Ginger Effective in Easing Pains and Aches–Study
By Neharika Sabharwal | www.themedguru.com

A new study claims the ordinary kitchen spice, ginger, touted for centuries as an effective and trustworthy root that is packed with health benefits may be good for staving off muscle pain linked with heavy housework, gardening and intense exercise.

Ginger is believed to contain pharmacological properties similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin, which are popularly used to reduce inflammation and keep pain at bay.

Lead researcher Professor Patrick O’Connor, of the University of Georgia, said, “Anything that can truly relieve this type of pain will be greatly welcomed by the many people who are experiencing it.”

Study to identify the healing powers of ginger

In a bid to identify the impact of ginger as a natural pain reliever in the raw and pre-heated form, the researchers conducted two studies. They enrolled a group of 74 volunteers with muscle pain.

As a part of the study, the subjects consumed capsules containing two grams of either raw ginger, heat treated ginger, or a placebo for a period of 11 days.

On the eighth day of the study, all the participants were asked to perform 18 extensions of the elbow flexors using heavy weights in order to induce muscle pain.

In each group, the arm function, pain, inflammation and the biochemical involved in pain was assessed both before and after three days of performing the exercise.

Findings of the study
The researchers found that ginger reduced pain and inflammation by 25 percent when compared to placebo.

Contrary to the popular belief that the healing powers of ginger are enhanced when the root is cooked, the researchers found no significant improvement in the pain by using heat-treated ginger.

They concluded, “Daily consumption of raw and heat-treated ginger resulted in moderate-to-large reductions in muscle pain following exercise-induced muscle injury.”

The research was funded by the McCormick Science Institute and will be published in the September issue of The Journal of Pain.

Other health benefits of ginger

Ginger is most commonly known for its effectiveness as a digestive aid. The root increases the production of digestive fluids and saliva, thereby helping relieve indigestion, gas pains, diarrhea and stomach cramping.

Ginger is also used to treat nausea related to both motion sickness and morning sickness. Its anti-inflammatory properties help relieve pain and reduce inflammation related with arthritis, rheumatism and muscle spasms.

Ginger’s therapeutic properties stimulate circulation of the blood, removing toxins from the body, cleansing the bowels and kidneys, and nourishing the skin.

The other health benefits of ginger include the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems. The ginger root also aids in breaking fevers by warming the body and increasing perspiration.

Ginger Effective in Easing Pains and Aches–Study
By Neharika Sabharwal | www.themedguru.com

Patient information leaflet: muscle aches and pains