infections Archives - Live Clean n Prosper

Todays post is about Ginger.

During the past month Scott has started growing ginger in our vegetable garden. So far it seems to be growing well. I’m looking forward to seeing what the flowers are like.

When we were holidaying in Fiji, the Ginger Lilly was a popular cultivated plant with beautiful, fragrant flowers. Hopefully the edible species has similar flowers.

It also has so many health benefits and can be used in many different ways.

So what Is Ginger?

It is also known as Zingiber officinale, is inaccurately referred to as “ginger root”, although the edible section sold in the markets and used in dishes is actually the stem or the rhizome. Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice, and is sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics.

It is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for the body and brain.

Not only is ginger known as an essence and a spice, it is known to be one of the oldest remedies in herbal and aromatic traditional treatments, especially in China, India, and the Middle East. In China, it has been used for over 2,000 years for curing inflammation and diarrhea.

Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger, responsible for much of its medicinal properties. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Today, ginger is on the FDA’s list of generally safe foods and is often used to mask the taste of bitter medicines such as cough syrups.

Here are 6 health benefits of ginger that are supported by scientific research.

1. Improve Brain Function and Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can accelerate the aging process.

They are among the key drivers of Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline. Some studies suggest that the antioxidants and bioactive compounds in ginger can inhibit inflammatory responses that occur in the brain.

There is also some evidence that ginger can directly enhance brain function

2. Highly effective against nausea.

Studies have concluded that 1 -1.5 grams of ginger can help prevent various types of nausea. This applies to relieving nausea and vomiting after surgery, motion and morning sickness.

Its quick absorption and rapid regulation of body functions cure nausea without the side effects of modern medications.

3. Help Fight Infections

Gingerol can help lower the risk of infections as it inhibits the growth of many different types of bacteria. Fresh ginger may also be effective against the RSV virus, a common cause of respiratory infections.

4. Treats Diarrhea

Ginger has been used since ancient times to cure diarrhea. This was recently proven by researchers that found it prevents stomach spasms and gases that contribute to and stimulate diarrhea.

5. May Reduce Muscle and joint pain.

Gingerol, is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound, which has been directly associated with improvements in knee inflammation and associated pain. Ginger does not have an immediate impact, but may be effective at reducing the day-to-day progression of muscle pain as both a preventative measure and a treatment.

6. Aids in Digestion

Ginger has been discovered to be a facilitator of the digestive process. It helps in regulating high sugar levels that may disrupt digestion and soothe the stomach. Along with that, it has a number of compounds that improve the absorption of nutrients and minerals from the food we eat. It is popular in Asian countries as an appetiser or raw menu item for precisely this reason.

There are so many more health benefits associated with Ginger. It is also quite versatile and easy to include it in our daily diet, whether it’s fresh, pickled, dried or ground.

With all of this in mind, I will definitely be trying to consume it every day.

Till the next post,

Live clean n prosper.

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A couple of weeks ago I wrote about ‘Man Flu’ because Scott was suffering from a cold.

He generously shared it with me, despite my efforts to keep it at bay. However, even though we both became sick, we were feeling unwell for a very short time.

We did not take any of the usual cold and flu medications, as these suppress the symptoms and the body takes longer to heal itself. We did however have some ‘immune shots’ that Scott created, that we drank 3 times a day.

These ‘shots’ consisted of – Echiberry 10ml, Natural Mineral drink by Modere 10ml, Green Qi super green powder by Modere 1 tsp, ground Cinnamon ½ tsp & ground Ginger ½ tsp mixed with approximately 20ml water.

They did taste a bit unpleasant, but most ‘medicine’ does. Scott stated that these shots helped our immune system fight the virus. So, after only spending 2 days sick, I think they really did work. I decided to share with you why these ingredients help us when we are sick.

First the Echiberry, which I purchased from our local health food store.

This liquid combines Echinacea purpurea root extract, Elderberry, Olive leaf extract, NZ Blackcurrant and Manuka Honey.

*Clinical trials have shown Echinacea to be useful in both preventing as well as treating bacterial and viral infections including colds and flu.

*Elderberry is highly regarded by herbalists for the treatment of winter ailments, particularly where there is fever, aches and pains.

*Olive leaf extract has been shown to inhibit a number of bacteria and viruses. It is widely used as a tonic for the immune system.

*NZ Blackcurrants are one of the most potent antioxidant-containing berries in the world. Research has shown the anthocyanins (antioxidant compounds found in blackcurrants) can help reduce the effects of asthmatic lung inflammation.

*Manuka Honey is unique to New Zealand and has a powerful additional antiseptic property not found in other types of honey.

Next is the Natural Mineral drink by Modere

This drink contains Alpine moor mineral extract, which is abundant in plant derived phytonutrients and minerals. Among the benefits of phytonutrients are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Phytonutrients may also enhance immunity and intercellular communication.

Then the Green Qi super green powder by Modere

A green powder supplement contains all the vitamins and minerals of a multi vitamin. There is also added nutrients such as probiotics, prebiotics, detoxification nutrients and disease-protective antioxidants.

Followed by Cinnamon

Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help lower the risk of disease. Cinnamaldehyde, the main active component of cinnamon has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which may reduce infections.

Finally the Ginger

Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional/alternative medicine. It has been used to help digestion, reduce nausea and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few. Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger, responsible for much of its medicinal properties. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

So, in conclusion, all of the ingredients in these ‘immune shots’ assist the immune system. By taking the mixture 3 times a day, we were ensuring that our immune systems were continually fuelled with what they needed to fight the infection.

The result being that we able to get well sooner.