Joint paincan be treated withgingerto relieve it
Ginger is a plant native to and flowering in Asian countries, West Africa, and the Caribbean. Ginger is mostly known as a fragrant and unique spice, but it has long been used as a traditional medicine to treatnauseaand digestive problems. Currently, the beneficial properties of ginger for people suffering fromarthritisand inflammatory conditions likerheumatoid arthritisand degenerative arthritis have been proven.
Some notable benefits of ginger:
A detailed article on the medicinal properties of ginger has been published, highlighting its therapeutic effects; in this section on health,SelMagzwe focus on a specific topic: relieving joint pain with this powerful spice. Laboratory studies show that ginger’s benefits come from various compounds like gingerol and shogaol. These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which not only help with arthritis but also are used to treat digestive and heart diseases, even cancer.
It appears that ginger’s anti-inflammatory effects are also effective in treating various types of arthritis. The compounds in ginger can inhibit COX2 and work similarly to some drugsrheumatoid arthritisand psoriatic arthritis.
How does ginger work?
Inflammation is a normal immune response that helps heal wounds and fight infections. It is a protective process where white blood cells are released to combat bacteria and viruses. The main goal of ginger treatment for arthritis is to reduce discomfort because currently, there is no cure for arthritis.
Studies show that people with osteoarthritis who took ginger experienced a 30% reduction in pain and a 22% decrease in disability compared to others. Ginger’s effectiveness is comparable to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.
Recent research indicates that ginger can reduce inflammatory chemicals produced by the body, which are a main cause of arthritis. The studies confirm that ginger helps the body produce salicylates, a natural compound used in NSAID medications for treating arthritis. Salicylates help relieve joint pain. Although there is no cure yet, some medicines and supplements can help reduce symptoms.
Most current studies point to the benefits of ginger; however, some research shows no therapeutic effect of ginger for pain relief or inflammation in arthritis. More research is needed to confirm its healing effects.
Ways to include ginger in your diet:
Experts recommend consuming supplements of ginger daily, in doses of 100-225 milligrams, to get the most benefits. It’s best to consult a doctor before taking ginger supplements because they might interact with blood-thinning medicines likewarfarin(Coumadin). If you prefer not to use supplements, you can add fresh, dried, or pickled ginger to your meals. Here are some ways to incorporate ginger into your diet:
1. Ginger is a main spice used in Asian dishes, such as Thai chicken with ginger.
2. Ginger powder can be added to vegetable dishes to give a spicy flavor and aroma.
3. Fresh ginger root can be grated intosoupsor eaten withapplesor fried potatoes.
4. Fresh or powdered ginger can also be used to flavor tea.
5. Ginger syrup is also very useful and popular in cold drinks.
As mentioned before, ginger can reduce activity of several chemicals responsible forjoint inflammationand is a herbal medicine with minor side effects, mainly stomach discomfort and burning sensation in the mouth.
