Ginger has been used as both seasoning and medicine for over 500 years. During the Middle Ages, it was used against the plague. Today, it is used for various ailments from simple colds and sniffles to rheumatoid arthritis. Garlic and ginger nutrition is only just being fully understood.
Here we look at some of the benefits of ginger and garlic. Ginger and garlic are very versatile, and while some people just chew ginger or make garlic tea, they are most commonly used as ingredients in healthy meals.
Health Benefits of Ginger
Its effectiveness against headaches has been documented. Taken at the first sign of migraine, ginger can reduce the symptoms and severity of headaches by blocking prostaglandins, the chemicals that cause inflammation in blood vessels in the brain. This anti-inflammatory activity in ginger can shorten the discomfort of headaches, colds and flu.
Ginger blocks the production of substances that cause bronchial congestion and stuffiness. Its main compound, gingerol, provides natural anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative properties and is also a cough suppressant.
Raw ginger benefits the joints as it helps to reduce joint swellings in people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, and many people say that the benefits of ginger exceed those of some conventional medicine, although it is most advisable to take both.
A study found that ginger eased the symptoms in 55 percent of people with osteoarthritis and 74 percent of those with rheumatoid arthritis. Considering the health implications of drugs like Vioxx and Celebrex, ginger seems a much safer and more cost-effective alternative, and is for many people, one of the most important benefits of ginger.
Ginger works like aspirin to thin the blood. A study involving Danish women between the ages of 25 to 65 years, one group of whom consumed 70 grams of raw onion daily while a second group consumed 5 grams of ginger daily for one week, showed unequivocally the benefits of ginger.
When the researchers tested both groups of women, they found that ginger, more clearly than onion, reduced thromboxane production by almost 60 percent. Thromboxane compounds stimulate the clumping of blood platelets and the constricting of blood vessels. By dissolving the clumping quality of blood platelets, ginger reduces blood clots and the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Ginger can also relieve menstrual cramps.
Chemical compounds in ginger act as anti-spasmodics inhibiting painful contractions of both smooth muscles of the digestive tract and the uterus.
Health Benefits of Garlic
Garlic is no less powerful. The restorative powers of garlic have been known to the ancient Egyptians who gave garlic to slaves constructing the pyramids in order to increase their efficiency and stamina.
Garlic, like ginger, reduces the tendency of blood to clot. Garlic improves blood flow throughout the body, not just in the coronary arteries. It acts as a vasodilator by causing blood vessels to expand and blood pressure to drop.
Researchers at the Garlic Research Bureau in Suffolk, England, recently reported that “even small amounts of Garlic, say 3 or 4 grams, will have a pronounced effect on fibrinolytic (breaking down of blood clots) activity in doses from 25 grams ( 10 cloves) to 50 grams. Garlic seems to be highly effective in promoting beneficial changes in blood fat composition and platelet adhesiveness.”
Garlic also lowers cholesterol, tryglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels while also increasing the beneficial cholesterol HDL.
Garlic may have some anti-tumor properties. Garlic oil inhibits enzymes that curtail the production of protaglandins (many cancers are prostaglandin dependent).
Research in China also shows an inverse relationship between the incidence of stomach cancer and garlic intake. Studies even suggest that garlic may lower the risk of colon cancer by 35 percent and stomach cancer by as much as 50 percent. Garlic inhibits the formation of nitrites, chemicals that could trigger stomach cancer. There have also been claims that garlic can shrink cancers of the breast, skin and lungs.
Finally, the essential oils in garlic are excreted through the lungs, which means that it is particularly effective for clearing respiratory ailments.
Garlic and Ginger Tea
If you don’t fancy chewing on raw ginger and garlic, garlic tea is a good option. Simply chop and crush some ginger and garlic, add to water in a pan and bring to the boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
The juices from the ginger and garlic will infuse the water, and hey presto! you have ginger and garlic tea. Strain into a mug and drink. Add honey to sweeten, if you wish. Either drink hot as garlic tea, or allow to cool as garlic water.
Research Papers and References
- “Characterization of food antioxidants, illustrated using commercial garlic and ginger preparations” by Okezie I. Aruoma, Jeremy P.E. Spencera, Donna Warrena, Peter Jennera, John Butlerb, Barry Halliwella in Food Chemistry Volume 60, Issue 2, October 1997, Pages 149-156 Antioxidants in Food.
