De Lune joined our friends at Organic India to explore the many powerful benefits of Ginger. It appears in our Cramp Aid formula and many of their teas and tonics. Since we share a love for this special root, we collaborated to share 7 of the best benefits of ginger with you.
Ginger, official name Zingiber Officinale, has been used for a myriad of treatments and general wellness for more than 5,000 years. With roots (pun intended) in Indian and Chinese traditional medicine, its benefits are widely studied and celebrated worldwide. Ginger offers support for general ailments like upset stomachs, inflammation, blood pressure, and nausea, but it also is a powerful support for women's health in particular. From easing inflammation from period cramps to treating morning sickness, here are 7 unique benefits to incorporating ginger into your daily routine.
How Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) Works
Before getting into the health benefits of ginger, take a peek at the science behind why it works.
Ginger root contains phenolic and terpene compounds that are the root (pun intended, again) source of the plant's many benefits. Gingerols are a polyphenol substance found in Ginger that soothes the gastrointestinal tract and offers support for nausea. [1] We can also attribute Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties to gingerols, as it prompts antioxidant activity for immune support and wellness.
What does ginger do for the female body?
Ginger offers health benefits at every phase of the menstrual cycle. When in your luteal phase, Ginger root can provide relief from PMS symptoms like mood, cramping, and fatigue[2]. Once your period arrives, it can address the inflammation that causes period cramps [3]. For those trying to conceive, there is also research that shows ginger has a positive effect on fertility and reproductive wellness [4]. If pregnant or breastfeeding, it's recommended to check with a doctor before adding ginger to a wellness regimen.
7 Benefits of Ginger
Ginger health benefits include everything from menstrual pain relief and immune support to digestive wellness and reproductive health.
Ginger can be incorporated into a day-to-day wellness regimen through ginger capsules, ginger tea, or by cooking with fresh ginger root.
1. Menstrual Relief
Studies have shown that ginger can greatly relieve period-related discomfort, and significantly reduce the severity of symptoms. It is considered a safe alternative to over the counter drugs, and works similarly in blocking the production of uterine prostaglandins; helping maintain a healthy inflammatory response and minimize cramping and bloating. [5] Two different clinical trials have found ginger to be just as effective with fewer side effects than NSAIDs.[6, 7]
We formulated Cramp Aid to offer the menstrual health benefits of ginger in a convenient form. Our formulation is based on the research-shown therapeutic dose of ginger and reduces inflammation in as little as one hour.
For even more ginger benefits, sip on Tulsi Turmeric Ginger with a light peppering of Cayenne to melt away physical and mental stressors. This blend by Organic India contains the perfect balance of these active ingredients. Complete the ritual and celebrate your inner moon goddess with any of our limited edition kits.
2. Reproductive Support
Ginger has also been researched for its benefits on female reproductive wellness. It is documented for its ability to have positive effects on folliculogenesis, or the maturation of the ovarian follicle, both long and short term with low dosage. [8] It is also found to have cardioprotective properties that aid cardiovascular function, mediating healthy blood flow through the body – and therefore healthy circulation to the reproductive organs, as well.
If you're struggling with PMS, supporting healthy ovulation can also result in easier periods. Ginger supplementation is a great way to improve healthy ovulation and reduce PMS symptoms.
Complement your Ginger supplement and tea ritual, with the powerful Ayurvedic herb Shatavari for targeted reproductive and hormonal support. [9]
3. Digestive Wellness
Ginger is perhaps best known for its calming effect on the digestive system. It relieves many forms of nausea, including morning sickness in pregnant women, motion sickness, upset stomachs, vomiting, and digestive pain. The gingerol polyphenolic compounds help relax the entire gastrointestinal tract for higher function and greater relief. [10] As a result it may help minimize temporary nausea and upset stomach, while relieving gas and supporting healthy bowel movements. [11]
Since ginger ale contains very little ginger, if any, you can get higher doses or ginger from powerful ginger supplements and teas. These products include whole ginger root for maximum benefit. To level-up your ginger supplementation, try the herbalist-curated Digestive Support Daily Pack for digestive wellness on-the-go; fiery, tri-spice Trikatu supplement for metabolic support; or Tulsi Lemon Ginger tea to soothe, detox and refresh the GI tract.
4. Cognitive Health
In addition to an abundance of physical benefits, ginger also supports mental benefits. In fact, research shows that this powerful root can actually help support cognitive function in middle-aged healthy women. [12] Studies demonstrate that it is a brain tonic aiding focus, processing functions, encoding information, and sensory, short term and long term memory.
Many De Lune customers report that our Period Rescue Kit offers a reprieve from the brain fog associated with PMS. For even more brain benefits, try this Turmeric Golden Milk Latte with Ginger or Turmeric Ginger Shake.
5. Workout Support
Because of Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties, it also has excellent benefits related to workout support and recovery. One study monitored three groups of healthy women, one who took ginger an hour before exercise, one immediately after, and one group not at all. The group who took ginger an hour before exercise saw a dramatic reduction in workout-related muscle pain and soreness as compared to the other two groups. [13]
An hour before your workout, try the De Lune Team's favorite Tulsi Lemon Ginger tea, made with organic whole ginger for its full spectrum support. Our pro-tip: try it iced! For even more ginger power, pair your infusion with a Turmeric Formula capsule to protect your muscles during your workout.
6. Immune Function
Ginger is chock full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that benefit your immune system. Accessing these benefits doesn't require an apothecary full of tinctures, powdered ginger, and a mortar and pestle. It may not even necessitate a trip to the grocery store for fresh ginger or keeping whole ginger root from going bad on your kitchen countertop. Drinking ginger tea offers the same immune system support in a soothing and comforting manner.
Ginger tea supports normal immune function and reduces chronic inflammation so you can feel your best. [14] Always be sure to check with your doctor before consuming if you have any underlying health conditions or take medications.
Sit back, relax and sip Tulsi Turmeric Ginger, Tulsi Lemon Ginger (with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon) or even Tulsi Masala Chai (contains ginger) – and allow your amazing immune system to do the rest.
7. Healthy Inflammatory Response
When talking about period pain, the conversation often turns towards inflammation. Whether you deal with chronic inflammation or temporary menstrual pain, Ginger is a key ingredient in your wellness due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger contains around 40 antioxidant compounds that help support a healthy inflammatory response throughout the entire body. [15] This action greatly lends itself to many of the root’s aforementioned benefits, including nausea relief, digestive support, menstrual relief, blood pressure management, pain relief, and more. The bioactive gingerols, shoagals and paradols are the main constituents related to balanced inflammatory response.
When looking for general anti-inflammatory support, Organic India's Ayurvedic Turmeric Formula Supplement combines turmeric and ginger for maximum relief. Or if period cramps are causing major inflammation, try our herbal Cramp Aid liquid capsules to ease menstrual pain in less than 60 minutes.
Ginger is the ultimate herbal ally for all phases of your cycle. From ancient India and China to modern day, ginger has offered incredible support for women's wellness, menstrual health, digestive support, and general wellbeing.
