Ginger Root (5% Gingerols)

History:

Ginger is an exotic, perennial plant with highly aromatic flowers that grows to a height of three feet. It originated in tropical Asia, where its tuberous rootstock was not only used as a spice for culinary purposes, but has also continued to play an important role in Asian medicine for 2,500 years. The Chinese considered it a "warming" herb and used it extensively to warm the stomach, ward off colds, dispel chills and treat digestive problems, and Chinese ships even carried Ginger on voyages to prevent seasickness. In ancient Greece and Egypt, Ginger was used as a confection, and the Romans considered it a taxable commodity by A.D. 200. The Persians were said to use Ginger as a remedy for arthritis. The origin of Ginger's name may be derived from two sources: The Greek word for Ginger is zingiberis, and some say it is derived from Zanzibar, from whence it was imported to Europe in the fifteenth century. It is believed that gingerbread was sent as a gift to Russia to celebrate the birth of Peter the Great and was also a favorite in the court of Elizabeth I of England. Ginger spread to Spain, where it was cultivated; and later, Spanish conquistadors brought it to the New World, where it has thrived as a major commercial crop in Jamaica. Ginger is now cultivated in tropical areas of the world, including Africa, Asia, Australia and the West Indies. Under cultivation, Ginger seldom blossoms, and the fruit is rarely seen. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is called "the universal medicine," and in both Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), its use still comprises more than half of all prescriptions dispensed. Ginger is rich in volatile oils, beta-carotene, B-vitamins, vitamins A and C, essential fatty acids, amino acids, resins, potassium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, zingiberen, b-bisabolene, sesquiphellandrene, arcurcumene, geranial, citronellol acetate, zingerones and gingerols (including shogaols, a breakdown product of gingerols produced only upon drying and twice as effective and pungent as gingerols).

For nausea, Ginger is considered a wonderful and time-honored remedy. The herb is frequently used to settle a queasy stomach, manage vomiting and colic, ease motion sickness and seasickness (some research showed it to be even better than Dramamine). Ginger reputed has qualities that support the body's own resources to combat H. pylori, which may thus be useful in fighting ulcers. Although an old-time remedy for morning sickness, pregnant women should use Ginger sparingly and only with doctor's approval.

Ginger is used to support improved digestion and has been known to support the body's efforts to pep up the appetite, promote saliva production, combat dyspepsia and relieve flatulent colic (it has been used to inhibit flatulence if included with the meal). Ginger is also highly regarded as a support for stomach cramps, alcoholic gastritis and hangover. The shogaol content in Ginger supports increased  activity of the digestive tract and may thus be particularly helpful for digesting rich, fatty foods.

Ginger works with the body to encourage gentle muscle contractions throughout the digestive system, yet at the same time it may inhibit muscle spasms, thus complementing  the body's efforts to control diarrhea.

Ginger's warming properties have been used by herbalists to cleanse the body of toxins through the skin by stimulating and increasing perspiration and has, thus, also been useful for breaking fevers. The plant is slightly diuretic, which can further cleanse the body by supporting strengthened kidney function and increasing kidney filtration.

Containing coumarins (plant-based blood thinners), Ginger works as a natural blood thinner and may thus help to reduce the risk of  strokes, heart attacks and hardening of the arteries. The chemical, gingerol, appears to inhibit an enzyme that causes cells to clot and may thereby reduce platelet aggregation and blood "clumping."  Ginger works with the body to retard and reduce cholesterol production by the liver, and reputedly has an ability to reverse the increase in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, thus also supporting the body's efforts to reduce heart attack risk.

Because of its natural blood thinning qualities, promising research results show Ginger’s effectiveness in inhibiting clotting and protecting nerve cells in the brain. Ginger may not only work with the body's natural inclination to fight heart atttacks and strokes, but may also be beneficial in cases of Alzheimer's disease.

