ginger tea Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Restore Mental Clarity and Ease Digestive Discomfort with This Soothing “Superhero” Spice in Your Kitchen

AHA Publisher — Wed, 04 May 2022 07:00:31 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – The clean, spicy taste of ginger root adds a lively, refreshing note to sauces, soups, and salads. But this versatile herb – botanically known as Zingiber officinale – has a lot more to offer than merely an intriguing flavor. A staple of the ancient Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese healing systems, ginger has been advised for centuries to address nausea, joint pain, and a host of other ailments. Now, scientists are getting “on board” with the beneficial effects of ginger. In a 2020 review study published in the scientific journal Nutrients, researchers credited constituents in ginger with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and therapeutic properties. Let’s look at some of the ways in which soothing, refreshing ginger supports modern-day health and well-being. Calm Nausea and Promote Efficient Digestion With Ginger The queasy, dizzy “green-around-the-gills” sensation of being carsick or seasick can threaten to spoil even the most idyllic road trip or ocean cruise. Fortunately, some scientists believe that ginger can quell motion sickness even more effectively than pharmaceutical anti-nausea drugs – and achieve this without causing toxic side effects. What’s the secret? Ginger appears to quicken the speed at which the stomach empties, which may help decrease nausea, stomach discomfort, and bloating. Multiple reviews and studies have suggested that ginger may help with nausea resulting from chemotherapy (which affects up to 75 percent of all chemo patients). Ginger may help reduce nausea following surgical procedures, as well. Finally, a full 80 percent of pregnant women report experiencing morning sickness, especially in the first and second trimesters. Here, again, ginger may help. In one review involving over 1,200 pregnant volunteers and published in Nutrition Journal, dosages of one gram to one-and-a-half grams of ginger significantly reduced nausea. (Caution: pregnant women with vaginal bleeding and/or clotting disorders, who have had miscarriages, or who are close to giving birth should avoid ginger. Consult your obstetrician before using ginger for morning sickness). Ease Post-Workout Pain With Ginger The main bioactive components in ginger – gingerols, and shogaols – are “key players” in its anti-inflammatory properties. Both compounds have been shown to inhibit pro-inflammatory substances in the body, via the COX and LOX pathways. And, for good measure, ginger’s constituents also interfere with the action of xanthine oxidase, an enzyme involved in creating destructive free radicals. In plain English, this means that ginger can promote the health of body systems, such as the circulatory and musculoskeletal systems. Some scientists maintain that ginger may even help soothe occasional soreness caused by overwork or strenuous exercise. For example, in one older (but still influential) controlled study, volunteers performed eccentric actions of the elbow flexors to induce pain and inflammation. The researchers found that daily supplementation with two grams of ginger resulted in “moderate-to-large” reductions in muscle pain, leading the team to call ginger “effective” for this purpose. So, if you’ve ever overdone things in your fitness routine or day-to-day activities, it could help to reach for the ginger. By the way, ginger may also help soothe routine menstrual cramps. Neuroprotective Ginger Can Promote Mental Clarity and Support the Health of Brain Cells With the relentless demands on our time and attention exerted by the modern world, it’s no surprise that many of us experience occasional bouts of impaired concentration, sluggish thinking, and mental fatigue – a state commonly known as “brain fog.” Ginger could be just the thing to lift the “fog” and help restore clear thinking. It appears that ginger inhibits the production of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, crucial to learning and memory). Ginger also helps promote brain health by protecting glial cells, which remove inflammatory debris and toxins from the brain. While more research is needed, one clinical study showed that ginger enhanced attention and cognitive processing in middle-aged women. And, in an animal study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, scientists concluded that dried ginger improved novel objection recognition and enhanced memory. If you feel your concentration and attention are flagging, a revivifying cup of ginger tea could certainly be worth a try. Use Ginger Root Fresh or Dried Fresh ginger root (technically not the root, but the rhizome – or underground stem – of the