Like the little black dress, ginger also has an old, cross-cultural appeal. The Chinese, the Tibetans and the Indians have all revered it since at least 3,000 BC. Many cultures, including the Egyptians, Romans and Greeks, have used ginger for medicinal purposes in their culture. In some countries ginger has even been used as a diuretic. And, of course, ginger is the “national drink” in China.
While ginger is known to have numerous health benefits, what most people associate with it is that of a tasty spice. For example, the common way of spicing up ginger tea is by putting it into a glass with hot water and a pinch of salt, then making a simple stir.
One of the most important health benefits of ginger is that it provides a good measure of essential fatty acid (EFAs) in our diets. While ginger is rich in tannins (which are responsible for the pungent smell) and has many of the same antioxidant properties as other spices, it also contains an important ingredient: the tannic acid.
Tannic Acid is a kind of antifungal that helps keep infection at bay. It can also be used as an aid to digestion, and it helps make it easier for the digestive system to absorb vitamin C. Tannic acid also plays a key role in the breakdown of fat. It’s actually the reason why most ginger pills contain tannic acid. So the next time you bite into a hot ginger stick, be sure to make the most of the health benefits of this versatile spice.
Other than that, tannic acid is also a powerful natural antibiotic. It is often used to treat various forms of infections, from cold sores to athlete’s foot. In addition to its antibiotic properties, it has also been shown to help prevent blood clots. And, interestingly enough, there is evidence that tannic acid can also stimulate the immune system to fight off certain forms of cancer, as well as other forms of inflammatory diseases like arthritis and asthma.
If you are looking for more information about using ginger to fight off certain ailments or boost your immune system, there are plenty of resources available online, including books and web sites. that offer home remedies and treatments that use ginger.
When taken regularly, ginger can help relieve stomach ailments including irritable bowel syndrome, digestive problems like diarrhea and indigestion, and chronic constipation. This is especially important for those who suffer from either or both of these conditions, because when they do not get proper relief for their symptoms, they may even suffer from some serious problems.
With its ability to soothe the stomach and digestive system, ginger can also help those suffering from depression, fatigue, depression, anxiety and stress. Ginger can also help people suffering from arthritis, as it has been found to improve circulation and reduce swelling.