Living on a small island off the main land can be a challenge in many ways. Time goes at a slower pace, many new inventions and creations reach us later and we have to become creative in order to get what we want, since we have limited supplies available. Mostly we see this in the food available and in our health status. Recent surveys have shown a high number of chronic diseases (49%-70%) on the island. Our region is full of beneficial fruits, roots and vegetables that can enrich our lives and improve our health from the inside and the outside. Check out these naturally grown products from our region, which can better your health and are available on island.
GINGER
Health Benefits of Ginger Root Oil
The health benefits of ginger root oil can be attributed to its digestive, carminative, expectorant, antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, stimulating and aphrodisiac properties. The benefits of ginger oil include its ability to treat stomach problems, nausea, strokes, indigestion, inflammation, respiratory problems, and menstrual disorders.
Ginger is commonly used as a spice and it has its origins in India. The spice is very common in India and China and is now used all over the world. It forms an integral part of many Asian cuisines due to its digestive properties. It is especially helpful in digesting foods meats and poultry. It is frequently added to recipes for cooking meat, as it softens the meat considerably, making it easier to digest. Ginger root and ginger oil are also used as preservative and flavoring agents.
Ginger oil is obtained from the root of the herb, Zingiber Officinale. The peculiar hot and pungent taste of ginger can be attributed to the presence of an acrid compound called Gingerol. Most of the health benefits of ginger are actually due to the presence of Gingerol.
Stomach
Ginger root and ginger oil are often used for upset stomachs. It is one of the best remedies for indigestion, stomach ache, dyspepsia, colic, spasms, diarrhea, flatulence and other stomach and bowel related problems. Ginger or ginger oil is often added to recipes, especially in India, as it helps to improve digestion. Ginger tea is also used for relieving stomach problems. Furthermore, it can increase your appetite, which is great for people who are trying to put on weight.
Food Poisoning
Ginger is an antiseptic and carminative substance. As a result, it can be used to treat food poisoning. It is also used for treating intestinal infections and bacterial dysentery. (Please consult your doctor for a correct diagnosis.)
Nausea and Vomiting
Research has shown that ginger root and its oil are also effective against nausea, motion sickness and vomiting. The use of ginger may also result in a reduction of pregnancy-related vomiting in women.
Respiratory disorders
Since ginger root and ginger oil are both good expectorants, they are effective in treating various respiratory problems such as cold, cough, flu, asthma, bronchitis and breathlessness. Ginger is very effective in removing mucus from the throat and lungs, so it is often added to tea in India. The health benefits of honey and ginger in treating respiratory problems is well known.
Inflammation and Pain
The extract of ginger is often used in traditional medicine to reduce inflammation. Research has now proven that its anti-inflammatory properties can be attributed to the presence of a substance named Zingibain. It is analgesic in nature and reduces the pain caused by muscle aches, arthritis, rheumatic conditions, headaches, and migraines. Ginger oil or ginger paste is often topically massaged on aching muscles to remove muscle strain. It is further believed that regular use of ginger leads to the reduction of prostaglandins, which are the compounds associated with pain. Therefore, ginger helps in pain relief. Recently, a few Chinese researchers have reported that ginger can be very effective in treating inflammation of the testicles.
Menstruation Problems
Irregular and painful menstrual discharges can be treated with ginger.
Heart ailments
In China, it is strongly believed that ginger boosts and strengthens heart health. Many people use ginger oil as a measure to prevent as well as cure various heart conditions. Preliminary research has indicated that ginger may be helpful in reducing cholesterol levels and preventing blood clots. With reduced cholesterol levels and blood clotting, the chance of blood vessel blockage decreases, thereby reducing the incidence of heart attacks and strokes.
Stress
Ginger oil, being an essential oil, is stimulating and therefore relieves depression, mental stress, exhaustion, dizziness, restlessness and anxiety.
Impotency
Ginger is helpful for male health as well. Since ginger root and its oil are aphrodisiac in nature, it is effective in eliminating impotency and preventing premature ejaculation.
Kidney
It is also believed that ginger root juice can dissolve kidney stones.
Hair care
Ginger is useful for hair care as well. Ginger juice is useful in controlling dandruff.
Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, preliminary research on animals has shown that ginger may be useful in treating cancer.
It should be noted that ginger oil is very strong and should therefore be used carefully and sparingly.
(Sources : nhf.org.jm, organicfacts.net, RCN, foodfacts.mercola.com)
