Ginger has been known to be very effective in alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress.
In herbal medicine, ginger is regarded as an excellent carminative
(a substance which promotes the elimination of intestinal gas) and intestinal spasmolytic (a substance which relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract).
Modern scientific research has revealed that ginger possesses numerous therapeutic properties including
- antioxidant effects,
- an ability to inhibit the formation of inflammatory compounds,
- and direct anti-inflammatory effects.
Ginger contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. These substances are believed to explain why so many people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis experience reductions in their pain levels and improvements in their mobility when they consume ginger regularly.
Gingerols, the main active components in ginger and the ones responsible for its distinctive flavor, may also inhibit the growth of human colorectal cancer cells.