ginger plant) can be washed, peeled, then chopped, sliced, or grated for use in recipes or beverages. You can make ginger tea by washing, peeling, and thinly slicing an inch or two of the fresh root, then steeping for ten minutes in hot water. Strain, allow to cool, and enjoy – taking small, slow sips. Natural healers advise drinking up to four cups a day. When eaten in the amounts usually found in food, ginger is generally considered safe. Consuming excessive amounts, however, could cause heartburn in some individuals. Dried, powdered ginger is available in convenient capsule form. Natural healers typically advise amounts ranging from 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg a day, taken in divided doses. Of course, we suggest you get the “go-ahead” from a trusted integrative healthcare provider before supplementing with ginger. Bottom line: whether you’re looking for a quick mental “re-set” from brain fog, a drug-free boost of energy or natural relief from upset stomach and nausea, versatile ginger just might be the herbal “superhero” you need. Sources for this article include: Healthline.com NIH.gov Healthline.com NIH.gov FiveStarSeniorLiving.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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6 Anti-Inflammatory Teas to Begin Drinking Today

AHA Publisher — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 08:00:44 +0000

Christine Ruggeri, CHHC via Dr. Axe – When it comes to immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory drinks, teas are at the top of the list. The antioxidant properties in most teas help to reduce oxidative stress, and the antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties work to boost immune function and overall health. What better way to support your health than by sipping on a comforting, nourishing cup of tea throughout the day? Explore these top anti-inflammatory teas that can benefit your overall wellness in so many ways. Top Anti-Inflammatory Teas 1. Green Tea The benefits of green tea and well-known and plentiful. It’s known as the ultimate anti-aging beverage, and it’s one of the most consumed drinks in the world. Many studies indicate that green tea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It suppresses the gene and protein expression of inflammatory cytokines. Drinking green tea has shown to improve the quality of life in patients with inflammatory diseases. And a study published in Food and Nutrition Research found that supplementation of green tea has beneficial effects on markers of inflammation and antioxidant status, as well as blood pressure. How to prepare: There are many types of green tea, with sencha being the most popular and matcha green tea gaining popularity because of its high antioxidant content. To prepare green tea, place your tea bag or high-quality tea leaves in a teapot and heat the water to 160–180 degrees Fahrenheit. This is under boiling temperatures so that you don’t reduce the delicate compounds found in green tea. Steep the leaves for 1–3 minutes, or more if the leaves are larger. You can add lemon juice or raw honey to green tea right before drinking. Preparing matcha tea is a different process. For matcha, you’ll add 1 teaspoon of matcha powder to a bowl or cup and 2 ounces of almost boiled water. Then you whisk the powder for one minute until it becomes thick and frothy. Lastly, add 4 more ounces of water before drinking. 2. Chamomile Tea One of the most well-known anti-inflammatory teas is chamomile, which has been used for nearly 5,000 years for its ability to promote tranquility and longevity. Chamomile tea has actually been called an “herbal aspirin” because of its pain-lowering properties. The anti-inflammatory effects of chamomile allow the herb to reduce pain, swelling, redness and underlying issues of inflammation. Research evaluating the benefits of chamomile show that not only can the herb reduce inflammation when consumed in tea form, but it works to improve inflammatory issues when used topically too. Chamomile is often used to treat inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes, and for various bacterial infections of the skin, mouth and respiratory tract. It may also help to soothe gastrointestinal complains and even inflammation of the eye. Just note, people with ragweed allergies sometimes report aggravated symptoms when drinking chamomile tea, so it may not be a suitable choice for people allergic to ragweed. How to prepare: Chamomile tea is the most popular way to consume the herb, and it’s widely available in ready-to-serve tea bags. You can also find chamomile powder and extracts, which are known to be the most potent forms of the herb’s antioxidants. If you are drinking chamomile tea to reduce inflammation, consume 1–4 cups per day. This strong anti-inflammatory herb can be used to make homemade beauty and body care recipes, too, such as this Homemade Bubble Bath with lavender and chamomile. 