginger has gained a reputation as an extremely nutritional spice and this makes it more suitable for its remedial role. 100g of fresh ginger has 79 calories, 17.86g of carbohydrate, 3.6g of dietary fibre, 3.57g of protein, 14mg sodium, 1.15g of iron, 7.7mg of vitamin c, 33mg of potassium and no sugar. It is power pack of nature’s goodness. Apart from this, ginger also has vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, folate, riboflavin and niacin.
Nutritional facts Per 100 grams
Vitamins and Minerals
Health Benefits of Ginger (Adrak)
Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic
Ginger contains various beneficial compounds that are called gingerols which work miracles in reducing pain and swelling. These compounds supress chemokines and cytokines which are the compounds that causes inflammation. Hence ginger kills the cause of inflammation in its roots. It not only works to prevent pain and inflammation, but also cures it.
Treats Diarrhoea
Ginger prevents stomach spasm. These spasms are a major cause for diarrhoea. This remedy was known to the ancient Chinese for ages. The Chinese would give ginger powder to those suffering from diarrhoea and the scientists today validate this property and function of ginger.
Treats Flatulence
Gas formation in the body is a natural phenomenon. But when it happens in excess, it becomes a matter of concern. Excess gas formation is known as flatulence and it causes pain and discomfort. Ginger being an amazing carminative agent helps release this excess gas and prevents further accumulation. This way ginger prevents any damage to the delicate organs in the upper torso that may happen due to the excess gas pushing upwards from the stomach.
Prevents Cancer
Ginger has one of the most important attributes among all other plants- cancer preventive. Gingerols, the compounds which makes ginger an effective anti-inflammatory also helps in reducing cancerous activities in the colon. Such activities lead to cancer of the colon and the rectum. Ginger is the gastrointestinal systems best friend and helps it in many ways and this being the most important benefit. Recent studies have also revealed that it prevents the growth of ovarian cancer cells and reduces tumours without affecting the surrounding healthy cells.
Increases Sweating
Who likes to sweat? But after reading this you will surely want to sweat whether you like it or not. Sweating detoxifies your body. It cleans your pores and carries out your bodily toxins along with it. It also contains an anti-germ compound called dermicidin that has been seen to be effective in reducing bacterial and viral infections. A person who sweats regularly develops a protective layer of this compound on their skin.
Increases Sexual Activity
Ginger for ages has been used as an aphrodisiac. It works well to arouse sexual desires and enhance such activities. Its aroma helps in making sexual contacts. As ginger increases blood circulation, sexual urges are increased and this enhances sexual activities.
Eases Period Cramps
Ginger reduces the level of prostaglandin hormone that function as chemical messengers. This hormone is responsible for bringing about cramps, pains and fevers in the body. Menstrual cramps too are caused by this prostaglandin hormone being present in the blood. Hence chewing on ginger helps reduce period cramps.
Reduces Nausea
Nausea is a problem commonly associated with pregnancy, travelling especially in winding roads for those who suffer from motion sickness and patients undergoing chemotherapy. Ginger soothes body functions specifically in the gut. It also helps increase the speed of absorption of the food. This makes it effective against nausea without having any side effects.
Uses of Ginger (Adrak)
Ginger is a spice that all cuisines swear by. Its long list of health benefits is a big reason why this hot pungent herb has been used in cooking for ages and across borders. Ginger has also been seen to reduce dandruff which again is an important use of it.
Side-Effects & Allergies of Ginger (Adrak)
Ginger is generally a safe food but taking it in excess could cause acid reflux, irritate the mouth or even start diarrhoea. Pregnant women, those with gallstones or problems with blood clotting should avoid taking ginger in excess.
Cultivation of Ginger (Adrak)
Ginger has been first mentioned by Confucius in his writings in the 5th century BC. It is believed that this beneficial stem is a native of south-eastern Asia. India and China have used ginger in food and medicine since ancient times. It was introduced to the west by traders and through conquests and colonization of various parts of the world which exchanged cultures and exposed them to new things. Ginger needs 8 to 10 months to mature for being harvested. It grows best in a well-drained soil and in a warm and humid climate.
Popular Questions & Answers
Popular Health Tips
Top 10 Benefits of Ginger
1. Helps Calm Nausea and Vomiting
Clinical studies have proven ginger’s effectiveness at calming nausea and vomiting. Research has also confirmed its potential against chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The majority of studies found a positive effect against this side effect of aggressive therapies. Ginger may be a powerful option for those suffering from toxic medical procedures.
2. Digestive Tract Protection
Ginger has also been historically used for flatulence, constipation, bloating, and other digestive complaints. In addition to these gastro-protective effects, researchers have found ginger to be effective for stress related ulcers.
