Ginger for Health 100 Amazing and Unexpected Uses for Ginger Britt Brandon, CFNS, CPT Avon, Massachusetts DEDICATION This book is dedicated to the loves of my life: Jimmy, Lilly, Lonni, and JD. CONTENTS Introduction Ginger’s Many Health Benefits PART I: HEALTH Chapter 1: Nutrition 1. Contributes B Vitamins 2. Adds Amino Acids to Your Diet 3. Improves Calcium Absorption 4. Improves Iron Absorption 5. Reduces Bad Cholesterol 6. Improves Good Cholesterol 7. Regulates Insulin Levels 8. Improves Metabolic Functioning 9. Reduces Sugar Cravings 10. Promotes Weight Loss 11. Provides Pre-Workout Energy 12. Relieves Nausea 13. Minimizes Motion Sickness 14. Calms Food Poisoning 15. Relieves Heartburn 16. Minimizes Morning Sickness 17. Naturally Increases Appetite 18. Reduces Bitter Flavors in Food and Drink 19. Improves the Spicy Flavors of Food 20. Detoxifies and Rejuvenates the Liver 21. Packs Nutrients Into Super-Green Ginger-Pear Smoothie 22. Cleanses the Palate Chapter 2: Total Wellness 23. Increases Energy 24. Improves Memory 25. Sharpens Mental Clarity 26. Fights Depression 27. Acts as a Natural Aromatherapy Aid 28. Improves Circulation 29. Helps Relieve Hypertension 30. Improves the Function of the Cardiovascular System 31. Promotes Proper Blood Clotting 32. Improves Bone Strength 33. Promotes Proper Nerve Function 34. Provides Natural Pain Relief 35. Alleviates Arthritis Symptoms 36. Minimizes Joint Pain 37. Minimizes Muscle Aches 38. Reduces the Incidence of Migraines 39. Relieves Tension Headaches 40. Promotes Healthy Sinus Functioning 41. Alleviates Allergy Symptoms 42. Reduces Asthma Symptoms 43. Alleviates Respiratory Tract Infections 44. Acts as an Expectorant for Chest Congestion 45. Soothes Sore Throats 46. Boosts Immune-System Functioning 47. Prevents Bacterial Infections 48. Prevents Viral Infections 49. Combats Ovarian Cancer 50. Combats Rectal Cancer 51. Combats Colon Cancer 52. Combats Skin Cancer 53. Minimizes Tumor Development 54. Minimizes the Side Effects of Chemotherapy 55. Helps Reverse Liver Damage 56. Detoxifies the Liver 57. Prevents Ulcers 58. Detoxifies the Intestines 59. Minimizes Inflammation of the Colon 60. Relieves Constipation 61. Prevents Gas 62. Promotes Regularity 63. Minimizes Menstrual Pain 64. Acts as a Natural Aphrodisiac 65. Infuses Pulling Oil for Improved Effectiveness PART II: BEAUTY Chapter 3: Skin Care 66. Clears Acne 67. Tones Skin 68. Reduces Appearance of Scars 69. Soothes Sunburns 70. Infuses Massage Oil with Healing Benefits 71. Heals Cracked Skin on Heels 72. Moisturizes Skin 73. Promotes Radiant Skin 74. Optimizes the Detoxifying Attributes of a Body Soak 75. Relieves Dry Skin 76. Diminishes Wrinkles 77. Promotes Youthful-Looking Skin 78. Repairs Skin Discoloration 79. Provides Relief for Itchy or Sensitive Skin 80. Soothes Skin 81. Provides Antioxidant Support to Skin 82. Reduces Appearance of Under-Eye Circles, Puffiness, and Wrinkles 83. Energizes Skin 84. Replenishes Skin 85. Revitalizes Skin 86. Exfoliates and Moisturizes Lips Chapter 4: Hair Care 87. Stimulates Hair Growth 88. Improves Dry, Brittle, and Damaged Hair 89. Treats Dandruff 90. Smooths Split Ends 91. Conditions Color-Treated Hair 92. Conditions Non-Color-Treated Hair 93. Creates Natural Highlights in Hair 94. Tames Frizz 95. Protects Hair from Heat Damage 96. Cleanses and Moisturizes Hair as a Dry Shampoo 97. Improves Hair’s Shine 98. Moisturizes and Protects Hair 99. Adds Volume to Hair 100. Clarifies Hair INTRODUCTION Do you want to lose weight? Alleviate allergy symptoms? Moisturize your skin? Treat dandruff? What if I told you that there was a special root that had been used for thousands of years to effectively treat these and other issues, and that this unique wonder-root may very well be in your refrigerator right now? This powerful superfood that could possibly change your life for the better is none other than ginger, an age-old root that not only improves healing, promotes vitality, and improves the body’s functioning, but is also versatile enough to include in a variety of dishes that range from sweet to salty, and spicy to subtle. And to add to the world-wide reputation of this amazing superfood’s healing capabilities are the new scientific studies done over the past decades that have shown that this herb contains powerful unique vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and compounds that literally work wonders in every area of your health and life! While traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines have relied on the ginger root for healing common ailments for thousands of years, this herb has only recently made an astounding reputation for itself as a superfood that is capable of not only healing minor illnesses, but safeguarding and improving overall health as well. With a growing percentage of the population turning to natural treatment methods as opposed to modern medicines, the ginger root and its natural healing capabilities have been thrust into the spotlight, commanding the attention of natural healers and those seeking natural health-improving dietary elements. And, in fact, recent scientific studies and in-depth research have now identified the powerful compounds in the ginger root that can improve the body’s natural processes and minimize a number of common conditions experienced by people of all ages, genders, and walks of life. From diabetes to experienced by people of all ages, genders, and walks of life. From diabetes to heart disease, to colds and flus, to cancers, the natural healing power of ginger has shown to be quite extraordinary. And, in addition to its healing powers, ginger also makes the perfect addition to a natural beauty regimen. With a number of simple, yet effective, applications for the skin and hair that utilize ginger and all of its healing nutrients and phytochemicals, anyone can improve the appearance and health of their skin and hair. Beauty-boosting benefits from the same nutrients, antioxidants, anti- inflammatory compounds, oils, and enzymes that promote internal health throughout the body can naturally improve the health of your body—inside and out! On the following pages, you’ll find 100 benefits and ways to use this delightful ingredient that can not only add spice to your culinary creations, but improve your health, beauty, and life in astounding ways!