Ginger and olive oil may be tasty items to include in your favorite meals, but they may also provide health benefits. Neither ginger or olive oil can cure any health malady, but they may help reduce the symptoms of some ailments and provide benefits for your health and well-being. Consult a doctor before using ginger or olive oil as natural remedies for your symptoms.
Lower Cholesterol
Olive oil, specifically in its least processed form, extra virgin olive oil, may help lower your cholesterol levels, according to MayoClinic.com in the article "Olive Oil: What are the Health Benefits?" Olive oil helps lower the levels of low-density lipoprotein, or "bad" cholesterol in the blood, while raising the levels of high-density lipoprotein, or "good" cholesterol. Olive oil will help lower overall cholesterol levels particularly when used as a substitute for saturated fats, such as lard and butter.
Moisturize Nails
Olive oil may be an effective fingernail moisturizer, reducing nail breakage and making nails less brittle. After showering or washing your hands, the nails may be depleted of moisture, which causes the nails to crack, split and break. Placing the fingertips in 1/2 cup olive oil for 30 minutes may help infuse the nails with moisture and make them stronger. Repeat the process a few times a week to keep the nails strong and moisturized.
Reduce Nausea
Consuming ginger may help reduce symptoms of nausea and vomiting due to pregnancy, chemotherapy treatment or other illnesses, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center in the article "Ginger." Chewing on a 1/4-ounce piece of fresh ginger may help curb nausea that happens suddenly. Otherwise, taking 250 mg of ginger in a capsule or other supplement may help reduce nausea on a regular basis. Ginger supplements are available at drugstores and health food stores.
Soothe Osteoarthritis Pain
Ginger may help reduce inflammation and pain due to osteoarthritis, and may be about as effective as ibuprofen in reducing arthritis pain. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends rubbing topical ginger oil on sore joints or drinking ginger tea every day. Consuming ginger may also help reduce inflammation due to other conditions, such as ulcerative colitis.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Olive Oil: What Are the Health Benefits?
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies"; Deborah Tkac; 1998
- Mayo Clinic: Ginger: Dosing
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Women"; Sharon Faelten; 1999
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