Ginger – The backyard herbal resource

Ginger, commonly seen in your backyard, has known for its medicinal and culinary qualities. Ginger has been a major ingredient in many Indian dishes for centuries and its therapeutic effects were known from time immemorial. It is so part of our lives that at least one curry made in our households will have ginger as a main component. If you are an Indian, you might have also experienced and appreciated the anti-viral qualities of a dish -- prepared by your grandma -- which helped cure your cold and flu. The main ingredient of such a dish should have been nothing but ginger and garlic. Apart from that, you might be familiar with ginger pickles and ginger candies.

Ginger has a warming quality and it helps increase blood circulation and thus reduces high blood pressure. It helps relax muscles and reduces bad cholesterol level; Digestion of fatty acids and proteins are augmented by the intake of ginger; hence it is found effective in treating digestive problems. The distinctive smell of ginger provides relief from nausea and vomiting.

There are various studies conducted on the medicinal values of ginger and some have asserted the analgesic quality of ginger. It is an effective painkiller used in joint pain ayurvedic treatment . Pain and swelling related to arthritis can also be alleviated using ginger, Ayurvedic practitioners say.