Natural health remedies: ginger

Ginger has been used as a natural medicine and remedy for thousands of years.

My favorite use of ginger is for its anti-inflammatory properties. It works on the same pathways as Aspirin and Ibuprofen but it doesn't inhibit the pathways, just down regulates them. This minimizes the risk of side effects, but you get all the benefits!

Not only can it help reduce pain and inflammation, it has been shown to slow oxidation of LDL cholesterol preventing atherosclerosis and reduce morning sickness as well.

Try adding ginger to your tea in the morning or supplementing with one gram each day (we have ginger supplements at our office).

If you are taking blood thinners such as Coumadin, consult with your primary physician before adding in a supplement.