- “Intake of Garlic and Its Bioactive Components” by Harunobu Amagase, Brenda L. Petesch, Hiromichi Matsuura, Shigeo Kasuga and Yoichi Itakura. Journal of Nutrition. 2001;131:955S-962S. Abstract: http://jn.nutrition.org/content/131/3/955S.short
- “Traditional Indian spices and their health significance” by Kamala Krishnaswamy. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2008;17(S1):265-268. Full article: http://apjcn.nhri.org.tw/server/APJCN/17%20Suppl%201/265.pdf
- “Changes in Platelet Function and Susceptibility of Lipoproteins to Oxidation Associated with Administration of Aged Garlic Extract” by Steiner, M.; Lin, R. S. In Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology: June 1998 – Volume 31 – Issue 6 – pp 904-908. Abstract: http://journals.lww.com/cardiovascularpharm/Abstract/1998/06000/Changes_in_Platelet_Function_and_Susceptibility_of.14.aspx
- “Health-promoting properties of common herbs” by Winston J Craig in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 70, No. 3, 491S-499S, September 1999. Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10479221
drinking of lemon juice after taking a garlic reduces the adour
does taking raw ginger and garlic have any side effect? i blend a little of both most mornings with fruits and drink.
Hi Uchenna, there are no common side effects, garlic and ginger are very common foods. However, that does not mean that you will be immune to side effects. If you have been consuming them daily with no ill effects then there seems to be no reason to worry though.
Hi all,Having gone through the discussions,i too would like to share the experience.I have gastric (burning sensation in stomach that reaches till by back spinal sometimes).I was advised to use ginger,garlic smashed & soak overnight in a teaspoon of honey.In the morning ,empty stomach i am having it & then drinking a glass of warm water.I have just started a couple of days.However I see no immediate relief. Pls advise am I going in the right path.Also the odour is very trouble some.I need to chew bubble gums during the day.I would try lemon juice as advised above.Lets see.
Give lemon a go, let us know if it works for you.
I have been taking garlic with ginger everyday, will it reduce the fat in my stomach?
Hi Kessy, no it will not.
1. Can garlic and ginger cure erectile dysfunction permanently? if it can, for how many month can it be used before it cure erectile dysfunction.
2. Can garlic and ginger help in enhancing male organ.
I will be looking forward in hearing from you soon
Thanks
It depends. If the problem is caused by blood flow problems then improving both fitness and your diet can help. You will need to take garlic daily for a few months though. There is a not a great deal of research on this, but this page is promising: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/humanbody/truthaboutfood/healthy/erectiledysfunction.shtml
If the problem is psychological then garlic will not help. As for enhancing, no.
Pls, i had stomach surgery 4 months ago where i have cyst and little fibriod removed. 2weeks after the surgery, i started having pain on my back, it reduce,but started having pains around my abdomen and pelvic
Pls, i had stomach surgery 4 months ago where i have cyst and little fibriod removed. 2weeks after the surgery, i started having pain on my back, it reduce,but started having pains around my abdomen and pelvic. I dont know if it is muscles or nerves that hurts. Can ginger and garlic work for me and for how long.
Hi Mobolanle, if you have pains after surgery you need to speak to your doctor about it.
pls, i want to know if ginger/ garlic is capable of curing prostate cancer
Of course it is not. No cancer can be cured by any type of food or diet.
Ginger and galic is medicinal
I have gone through some of the interactions here.Pls Doc. what of onion and garlic?can the mixture help in infectious diseases like staph. and gonorrhea? thanks for all your candid advice and answers.
Thanks for the information, it was really helpful but i also want to know if garlic and ginger can be used to treat diabetes.
Hi Mevonomas, garlic and ginger will not treat diabetes alone. You need to change your whole diet, and maybe take medication too. Speak to your doctor.
For one who is trying to conceive can ginger tea prevent her from getting pregnant?
No Cindy.
Will garlic and ginger really help in breast cancer?
It is probably unlikely. There have been reports that those who eat more garlic are less likely to develop such cancers, but this may be more an indication of overall better health. People who eat fast food, smoke and drink to excess are less likely to prepare meals with fresh garlic.
According to Cancer Research UK, “em>Very few studies of this type have studied garlic and cancer risk. In one recent study conducted in China, where stomach cancer is quite common, aged garlic extract and steam-distilled garlic oil did not prevent this disease.”
