For people who suffer from motion sickness, morning sickness or chemotheraphy related problems, the common kitchen ingredient, ginger, is the best herbal and handy cure. Technically called Zingiber officinal, it is regarded as a “great herb/ medicine”.
This rhizome is regarded around the world as a quick herbal remedy for a number of health problems.
Scientific studies conducted by several research institutions including the Indian Institute of Nutrition have revealed that ginger contains medicinal properties that control high blood pressure, check ovarian cancer, prevents cancer of large intestine, gives relief from menstrual cramps, constipation, heartburn, cold and flu and migraine, and reduces damage to kidneys in diabetic patients.
Ginger has also been found to be anti-inflammatory, anti-flatulent (controls digestive gases) and anti-oxidant (fights cancer).
Ginger rhizome contains proteins (2.3 per cent), fat (0.9 per cent), minerals (1.2 per cent), fibre (2.4 per cent) and carbohydrates (12.3 per cent), besides minerals like iron, calcium and phosphorous. Vitamins like thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
The major active components found in ginger are gingerols. The effectiveness of ginger (940 mg) in motion sickness was found to be equivalent of allopathic drug, dimenhydrinate (100 mg).
QUICK REMEDIES
Sore Throat
For quick relief consume freshly prepared ginger tea. To prepare ginger tea, obtain decoction of freshly cut ginger pieces (10 grams) by boiling them in four cups of water for about 20 minutes. Filter the decoction and consume. For taste, you may add honey and lemon juice.
Athlete’s foot
Ginger has been scientifically proven to fight fungal infections. Those suffering from athlete’s foot can prepare a ginger solution and soak their feet in it. It provides relief from itching and pain. Add a little ginger to warm water. Once it cools, dip your feet for 10 minutes.
Body odour
If you sweat too much and suffer from body odour, chew small pieces of ginger dried in lemon juice, salt and jeera. To fight nausea take “alla murabba” (ginger-jaggery sweet) available in the market. Deccan Chronicle