Pain Management With Ginger
Ginger is largely noted for treating digestion problems, nausea and for relieving cough and sore throat. Although for decades folk healers have recommended ginger for treating body pain, enough scientific evidences were not available to support the pain relief property of this spice.
In a recent study, published in The Journal of Pain, researchers from Georgia College and State University have uncovered the pain relief property of ginger.
Ginger reduces exercise-induced muscle pain
In the experiment, a group of participants was given either raw ginger or heat-treated ginger in supplements. During the 11-day study period, the volunteers performed workouts to induce muscle pain.
Researchers observed that daily intake of ginger considerably reduced muscle pain developing from muscle injury. Daily consumption of raw ginger caused 25 per cent reduction in muscle pain, whereas heat-treated ginger decreased muscle pain by 23 per cent.
The study showed that heat treatment could not increase the analgesic property of the spice. Researchers believe that the anti-inflammatory compounds present in ginger aid pain relief.
Ginger for relieving arthritis pain
In an earlier study, researchers have found that ginger could be used for treating arthritis pain. According to the researchers, the pain relief mechanism of ginger is similar to that of popular pain relief drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
Ginger derives its pain relief property from gingerol, an active ingredient present in the spice. It can block the functions of pro-inflammatory enzymes. Some health experts suggest that ginger supplements could be used as a safer alternative to aspirin.
To reduce arthritis pain, you can take two to four grams of raw ginger daily. You can even take ginger in the form of juice, tea or extract. Ginger supplements are often recommended for alleviating joint pain.
Folk healers recommend application of warm poultice with fresh ginger to the painful joints to reduce inflammation and pain. Arthritis pain might be reduced by rubbing ginger oil on the painful joints.
Ginger for treating fibromyalgia
In Ayurveda, ginger is recommended for treating fibromyalgia pain. Daily intake of ginger tea, prepared by steeping one teaspoon of grated fresh ginger in a cup of hot water for about ten minutes, could reduce the debilitating muscle and joint pain in fibromyalgia patients.
