So are there natural defenses against viruses? How about using Ginger to fight against them? As stated in a previous article, only a few herbs have been tested against coronaviruses.
Research shows many herbs DO have antiviral properties! And many have been used in herbal medicine for hundreds of years. If not thousands! These plants work against the flu and other viruses, according to research! Verified by scientific research, not just our grandmothers!
Herbs are considered anti-microbial, and work with the body to fight microbial infections.
Herbs containing anti-microbial properties can be anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial. Not to mention anti-fungal and anti-parasitic! Many plants contain more than one of these properties as “active ingredients.” Also called volatile oils.
One familiar herb is Ginger, which we discuss below. Ginger (Zingiber Officinalis), or ginger root, is well-known as a spice. We love gingersnap cookies (my favorites), ginger ale and tea, right? And we use it in recipes. We munch on candied ginger for a spicy treat. It is a staple in Chinese food and other Asian cooking.
But why is it considered an herbal medicine? Remember Ginger ale.
Ginger ale is one of the first things we reach for when our child is carsick or has an upset tummy. But long before the soda companies discovered there was a market for it as a soft drink, our grandmothers used it to prevent nausea and vomiting.
I remember when my mother made homemade ginger ale for me when I was small.
For thousands of years, Chinese sailors used it to prevent seasickness. Modern research proves that ginger is effective against nausea & vomiting, motion sickness, and dizziness from all causes.
Several studies concluded that ginger is more effective than commercial drugs for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Clinical studies show that ginger is just as effective as anti-nausea drugs following chemotherapy. And, without all the side effects!
And that is just one use for ginger.
Ginger is effective against both bacterial and viral infections. It can help to dispel parasites and is also anti-fungal. It is anti-inflammatory, which means it provides relief from pain and swelling in arthritic conditions. And it has many other components as well. A lot of pain is alleviated when inflammation is reduced, so you can add pain killer to the list. My husband will testify!
Ginger contains nearly a dozen antiviral compounds, according to James A. Duke, Author of THE GREEN PHARMACY. According to Duke, Scientists have isolated several chemicals (sesquiterpenes) in ginger that specifically act against cold viruses, and are particularly potent against rhinoviruses.
Gingerols and Shogaol, two other constituents of ginger, reduce pain and fever, and suppress coughing. They are decongestant, and have a mild sedative effect as well. Ginger is a reliable remedy in cases of cold, flu, respiratory congestion, and sore throat.
Its decongestant, warming, and anti-viral properties are effective against respiratory viruses. This means it shortens their duration and can make the patient more comfortable. Ginger is also diaphoretic, which means it promotes sweating. Therefore, it helps reduce fevers.
But, is it effective against coronavirus? That remains to be seen. Coronaviruses in one form or another have been around for years. But the Wuhan coronavirus emerged only in late 2019. It is too early to know if ginger will be effective. Using ginger to reduce symptoms is still helpful!
Ginger’s antiseptic properties aid in treating food poisoning.
In addition to its effectiveness in treating nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness, ginger is used for gastrointestinal pain, digestion, relieving gas, and treating colic. Ginger’s antiseptic properties make it beneficial in treating gastrointestinal infections, whether bacterial or viral. Therefore, it is often used in formulas as a remedy for food poisoning.
Have you heard anyone refer to a spice or herb as warming? That is because some of them increase peripheral circulation in the body. In an emergency, you can use Ginger to stimulate the body, such as when a patient is cold and clammy due to an illness, or a shock. This warming property helps increase circulation and is very beneficial in cases of bad circulation, chilblains, and cramps. Ginger’s warming action is beneficial in muscle sprain or arthritis as well.
Ginger’s anti-inflammatory action is effective against arthritis. Traditionally, ginger is used to treat arthritis and joint pains. It is effective taken internally. It can also be used as a muscle rub!
And the anti-inflammatory constituents of ginger have been proven through research to be effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
If you like the idea of taking herbs to reduce pain and inflammation, but like the convenience of a capsule, I have found a good deal through Amazon. These capsules have both turmeric and ginger, as well as blackpepper. (Studies show Turmeric is as effective as tylenol on pain!) You can also sign up for the subscription and save more. Here is the link right here. In addition, if you use the Chrome extension, Honey, you might save even more! Get details on this page!
In a study of 261 osteoarthritis of the knee patients, over half of patients taking ginger experienced moderate relief, as reported in THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF NATURAL MEDICINE. This text was written by Michael T. Murray, N.D., and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. Patients reported taking drugs for pain less frequently. And had less pain in the knee after walking.
Two other studies conducted with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis patients who either ate lightly cooked ginger or took a powdered supplement reported pain relief, too. As well as improved joint mobility, and less swelling and morning stiffness.
James Green, Author of THE HERBAL MEDICINE-MAKERS HANDBOOK, includes Ginger in his list of 30 most important herbs. Green says that “…(Ginger is) anti-inflammatory particularly useful in rheumatic conditions that benefit from heat…”
Other Conditions Alleviated with this Spice include:
- Reproductive issues for both men and women.
- Ginger is used for menstrual cramps and PMS, and also in cases of amenorrhea. Which is well known to herbalists!
- Studies confirm that this herb lowers blood triglycerides. Therefore it is beneficial to the heart and against diabetes.
- It is useful in heart disease prevention, lowering cholesterol.
- And it strengthens the heart muscle, similar to digitalis (another herb and medication), and protects against angina.
- It has been shown to effectively calm and reduce heart palpitations.
- Ginger is an aid against diabetes because it supports lower blood sugar and improves glycemic indices.
- In addition, it reduces migraines in some patients.
- In his book, THE HERBAL MEDICINE-MAKERS HANDBOOK, James Green quotes ginger as a beneficial remedy for several dozen conditions, either alone or in combination with other herbs.
- Ginger is a medicinal powerhouse! And it tastes good, too!
Please note that this article is not a prescription for and is not an endorsement of herbal remedies such as ginger. Even though I use them. Only you can make the best choices for you and your family based on knowledge of these as well as conventional treatments.
I edited the original article compiled by L.H.R. to fit the format for this article, so any errors are mine.
And for more on Herbs as medicine, check out this page in our Health and Fitness category.
Studies show Ginger is even more effective than Turmeric. But you can put the two together in a great hot drink to get double the benefits. Golden tea is made by mixing either hot water, milk, or chicken broth with turmeric. Add a bit of butter or coconut oil to assist with absorption, and black pepper for the same reason. Add ginger. To sweeten it, try raw honey. Or drink it savory.
I can tell you using coconut oil helps with brain fog! I got so forgetful in spring of 2018 that I was really worried! So was my husband! But I drank some golden tea and saw results within two days! I drank it daily until I felt totally normal again. It is my go-to when I feel like I can’t focus. It makes such a difference! Amazing!
It disturbs me that modern health care does not incorporate new research more readily. I heard recently that it takes about 40 years for research to filter down into actual practice. That is crazy! Or I am!
A safety factor? Sure! But forty years after research is complete? Doesn’t make sense. Especially when people die every day from manmade drugs that are rushed to market!
If doctors take an oath to ‘do no harm’, shouldn’t that include keeping up with current research?
As a supplement to old practices, if not a replacement? My doctor told me twice that medicines she prescribed were on a schedule of symptoms provided by insurance companies.
The insurance companies said if a patient had certain lab numbers, they had to be on certain medications. And they send out letters to doctors to ask why they don’t prescribe them. She told me that she did not want to be labeled as non-compliant.
What? I will not take medications just so the doctor can placate the insurance company!
Don’t doctors make the diagnosis?
Response Magic