Winter Wellness

The weather may lead us to think that Spring has re-sprung, but the facts are that it is still indeed Winter. Tis the season for common colds, stomach bugs and even the Flu. Ah, yes… the gift that keeps on giving. With the constant change of weather, many people are prone to becoming sick. Whether you are struck with feeling under the weather, your arthritis has flared up, or you just can’t kick that nausea, there is a superfood that can help with endless ailments. The hero, Ginger.

For thousands of years, Arabic, Indian and Asian healers prized ginger as not only food, but as medicine. Ginger is a spice that can be used fresh, dried and powdered, or as a juice or oil. It has a long history of use in various forms of traditional/alternative medicine. Gingerol, the main bioactive compound in ginger is responsible for much of its medicinal properties. It is highly effective in aiding nausea and vomiting after surgery, in patients undergoing chemotherapy and even in pregnancy related morning sickness.

Feeling sore after your kick start New Year’s resolution work-outs? Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can also be effective in relieving exercise induced muscle pain. It can also tackle symptoms of joint pain and stiffness that can be related to any type of arthritis.

If you over did it again these holidays, you will most likely be left feeling tired, bloated and with an uneasy stomach. Ginger can help ease indigestion by speeding up emptying the stomach. Other cramping issues related to menstrual pain can leave you feeling achey as well. Luckily ginger is able to manage the pain just as effectively as ibuprofen.

Seems too good to be true? The list of benefits continue with success in lowering cholesterol, fighting infections, improving brain function and even preventing cancer. Ginger is truly one of the superfoods that are actually worthy of such a name.

For more blog and wellness tips, visit our Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation blog at www.monmouthpain.com

or call our office at 732-345-1377 to schedule an appointment in either our Red Bank or Wall Township office.

written by. Nicole Heuschkel L.Ac