Ref: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/complementary-and-integrative-medicine.html
Garlic is certainly not a cure for any cancer (or any other disease for that matter). But it may help to prevent some minor illnesses. It is most likely that those whole prepare their meals using fresh ingredients including garlic, and have a balanced diet and are generally healthy lifestyle are less likely to develop any form of disease, not just cancer.
What effect do raw garlic & ginger , ginseing multivamin capsule have on a person with alcoholic fatty liver?
Ho Doyin, I do not know. If you have alcoholic fatty liver then the most important thing you can do is stop drinking completely and eat a healthy and balanced diet. Drink water.
ALWAYS KIA 4 UR HEALTH .7LUVS U
pls doc, can ginger and garlic help in curing herpes simplex
Hi Kari, there are no doctors here. However, there is no evidence that ginger and garlic can cure herpes simplex. In fact, nothing can – herpes simplex is an incurable virus. However, it can be managed, and boosting the immune system with a combination of healthy food and exercise will help. Stress, tiredness and poor diet often makes the condition worse.
Is it good to blend some porportion of garlic and ginger, boiled together and make a drink with little honey added. What are d benefits? Kindly let me know if there is any side effect too.
Thanks
Hi Mary, both garlic and ginger have various health properties as mentioned above. Side effects are possible upset stomach if you body disagrees with it, but this is rare.
what should i do to conceive
Hi Adejumo, that is not something that we are qualified to answer.
interesting blog!
i drink mixed garlic raw garlic juice and ginger juice every night. hope thats ok.
i’m diabetic and hypertensive but uses drugs only for the high blood pressure.
for diabetes i use diet and exercise. i check my blood sugar every morning.
hope tha’s ok for me.
many thanks for your inputs.
Hi Emeka, if you are controlling your diabetes / glucose levels, it is OK.
does garlic ana ginger cure fibriod please I want to know.
Hi Chichi, I have searched some scientific journals and cannot find anything conclusive. The Pakistan Journal of Nutrition published a paper which did conclude that there may be some improvement in fibroids in rats when given a garlic treatment.
“Effect of Garlic Extracts on Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Induced Fibroid in Wistar Rats” by G.O. Obochi, S.P. Malu, M. Obi-Abang, Y. Alozie and M.A. Iyam. Research paper (PDF): http://docsdrive.com/pdfs/ansinet/pjn/2009/970-976.pdf
There are many other studies, but I am not sure how accurate they are, or if they are unbiased. Really is it best to seek professional medical advice from a conventional doctor.
Ginger and galic are good 4 d body,nd dey match 2geda,bt d most funny part is that i dnt eat any of dem,cus it smells alot.
I would to know I had a problem on high blood pressure never control last 5 years and medicine isn’t help me any thing any body had any I D what can I reduce to that please thank you
Hi Ahmen. Your diet, exercise and weight all affect blood pressure. Have you improved your diet and started exercising? Are you overweight. Work on these three things, but also speak to your doctor again as there may be other medications to try.
I want 2 kno how my Tommy can reduce
Tope, look at the articles in the weight loss section – all the answers are there.
I HAVE HIGH CHOLESTEROL LEVEL, CAN GARLIC HELP TO REDUCE THE LEVEL?
There is some evidence to suggest that it will help. However, it should not be your only solution. You need to change your diet and possibly exercise more too.
Some research: Garlic as a lipid lowering agent–a meta-analysis by Silagy C, Neil A
Would like to know if it is ok for me to blend garlic and gingar together and then leave over night and drink half a glass every day like juice?becouse is what I do every other day.
Probably, should be OK.
Does ginger and garlic cure toilet infection like candida .
Hi Oma, for such an infection you really need some medicine, candida can be very persistent.
Pls can ginger and garlic help in balancing hormone and anovulation
Hi Chioma, a quick review of online discussions on the topics shows that there are some people claiming that it helps, but there is no solid scientific evidence that it can definitely help.
It should not harm to increase your intake of garlic and ginger.
Upon studies conducted by myself on different plants I have found garlic useful in the prevention of soil fungus borne damp off disease that prevents plants from thriving past their seedling stage, soils treated with diluted garlic solution prevented the disease from attacking the plants and causing them to wilt and die, it worked all the time without fail, so it was successful in killing the fungus, even soil that had the fungus when treated became productive soil, this alone proved to me garlic does have limited effect on micro organisms, also when I had tooth ache works like a charm once again all the time Incedible herb, combined with ginger I cant imagine the benefits
Dose ginger and garlic have any side effect when you drink them as juice?