3. Brain Health
Ginger contains compounds that have demonstrated protective effects for the brain. One of them, known as 6-Shogaol, inhibited the release and expression of redness-causing chemicals known to cause damage to neurons in both in vitro and in vivo models. The other, 10-gingerol, when sourced from fresh ginger, similarly impacted production of nitric oxide and other chemicals that lead to redness and swelling in the brain.
4. Migraine Relief
In a clinical trial, 100 patients received ginger powder or a drug given to migraine sufferers. The results showed the ginger powder helped reduce migraine related discomfort… without side effects.
5. Supports Stable Blood Sugar
Ginger has repeatedly demonstrated powerful blood sugar balancing effects. It acts on insulin release and sensitivity, and supports the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. In one study, insulin levels noticeably lowered with ginger supplementation. In addition to its effectiveness as a blood sugar stabilizer, ginger has also demonstrated powerful protective effects against diabetic kidney.
Ginger and its active ingredient, gingerol, are an ideal choice for someone suffering from a sore throat. The natural antibacterial and antiviral properties of ginger, in combination with its anti-inflammatory properties, can quickly coat your throat and provide long-lasting relief from irritation and scratchiness. You can mix ginger into water with lemon or honey to improve the effects even further. Ginger can also speed the healing process by boosting the immune system and curing the underlying infection causing your sore throat in the first place!
Male impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction, is a common condition that most frequently affects older men. Unless the problem is psychological, the inability to achieve or maintain an erection is due to insufficient blood supply to the penis, not a lack of sexual arousal. Herbs such as ginger may help. However, since impotence may signal a more serious disorder, including cardiovascular disease or diabetes, check with your doctor before pursuing self-treatment.
Improved Circulation
Kathi Keville and Peter Korn, authors of "Herbs for Health and Healing," contend that poor circulation may cause impotence in men because damaged or impaired blood vessels simply fail to fill with blood and expand. They also say that certain herbs, such as ginger, may help to increase dilation in blood vessels and improve circulation.
Aroma and Flavor
In his book, "Herbal Aphrodisiacs from Around the World," Clarence Meyer says that the same agents that lend ginger its medicinal properties are also responsible for stimulating arousal due to the warm, spicy scent and taste they impart. In fact, in Asian and Arabic cultures, the fragrance of ginger alone is regarded an aphrodisiac. Ginger is even referenced in the "Kama Sutra," the ancient Indian Hindu text dedicated to the art of giving and receiving sexual pleasure.
Ginger Moxa
Ginger moxa is a therapy used in Chinese medicine to treat impotence that marries the properties of ginger with practice of moxibustion, a technique that involves burning selected herbs at various acupuncture points along the body. Usually, the herb of choice is mugwort, the leaves of which are rolled into a "moxa stick" much like a cigar. With ginger moxa, a thick slice of ginger becomes the insulation between the moxa stick and the skin. The ginger is pierced with a few small holes into which the moxa sticks are placed, and the sticks are allowed to burn down just far enough to produce perspiration and redness on the skin. The procedure is typically repeated several times in succession.
Male impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction, is a common condition that most frequently affects older men. Unless the problem is psychological, the inability to achieve or maintain an erection is due to insufficient blood supply to the penis, not a lack of sexual arousal. Herbs such as ginger may help. However, since impotence may signal a more serious disorder, including cardiovascular disease or diabetes, check with your doctor before pursuing self-treatment.
Improved Circulation
Kathi Keville and Peter Korn, authors of "Herbs for Health and Healing," contend that poor circulation may cause impotence in men because damaged or impaired blood vessels simply fail to fill with blood and expand. They also say that certain herbs, such as ginger, may help to increase dilation in blood vessels and improve circulation.
Aroma and Flavor
In his book, "Herbal Aphrodisiacs from Around the World," Clarence Meyer says that the same agents that lend ginger its medicinal properties are also responsible for stimulating arousal due to the warm, spicy scent and taste they impart. In fact, in Asian and Arabic cultures, the fragrance of ginger alone is regarded an aphrodisiac. Ginger is even referenced in the "Kama Sutra," the ancient Indian Hindu text dedicated to the art of giving and receiving sexual pleasure.
Ginger Moxa
Ginger moxa is a therapy used in Chinese medicine to treat impotence that marries the properties of ginger with practice of moxibustion, a technique that involves burning selected herbs at various acupuncture points along the body. Usually, the herb of choice is mugwort, the leaves of which are rolled into a "moxa stick" much like a cigar. With ginger moxa, a thick slice of ginger becomes the insulation between the moxa stick and the skin. The ginger is pierced with a few small holes into which the moxa sticks are placed, and the sticks are allowed to burn down just far enough to produce perspiration and redness on the skin. The procedure is typically repeated several times in succession.