Garlic and ginger are widely known for their culinary and health benefits. Both ginger and garlic have been used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda for their warming and antibacterial properties. Both are additionally classified as adaptogens, or herbs which heal gently. As both ginger and garlic are readily available in food form, knowing the benefits of each can allow you to easily incorporate them into meals for specific healing purposes.
Before trying to capitalize on the benefits, check with a doctor if you are planning to use supplements as they may interfere with medication you are currently taking.
Digestion
Digestion has a key role in keeping you healthy. According to Organic Facts, ginger can help digestion by monitoring high sugar levels. If these sugar levels are too high, the stomach may not empty as it should. Ginger soothes the stomach and helps return the emptying to normal state. Garlic has been known to keep digestion running well, and is especially helpful in irritation or swelling of the stomach.
Reduces Blood Clotting
Both garlic and ginger have medical properties that allow them to reduce the chances of blood clotting to occur. Motley Health states that ginger was shown to reduce production of thromboxane, a powerful blood clotting stimulant, by 60 percent. Garlic on the other hand causes the blood vessels to get larger reducing blood pressure as well as helping the blood from clotting, but MayoClinic.com states that more studies are needed in this area.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a difficult problem to have, but according to Organic Facts, ginger and garlic can both help defeat the symptoms of diarrhea. The ginger helps with any stomach spasms and gas that may be in effect and garlic can even destroy harmful bacteria that is in your intestines. If you have diarrhea make sure you keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If diarrhea lasts for more than several days, contact a doctor.
Sexual Properties
Ginger increases blood circulation, which can directly effect male stimulation. It has also been cited as an aphrodisiac and Organic Facts states ginger has been scientifically proven to increase sexual desire. Garlic has been used through the centuries as an aphrodisiac, and is thought to increase stamina and libido. Speak with a doctor if you are experiencing any sexual problems, as other medications may be beneficial for you.
Respiratory Ailments
Both garlic and ginger have been touted for their natural, antibacterial properties and their ability to loosen phlegm and relieve congestion. Ginger relieves congestion, soothes aching muscles and can comfort a sore throat. Garlic is considered a powerful antibiotic and often recommended for treating colds and the flu. Used in conjunction, either through supplement form, as a tea, or in foods such as soups and stews, ginger and garlic combined can prove an effective and beneficial remedy when flu or cold season strikes.
Ginger
Ayurveda gives ginger the status of a virtual medicine chest. That’s because this wonder spice has time-tested digestion-friendly properties, in addition to its numerous other health benefits. In India, ginger is liberally used in daily life. Ginger-infused chai is a household favorite, and it’s grandma’s antidote of choice for battling cold and flu.
On millions of dining tables in India, you’ll see matchsticks of fresh ginger that have turned a soft pink from being soaked in lemon juice and salt: a zingy accompaniment to any cooked meal.
Let’s give this knobbly root a closer look.
10. Terrific Benefits of Ginger
1. Haven’t been feeling hungry? Eat fresh ginger just before lunch to stoke a dull appetite and fire up the digestive juices.
2. Ginger improves the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body.
3. Ginger clears the ‘microcirculatory channels’ of the body, including the pesky sinuses that tend to flare up from time to time.
4. Feeling airsick or nauseous? Chew on ginger, preferably tossed in a little honey.
5. Can’t stop the toot-a-thon? Gas—oops—guess what?! Ginger helps reduce flatulence!
6. Tummy moaning and groaning under cramps? Munch on ginger.
7. Reeling under joint pain? Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory properties—can bring relief. Float some ginger essential oil into your bath to help aching muscles and joints.
8. Just had surgery? Chewing ginger post-operation can help overcome nausea.
9. Stir up some ginger tea to get rid of throat and nose congestion. And when there’s a nip in the air, the warming benefits of this tasty tea are even greater!
10. Bedroom blues? Try adding a gingery punch to a bowl of soup. (Pss...the Ayurvedic texts credit ginger with aphrodisiac properties)
3 Ways to Use Ginger
1. Ginger & Herb Rice
Cook basmati rice. When you take the lid off the pan, quickly stir in finely chopped garlic, ginger, green chilies and fresh cilantro leaves—the burst of flavor and fragrance will drive your senses crazy with desire!
2. Ginger In Your Juice
‘Grate’ idea: grate some ginger root and put it in your juicer, along with carrots and apples and a little lemon juice. Totally yummy, and of course, so good for you!
3. Gingery Dessert
Even a smidgen of grated ginger on your vanilla panna cotta or strawberry sorbet can wake up the flavor!
Adopted from sources
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