Ginger is a common food ingredient that can be used as both medicine and food. It has the effects of dispelling cold and warming the body, promoting digestion, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, relieving nausea, and assisting in antibacterial. It can be taken internally to regulate the body and can also be used externally to relieve discomfort.

1. Six main effects of ginger

1. Dispelling cold and warming the body

Gingerol in ginger can dilate blood vessels, accelerate blood circulation, and help expel cold air from the body. Drinking ginger tea at the beginning of a cold, or soaking your feet in ginger water after catching a cold, can relieve symptoms such as cold hands and feet and nasal congestion.

2. Promoting digestion

Ginger can improve problems such as loss of appetite and bloating by stimulating gastric acid secretion and intestinal peristalsis. Taking a piece of ginger or drinking ginger tea after a meal can help relieve stomach discomfort after a greasy meal.

3. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant

Ginger contains gingerol and shogaol, which can inhibit inflammatory factors (such as COX-2), relieve arthritis and muscle soreness; its antioxidant ingredients can also reduce free radical damage and help delay aging.

4. Relieve nausea and vomiting

Studies have shown that ginger can inhibit the overreaction of gastrointestinal nerves and relieve motion sickness, morning sickness (need to follow doctor's advice), postoperative nausea, etc. Chewing ginger slices or drinking ginger juice are common methods.

5. Auxiliary antibacterial

Ginger extract has a certain inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, etc. In traditional medicine, ginger juice is often used to treat minor trauma or prevent food spoilage.

6. External use effect

Ginger slices can be applied externally to relieve minor sprains and swelling; ginger juice applied to the scalp can promote local blood circulation, but it needs to be diluted to avoid irritation.