3. Ginger Tea Drinking ginger tea is a comforting, flavorful way to alleviate inflammation, ease an upset stomach and even control cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Gingerol, the most valuable compound in ginger, has been analyzed for its anti-inflammatory effects. Research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food suggests that this constituent in ginger modulates biochemical pathways that are activated in chronic inflammation. And a 2017 study published in PharmaNutrition indicates that ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties are not limited to its phenolics, but are also due to the combined effects of the root’s metabolites, pungent gingerols and aromatic essential oils. How to prepare: Ginger tea is available in ready-to-serve tea bags that you can find in most grocery stores. You can also make your own ginger tea by following this easy anti-inflammatory herbal tea recipe: Peel and cut a 2-inch knob of ginger into thin slices Add slices to a pot of water and boil for 10–30 minutes (depending on your desired potency) Strain and discard ginger When ready to drink, add fresh lemon or organic honey for sweetness 4. Peppermint Tea Peppermint has proven to possess anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-microbial properties. It’s often used to alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and support respiratory health by reducing congestion and opening the airways. It’s known as one of the best teas for inflammation of the stomach. How to prepare: You can easily find peppermint tea in bag form at your local grocery store. There are also loose leaf tea options on the market. If you have peppermint oil at home, you can make an anti-inflammatory tea by adding two drops to green, white or black tea. This is an excellent remedy for upset stomach, respiratory issues and fatigue. 5. Turmeric Tea Turmeric tea is made by steeping turmeric root or powder. This is an easy way to add anti-inflammatory turmeric to your diet. The most active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and has shown in vitro studies to reduce markers of inflammation. Research suggests that turmeric tea also helps to boost immune function by reducing inflammation and preventing oxidative stress. The antioxidants in turmeric help to optimize your overall health. How to prepare: Turmeric tea is available in ready-to-serve tea bags. It can also be made from turmeric that is dried, ground or in powdered forms. To make your own, add 1–2 tablespoons of turmeric to 4 cups of water and let it simmer for 10 minutes. You can also try this Turmeric Tea Recipe that’s made with coconut milk, ghee and honey. 6. Yerba Mate Yerba mate is a plant that belongs to the holly family and its leaves and young twigs are shredded and aged to make loose-leaf tea. Yerba mate contains polyphenols and saponins that help to boost the immune system and support the body’s ability to protect itself from disease. Yerba mate is also nutrient-dense, containing multiple vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fatty aids, tannins, amino acids and chlorophyll. Research shows that yerba mate has a high antioxidant capacity and protects DNA from oxidation. How to prepare: Yerba mate is available in loose-leaf, ready-to-brew tea bags. You can also find it as a bottled cold beverage. When making a loose leaf tea, bring water or milk to a simmer, not a boil, add about one teaspoon per cup and let it steep for 3–5 minutes. For flavor, you can add lemon, mint or your favorite natural sweetener. Risks and Side Effects It’s possible that you’re allergic to one of these anti-inflammatory herbs, so discontinue drinking the tea if you experience food allergy symptoms, like itching, swelling or hives. Drinking too much of these top anti-inflammatory teas may, in some cases, cause heart burn, diarrhea or upset stomach. If this occurs, cut back on the amount of tea you are consuming. When drinking anti-inflammatory teas for medicinal or therapeutic purposes, stick to 1–2 cups a day, unless advised differently by your healthcare professional. This will minimize the risk of adverse side effects. Final Thoughts The top anti-inflammatory teas are made with herbs and roots that help to reduce inflammatory markers and oxidative stress that lead to disease. The best natural anti-inflammatory teas are available in ready-to-serve tea bags that can be found in most grocery stores and they can be prepared at home by steeping the herb or root for several minutes. Drinking about two cups (or more if well-tolerated) of anti-inflammatory tea will help to promote immune function and overall health. To read the original article click here.

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