10 health benefits of ginger

1. Nausea: Several studies have shown ginger helps to ease the stomach of nausea, calming the stomach muscles and helping to prevent retching and even diarrhea. This is useful for those who are undergoing chemotherapy, and those who suffer from seasickness or are dealing with morning sickness.
2. Ovarian cancer: A study performed at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center in 2006 suggests ginger powder helps to kill ovarian cancer cells. The powder was applied directly to cancerous cells, so it is not known yet if ingestion of straight ginger or the powder form will have the same effect.
3. Migraines: A half teaspoon of ginger powder taken when you feel a headache coming could help ease the pain of a migraine. Prostaglandins, fatty acid compounds, inflame the blood vessels in the brain, which cause migraine pain. Studies in Denmark suggest ginger blocks the effects of these prostaglandins.
4. Menstrual cramps: Those prostaglandins also make the body aware of menstrual cramps and pains. Since ginger has been show to block the effects of prostaglandins, ginger can also help block menstrual cramps and pains.
5. Arthritis: Multiple studies, some at the University of Miami and others at the Department of Rheumatology in Tel Aviv, have shown that arthritis sufferers who are given ginger have serious decreases in joint aches and pains after taking ginger for up to six months. This reduction in pain has been most notable in the knees when the subjects were walking.
6. Blood clots: Ginger acts much like aspirin when injected. In other words, it helps to break up blockages within blood vessels, which could lead to stroke or heart attack.
7. Cholesterol: Speaking of the heart, lower cholesterol is generally good for the heart. And guess what ginger is good at? You guessed it. Ginger helps the body to lower levels of bad cholesterol.
8. Athlete's foot: Ginger has natural anti-fungal properties, which means it's good at combating athlete's foot, which is a fungal condition. Place some ginger powder in slightly warm water, then insert your feet into the mix. Within minutes the itching and redness caused by athlete's foot should lessen.
9. Minor burns: Always see a doctor about any serious illnesses or injuries, but if you suffer from a minor burn or skin irritation, try rubbing on a little ginger juice or oil. The pain should ease off in a few minutes.
10. Colds and flu symptoms: Raw ginger works just as well, but the easiest way to help with colds and flu is by drinking a little ginger tea. The ginger helps to ease sore throats and also loosens up congestion in the lungs, as well as easing the general aches and pains of a cold or flu.