Long considered an effective herbal expectorant, Ginger has been used to rid the body of mucus buildup in the sinuses, throat and lungs. For centuries, the Chinese have used Ginger as a drying herb to eliminate mucus and have used it for colds, diarrhea and coughs. This sweet, pungent, aromatic and warming herb is still considered a fine natural support for congestion, colds, influenza, asthma and chronic bronchitis. It is said to support relief of cold symptoms, and the shagaol in Ginger is thought to destroy cold viruses. Its natural pain relieving properties reputedly ease the abdominal pain sometimes associated with colds and flu and possibly also the pain of strep throat.

Ginger's natural anti-inflammatory properties are said to support relief of arthritis, bursitis and sprains. The herb has been said to inhibit the production of immune system components called cytokines, chemicals that create a long-term tendency toward inflammation and also stimulate blood circulation, which may thus offer pain relief, increased joint mobility, decreased swelling and morning stiffness. Some people with chronic lower back pain have found Ginger to be an effective pain reliever in their treatment. A 2010 study from the University of Georgia found that both raw and heat-treated Ginger Root reduced the pain associated with muscle injury by about twenty-four percent. Ginger Root is a rich source of antioxidants, including gingerols, shogaols, zingerones and other ketone derivatives, and its pain-reducing effects are biologically plausible because of the effect of gingerols, shogaols and zingerones on inflammatory compounds – suggesting that Ginger may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties akin to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Further supporting its pain killing and anti-swelling properties, other pain-killing benefits attributed to Ginger include management of migraine headaches, menstrual cramps and the cramping caused by constipation. It may also relieve both the pain and inhibit production of hormones that cause swelling in fibrocystic breasts.

Important research from the University of Michigan indicated that Ginger may cause malignant ovarian cell death. Furthermore, it did so in a way that may prevent tumor cells from becoming resistant to treatment, a common problem with chemotherapy. In the laboratory tests, Ginger caused two kinds of malignant cell death. The first is called apoptosis, in which the cells essentially commit suicide, and the second is autophagy, in which cells digest or attack themselves. According to Dr. J. Rebecca Liu, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, most ovarian cancer patients develop recurrent disease that eventually becomes resistant to standard chemotherapy, and if Ginger can cause autophagic cell death, in addition to apoptosis, the plant may circumvent resistance to conventional chemotherapy. It's already thought that Ginger supports reduced inflammation, which contributes to the development of malignant ovarian cells; and by halting inflammation, Ginger may thus thwart diseased cells from growing.

Recent research indicates that Ginger may be useful in the treatment of minor burns and skin inflammations.

Ginger is said to increase the absorption and efficacy of other herbs and drugs that are taken with it and is, thus, often included in many herbal blends.

Ginger is considered effective in combating parasitic infection. In Japan, Ginger is included with sushi to ward off parasites and also to clear the palate and improve digestion. The chemical, zingibain, in Ginger can destroy the anisakid worm, a parasite sometimes carried in raw fish. The antibiotic activity of Ginger's shogaol and zingerone is said to strongly inhibit the growth of salmonella and other bacteria.

Ginger is a warming herb that supports strengthened kidney, bladder, uterus and liver function (increasing bile production).  As a natural blood thinner, Ginger can be helpful as a support for increased blood circulation, including peripheral circulation (to hands, feet, etc.).

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
People taking blood thinners (Coumadin, aspirin, etc.) should avoid Ginger Herbal Supplement, and the herb should be avoided for two weeks prior to elective surgery. Pregnant women should not take large amounts of Ginger for morning sickness, nor for prolonged periods and only after consulting a physician. Ginger increases bile production and should not be used by people with gallstones or gallbladder disease, unless supervised by a doctor.

Capsule Information:
Our Ginger Root (5% Gingerols) supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs."

Special Note:
If any medical terms on our website are confusing or unknown, we have compiled a small dictionary of terms for you. Click here for our Definitions, and go directly to the word in question for further information.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.