For over 2000 years, Chinese medicine has recommended the use of ginger to help cure and prevent many health problems. Since we’re not ancient Chinese herbalists but we do like to use at home remedies from time to time, we did a little digging to find out what the uses and benefits of ginger are.

Here’s a list of some of the amazing uses for ginger:

1. Ginger contains chromium, magnesium and zinc which help improve blood flow (improved blood flow can help prevent chills, fever, and excessive sweating—especially when you’re sick).
2. Ginger is an excellent remedy for motion sickness. If you’re travelling, chew on some ginger or ginger candies.
3. Ginger improves the absorption and stimulation of essential nutrients by stimulating gastric and pancreatic enzyme secretion so don’t hesitate to drizzle a little ginger syrup on your oatmeal in the morning.
4. Ginger has been used for thousands of years as a treatment for colds and flu. Steep 2 tablespoons of freshly shredded or chopped ginger root in hot water, and drink, two to three times daily. Or keep a bottle of ginger tincture handy.
5. A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells. It defends against cell damage and decreases cancer cell proliferation and suppresses mechanisms that initiate cancer cell activation.
6. Got a headache? Ginger contains some of the most potent anti-inflammatory fighting substances known and is a natural powerful painkiller.
7. Suffering from a cough? Ginger aids in expanding your lungs and loosening up phlegm because it is a natural expectorant that breaks down and removes mucus.
8. Ginger powder has a high level of antioxidants that can induce cell death and suppress certain proteins in ovarian cancer cells.
9. Eating a little bit of ginger every day can help stave off your potential risk of having a stroke by keeping your arteries from developing fatty deposits.
10. Snacking on ginger can decrease bacterial infections in your stomach.
11. Eating a small bit of ginger just before lunch will wake up a dull appetite and fire up your digestive juices.
12. Ginger improves the absorption and use of essential nutrients in the body.
13. Applying fresh ginger juice on a burn can give pain relief and help to heal the actual burn.
14. Being a powerful antiseptic and cleansing agent, ginger helps to keep skin clean, smooth and free of blemishes. It also invigorates and stimulates your skin.
15. Hypopigmented (white or very light skin toned) scars occur when the skin loses its pigmentation. Ginger can reduce the appearance of hypopigmented skin to a significant extent. All you need to do is cut a sliver of fresh ginger and dab it on the areas everyday. You should see slight improvement within a week or two.
16. Ginger is known for its antioxidant and toning properties which contribute to radiant skin. You can prepare a simple mask by mixing 2 teaspoons grated ginger with 2 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon lemon juice and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Apply it on your face and rinse with cool water after 30 minutes. This will nourish and soften your skin and help prevent ageing.
17. Ginger has been used as a natural remedy for the treatment of heartburn and nausea during pregnancy. Ginger mint tea is perfect for this.
18. Ginger improves the appearance of your skin by removing toxins and stimulating circulation. It prevents damage from free radicals and improves elasticity making your skin more firm and youthful.
19. Tummy moaning and groaning with cramps? Ginger aids digestion and a cup of ginger tea is probably just what you need.
20. Do you have joint pain? Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory properties—can help. Add some ginger essential oil to your bath to help aching muscles and joints.
21. Just had surgery? Chewing ginger post-operation can help overcome that woozy, crappy, nauseated feeling that comes post-anaesthetic.
22. Want to improve your love life? Try having a bowl of gingery soup as part of a romantic dinner (the Ayurvedic texts credit ginger with aphrodisiac properties).
23. Ear aches are a pain. Put 2 drops of ginger root oil on a piece of cotton or cotton ball and place in an aching ear for several hours to soothe.
24. Ginger can provide migraine relief by inhibiting prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels. Applying diluted ginger paste (made from powdered ginger and water) on the forehead will help.
25. Ginger has been found to be effective in reducing the incidence of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage). Diabetic patients are often advised to drink ginger in water early in the morning to regulate their glucose levels.

Do you like ginger? What do you use it for? Did we forget any amazing uses?

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