· By Jamie Marshall
Turmeric and Ginger - Getting at the Root of Their Health Benefits
Turmeric and ginger have long been used in many East Asian countries as spices and for their supposed health benefits. Both are flowering plants grown in tropical areas of India, Asia, and Central America.
Ginger most often appears for flavor in cuisines either ground or shaved, and turmeric often comes in the form of a powdery spice. But these spices can also be consumed for their health benefits in a vitamin capsule, like our Ginger Root Capsules [link], or in juices and tonics. At Dynamic Health, we have a certified organic Ginger and Turmeric Tonic in three different flavors: pomegranate, blueberry, and cranberry.
Here are just a few of the health benefits turmeric and ginger are thought to provide:
Decrease Nausea
Ginger is sometimes recommended to help decrease nausea. It’s used to settle the stomach for everything from post-surgery nausea to motion sickness. A double-blind study even found that ginger helped decrease the amount a group of pregnant women vomited.
Reduce Inflammation
Ginger is also thought by some to reduce inflammation. A study where patients with osteoarthritis in their knees took two doses of 500mg of ginger a day showed that ginger reduced inflammation markers when compared to the control group.
Turmeric is thought to have similar anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers think this comes from curcumin, a chemical compound in turmeric. A study by the Alternative Medical Review even found curcumin to be a more potent anti-inflammatory agent than ibuprofen.
Due largely to the supposed anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and turmeric, they’re also used as pain relievers.
Immune Support
Turmeric and ginger have even been suggested to aid the immune system. In test-tube studies, ginger was found to inhibit the growth of respiratory pathogens. Meanwhile, turmeric (because of its curcumin compound) was shown to have antiviral properties, which suggests it might help fight off illnesses like influenza A.
Because turmeric and ginger come in so many different forms and have so many possible benefits, they’re an easy way to enhance your diet. Check out our selection of turmeric and ginger products here.