Many herbal traditions use ginger as a remedy for numerous ailments. Although ginger comes in a variety of forms, including extract, powder and oil, drinking the tea provides a common method of consuming this herb. While ginger tea may help with some health conditions, there is no evidence that it can help you lose weight.
Ginger
Zingiber officinale is the botanical name for ginger. The rhizome, or underground portion of the plant, provides the active ingredient in ginger remedies. Ginger root contains phenol compounds, including shogoals and gingerols, as well as volatile oils. This herb has provided a medicinal ingredient in Asian cultures for more than 4,400 years, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fresh ginger root is useful in making tea, while the dried root is suitable for seasoning baked goods, candies and flavored beverages.
Uses
Ginger has been used to treat numerous conditions, including diarrhea, heart conditions, colic, arthritis and stomach upset. Health care professionals often recommend ginger to help minimize the nausea and vomiting common during pregnancy and chemotherapy. Although some studies show this herb may help treat motion sickness, inflammation and high cholesterol, more research is necessary to confirm these potential benefits.
Weight Loss Herbs
There is no indication that drinking ginger tea can help promote weight loss, although many weight loss supplements contain different types of herbal ingredients. Ginseng, country mallow, bitter orange, licorice, dandelion and spirulina are common herbs that often exist in weight loss supplements. While ginger tea probably will not help you lose weight, substituting low-calorie drinks, such as herbal teas, for sugary beverages may help you cut back on calories, an important consideration in attempting to lose excess fat.
Precautions
The FDA considers ginger tea a safe supplement, but high levels of ginger may cause heartburn, mouth irritation and diarrhea. Talk to your doctor before taking herbs to treat medical conditions or promote weight loss, especially if you have a health condition that requires medical treatment.
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