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Feeling nauseous is one of the worst experiences humankind had. It leaves you uncomfortable and makes you feel helpless. However, there’s a simple cure for it, and the best part is that it doesn't involve taking heavy doses of medicines!
Eating raw ginger or consuming it in any form can help improve digestion and stimulate the release of hormones responsible for blood pressure regulation. This helps destress the body and relieve nausea.
Additionally, there are several benefits of consuming ginger, which you’ll learn about in this blog. Now, without further ado, let’s start by learning more about one of the most widely consumed herbs in the world.
What is Ginger?
Ginger is a perennial herb in the Zingiberaceae family. It has been used extensively over the years as a medical herb to cure indigestion, gastrointestinal problems, and nausea.
In addition to being a commonly used food component in Indian households, ginger is also consumed in the form of ginger tea and ginger water. Both forms of consumption help manage cholesterol and blood pressure and enhance the overall health of the immune system. Now, let’s learn about the significance of ginger in offering nausea relief.
Fun Fact: Did you know? The edible part of a ginger is actually a stem!
How does ginger help in relieving nausea?
Ginger comprises two major bioactive compounds: gingerol and shogaols. These compounds are responsible for speeding the stomach emptying process and promoting gastric antral contractions.
According to a research study by Science Direct, gingerol successfully treated tumours in numerous animal models and reduced the effects of obesity and diabetes. It is widely present in dried ginger, whereas shogaols can be abundant in raw ginger.
Health benefits of ginger : Different forms
Ginger can be consumed in several forms to get relief from nausea. Besides nausea treatment, numerous forms of ginger can be consumed for other health benefits mentioned below;
- Raw ginger benefits: Thanks to its rich bioactive compounds, eating raw ginger offers numerous health benefits including improved digestion process, nausea relief, immunity boost and enhanced blood circulation.
- Ginger tea benefits : Adding a pinch of ginger to your tea enhances its taste and provides much-needed relief from nausea. Besides this, other benefits of ginger tea include lowering cholesterol blood pressure, relieving heartburn and preventing blood clots
- Ginger hot water benefits: Eating raw ginger can leave a bitter aftertaste. Therefore, you can dip it in hot water and drink it in the morning. Get instant nausea relief and glowing skin.
- Ginger lemon water benefits: Since lemon is a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants and ginger helps in providing nausea relief. It also helps in soothing respiratory issues and promoting weight loss.
- Crystallised ginger: Known for curing morning sickness, crystallised ginger is often recommended to pregnant women. Its sugary element makes it more convenient and less bitter than raw ginger.
- Supplements: If you don’t want to drink ginger tea or eat crystallised ginger, supplements can also offer instant nausea relief. However, taking those with a relatively higher percentage of ginger and zero additives is advisable.
Recommended Ginger dosage for nausea relief
According to the FDA, consuming up to 4 grams of ginger daily is considered safe. However, some other studies suggest using 200 to 2,000 mg of ginger.
Use Cases of Ginger in Nausea Relief
Here are several cases in which ginger can be used to provide relief from nausea.
Morning sickness
Almost 70% of pregnant women experience morning sickness during the first three trimesters. Ginger, in any form, is taken daily to relieve intestine cramps, enhance stomach emptying, and prevent bloating.
Motion sickness
It is common to experience nausea and dizziness while travelling longer distances, especially by road or water. Although there are medications for curing motion sickness, ginger appears to have a more calming effect. According to a study, ginger works more effectively than Dramamine for curing motion sickness.
Chemotherapy
It is common for cancer patients to experience nausea while undergoing chemotherapy. Having ginger powder before chemotherapy can prove to have a significant reduction in nausea and vomiting.
Research studies have shown that patients taking 0.5 to 1 gm of liquid ginger daily experienced nausea relief within 24 hours of chemotherapy compared to a placebo.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Living with gastrointestinal diseases can drastically affect your immune system, making it harder for you to function at optimum levels. Some common examples of these disorders are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation. Taking ginger goes a long way in reducing the symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases.
A 28-day study of 45 people suffering from IBS showed that those who took 1 gm of ginger every day experienced a 26% reduction in symptoms.
Other health benefits of ginger
Besides providing nausea relief, ginger is known to have several health benefits. Some of these benefits are mentioned below;
Anti-inflammatory impact
According to some laboratory and animal studies, ginger extracts help minimise the production of chemical substances responsible for joint inflammation. Ginger also contains salicylates that regulate the production of salicylic acid, which helps relieve joint and muscle pain.
Enhancing gut health
Since ginger contains gingerol (a compound that enhances the rate at which the food leaves the stomach and reaches the intestine), the digestion process becomes more efficient and smooth, leaving no food residue in the stomach. Thus, ginger can significantly enhance your gut health.
Oral Health
Ginger’s antibacterial properties prevent the growth of oral bacteria, keeping your gums healthy and maintaining your overall oral health.
Side effects and precautions related to ginger usage
Ginger has several health benefits and is considered one of the safest ingredients to be consumed on an everyday basis. However, it may have certain side effects, such as heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhoea and mouth irritation.
Additionally, it is not recommended for individuals suffering from gallbladder diseases. In such cases, one must consult their healthcare providers before using ginger in their diet.
>>Read More: 5 Magic Food Ingredients that help in treatment of Food Poisoning
Bottom line
Besides being used as a medical herb for several years, ginger is an ingredient that has a wide range of benefits. From being an anti-inflammatory spice to enhancing your overall gut health and relieving nausea symptoms, it is the most recommended grandmother’s herb that should be in your kitchen. So the next time you feel nauseous, remember that ginger can be your saviour from this uncomfortable experience.
Natural remedies like ginger have been passed on to generations for centuries, especially for their role in alleviating nausea. From morning sickness to motion sickness, ginger can be your go-to solution. But what if your nausea is a symptom of something more serious? That’s where health plan come into the picture.
Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Verifying the policy details and coverage with the official policy documents is essential when purchasing health insurance. Also, kindly consult a professional medical expert to confirm the details of your health concerns.
