Reducing Pain with Ginger

Ginger has long been used throughout history as a successful form of alternative medicine. Historically being used in the treatment of digestive issues and nausea, ginger has also now been confirmed to provide pain relief through its anti-inflammatory properties.

The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in ginger come from the compounds of gingerols and shogaols. These properties work to improve function and relieve pain in your body, especially for those struggling with arthritis. Introducing ginger into your diet and lifestyle can significantly improve the swelling, pain, and morning stiffness brought on by everything from simply over-training to actual medical osteoarthritis. Now that we know the uses of ginger can help to relieve pain, let us learn how to use it.

Consult Your Doctor

Slight caution should be practiced when introducing significant quantities of ginger into your daily diet. In particular, increased amounts of ginger could potentially interfere with current medications you are on. Therefore, it is recommended to play it safe and talk with your doctor before diving heavily into ginger.

Choose Your Method and Dose

Ginger comes in many shapes, sizes, and doses. Indeed, you can find ginger available in everything from foods, teas, tinctures, and dried or fresh capsules. Capsules are typically the most efficient way to feel the anti-inflammatory effects of ginger, however it does not hurt to ask advice from a medical professional. Similar to traditional medicine, the amount of ginger you consume can affect the results of your pain relief. Whether consuming simply in food, or supplementing your diet with ginger capsules, meet with your doctor to discuss the correct dosage to begin with.

How to Incorporate Ginger

If you prefer not to take ginger capsules, there are plenty of healthy and delicious alternative ways to introduce ginger and its pain-relief benefits into your daily diet. One of the most common and enjoyed uses of ginger is steeping fresh ginger in hot water to make a soothing and bountiful tea. Moreover, ginger can easily be added to salads, sauces, smoothies, and any of your other favorite foods. So, go ahead and feel free to get creative!

Ginger Selection and Storage

When browsing the ginger sections in your local supermarket, you will likely see quite a variety of options. Older ginger tends to be darker and firmer while young ginger exhibits thinner skin and a softer composition. Depending on how you plan to add ginger into your diet, you can choose based on their characteristics as to which type of ginger would pair best with your food.

In the selection process, pay attention to the large knot of the ginger. Ensure that this knot, commonly referred to as the hand, is mold-free and unwrinkled so that you pick the best piece. Once you bring your ginger home, it can be stored both in the fridge and the freezer. Simply wrap your ginger in a paper towel and keep in a sealed plastic container in the fridge or freezer. Shelf life of the ginger in the fridge is up to several weeks while the frozen ginger enjoys a longer life of several months.

So, are you ready to experience the pain-relieving power of ginger? Choose the best method of incorporating ginger in your life and get started on the path to pain-relief.