Understanding The Health  Benefits of Ginger Root (Zingiber Officinale)

Spice up your life and health with the power of Ginger Root! This zesty aromatic spice is known around the globe for its use in cooking, baking, candy making and alternative medicine. [1]. This delicious spice is also an ancient Eastern medicine used to treat various stomach issues, including morning sickness. Ginger has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties that help with degenerative conditions and chronic pain [2]. 

Zingiber Officinale is the accepted scientific name for Ginger. In Latin, it’s called zinziberi. It's also known by Amomum zingiber L., another scientific name. In Sanskrit, the word for Ginger Root is "srngaveram," meaning "horn body," which refers to the root. Ginger is a flowering rhizome plant with an underground stem with continuous growth. [3]. Americans call it Ginger, but it's called Jiang in China. The Japanese word for Ginger is Shōga. Due to its global popularity, Ginger has over one hundred different words to reference it [4]. 

The Clear Story About Ginger Root

Researchers believe the Chinese and South Asians (India) made a tonic from the Ginger Root over 5000 years ago. The Ginger tonic treated many illnesses and conditions. It was a flavoring agent for food and drinks long before history was recorded [1]. In addition to being a star ingredient in the kitchen, Ginger is a long-time home remedy for nausea, stomach aches, motion sickness and morning sickness. In Ayurveda, it is considered the universal medicine and is an ingredient in most Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines [2].  

Ginger was precious in India as a trade commodity. Over 2000 years ago, the Roman Empire imported the root from India for its coveted medicinal properties. Even after the Roman Empire collapsed, Arab merchants controlled the ginger and spice trade industry. In medieval times, Ginger was an ingredient in many sweets. The cookie that rose to fairytale fame, the gingerbread man, was the creation of Queen Elizabeth I of England [1]. 

The plant that produces Ginger Root doesn’t grow in the wild and its origins are unknown.  Asia, West Africa, and the Caribbean islands grow Ginger as a cash crop. However, India is currently the largest producer of culinary and medicinal Ginger [3]. At least forty countries worldwide grow Ginger but India fulfills the bulk of the global market, followed by Nigeria, Nepal, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Cameroon, Mali and Bangladesh [5]. 

 Benefits of Ginger Root

Beyond its wide range of culinary uses, Ginger supplementation supports the immune system and helps resolve many health issues.  Ginger's anti-inflammatory and powerful painkilling properties can help ease pain and inflammation caused by chronic osteoarthritis, arthritis, migraines and menstrual cramps. One study focused on people who worked out and found ginger soothed their sore, aching muscles afterward [6]. 

There is some evidence that Ginger may improve brain function and protect against long-term age-related mental decline. A study in 2012 of healthy women who took Ginger extract every day saw improved memory and reaction times. It's the ability to fight oxidative stress and chronic inflammation that is crucial in helping maintain cognitive function and prevent conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia [7]. 

Consuming Ginger fresh, pickled, candied, brewed as a tea or supplement improves digestion. The phenols like Gingerol (aromatic organic compound) present in the medicinal root are responsible for relieving digestive issues like nausea [8]. Several studies have researched how Ginger relieves excess gas and bloating. It may improve gut motility in the digestive tract, which may help remedy or avoid constipation [6]. 

A 2010 study of sixty adults and children who had nausea from chemotherapy found relief after taking Ginger Root powder supplements. Further studies will continue researching how Ginger relieves nausea and other gastrointestinal problems [6]. 

Cardiovascular health may be improved by the antioxidants present in Ginger products but more studies are required. In a small study, rats with diabetes that took Ginger showed fewer heart issues. Its antioxidant properties have also reduced oxidative stress preventing cellular damage that may eventually lead to serious health issues such as cancer [6]. 

Gingerol is the vital antioxidant present in Ginger’s natural oils. This unique antioxidant is what gives the spicy root its medicinal properties. This antioxidant also allows Ginger to help fight off illnesses like influenza ('the flu'), common colds and other respiratory infections [7]. 

How is Ginger Root Used?

Ginger is well-known worldwide as a flavorful food additive and natural alternative medicine for many varied health issues. Its incredible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help relieve chronic pain and inflammation safely and naturally. Daily Ginger Root regularly helps relieve inflamed tissue, fight illness and soothe digestive complaints.

Ginger Root is available in the following forms:

• Pickled ginger
• Ginger tea or juice
• Ginger oil
• Capsules
• Tablets
• Ground or powdered
• Pain & inflammation dietary supplement
• Smoothies
• Ginger ale
• Candied or crystallized

Eating an anti-inflammatory diet comprised of foods, especially probiotic foods, may help reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, gastrointestinal disorders, etc. Consistently taking a daily anti-inflammatory supplement, such as our Clear Inflammatory Response probiotic supplement, that contains Ginger Root may help enhance the quality of your life while slowing the symptoms of aging.

Why Clear Probiotics Utilizes Ginger 

Clear Inflammation contains Ginger Root, known for its powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, Gingerol. It helps reduce inflammation and soothe painful symptoms associated with chronic conditions without prescription medication. Gingerol also eases stomach ailments, improves digestion and digestive system health, and relieves cramping. Since ancient times, Ginger has had a place in traditional and alternative medicine throughout the world.

The Science of Ginger Root / The Research Behind Ginger 

The Surprising Benefits of Ginger

Learn about the health benefits provided by the flowering rhizome, Ginger. The Cleveland Clinic discusses how Ginger can help maintain blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol.

Can ginger help with arthritic pain? - Medical News Today

Learn more about the evidence showing how Ginger can help manage the painful symptoms associated with arthritis. This article will explain how to use Ginger medicinally safely.

Effects of a ginger extract on knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis

This article discusses studies that evaluated the effectiveness and safety of a standardized and highly concentrated extract of 2 ginger species, Zingiber officinale, and Alpinia galanga, in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.

Can Ginger Help Relieve Headaches and Migraine?

Ginger is well-known for its ability to help tummy troubles, including nausea, and relieve the pain associated with headaches and migraines. 

 Resources:

1. Bode AM, Dong Z. The Amazing and Mighty Ginger. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 7. Accessed January 21, 2022: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/
2. Plants For A Future Staff. Zingiber officinale - Roscoe. Database About Plants. Plants For A Future. [Internet] Accessed January 21, 2022: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Zingiber+officinale 
3. Vegetable Facts Staff. Ginger History - Origin and Regional Uses of Ginger. [Internet] Accessed January 22, 2022: http://www.vegetablefacts.net/vegetable-history/ginger-history/ 
4. Kaufman S. Zingiber officinale (ginger). Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CABI. DOI:10.1079/ISC.57537.20203482903. Accessed January 21, 2022: https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/57537 
5. Ginger Production. Map# 250. World Mapper. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). [Internet] Accessed January 22, 2022: https://worldmapper.org/maps/ginger-production-2016/ 
6. Jenna Fletcher. Why is ginger good for you? Medical News Today. [Internet] January 2020. Accessed January 22, 2022: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265990#_noHeaderPrefixedContent 
7. Joe Leech, MS. 11 Proven Health Benefits of Ginger. Healthline. [Internet] March 2021. Accessed January 22, 2022: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-ginger 
8. Karen B. Gibbs. Spice up your life with ginger! 51 surprising ways to use it at home. [Internet] July 2016. Accessed January 22, 2022: https://www.today.com/food/spice-your-life-ginger-51-surprising-ways-use-it-home-t100965 

* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Clear products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website does not offer medical advice.