The Effects of Ginger Tea

The Effects of Ginger Tea
Photo Credit ginger root image by Neelrad from Fotolia.com

Ginger is a versatile botanical plant that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Drinking ginger tea can provide you with many health benefits. Not everyone can benefit from ginger tea, however. You should check with your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, using blood thinners, have bleeding disorders, heart disease or high blood pressure before using ginger or its products, according to the Physicians' Desktop Reference.

May Relieve Arthritis Symptoms

Drinking ginger tea can control or diminish your swelling. Ginger can play a role in reducing inflammation and has been used for this purpose by traditional medicine for years, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Ginger contains natural components that are similar to those found in FDA-approved over-the-counter anti-inflammatory compounds, according to the American Academy of Rheumatology. Ginger may help relieve your arthritis pain, also. Make certain you do not drink too much ginger tea, however. Excessive ginger intake may lead to inflammation of your intestines and/or stomach. Some studies have confirmed that ginger can produce pain relief, according to the UMMC, but one trial found that it was no more effective than ibuprofen or a placebo.

Relieves Flu and Cold Symptoms

Drinking ginger tea can help relieve your cold symptoms. Ginger is considered the best remedy for colds in Chinese traditional and ayurvedic medicine, according to Holisticonline.com. Ginger contains antiviral properties that may help fight your cold symptoms. Drink ginger tea at least three times daily. Make your ginger tea with either fresh ginger root or dried ginger powder. Use 1 cup boiling water and add either 1 tsp. of freshly grated ginger root, or 1/2 tsp. powdered ginger. Let it steep for 10 minutes. Use ginger tea to help relieve your flu-like symptoms such as stomach upset and/or nausea, dizziness and overall pain.

Relieves Motion Sickness Symptoms

Ginger tea may help relief some symptoms of your motion sickness, most notably nausea. Motion sickness involves symptoms such as cold sweats, excessive saliva production, headache, nausea and/or an upset stomach, vomiting, vertigo and breathing difficulties, according to the Merck Manual of Medical Conditions. Consuming ginger products including ginger tea and/or ginger ale can help. Ginger can be a safe alternative to prescription-based motion sickness medications, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Diminish Morning Sickness Symptoms

Ginger may help diminish morning sickness, a symptom experienced during pregnancy. Morning sickness occurs any time of the day, according to the National Institutes of Health. Common symptoms such as vomiting and/or nausea can be relieved with ginger, states the American College of Nurse-Midwives. Get your ginger in tea form. Symptoms of morning sickness can increase due to hormonal fluctuations, fatigue, stress or foods. Ginger and ginger products, such as tea, are effective for treating morning sickness, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Acts as a Natural Blood Thinner

Ginger can be used to nourish and support your cardiovascular health, states Holisticonline.com and the University of Maryland Medical Center. Ginger provides a natural blood thinner since it makes your blood platelets less sticky. It prevents excessive blood clotting. In turn, this helps reduce your blood cholesterol and circulatory problems. Ginger increases your blood circulation, according to Holisticonline.com. As a cardiac tonic, mix 1 to 2 tsp. of freshly-grated ginger with 1 cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 10 minutes before enjoying. Do not take ginger if you are on medication-based blood thinners, according to the Physicians Desktop Reference.

References

Article reviewed by David Fisher Last updated on: Jun 12, 2010

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