HOLISTIC approach to medicine. GINGER - one of the best supplements out there!!!

One of the biggest reasons I pursued my career in pharmacy is my fascination with natural and holistic medicine. I believe that we have evolved over hundreds of thousands of years next to the local plants that have almost all the healing properties we might need. This idea goes well with the Ayurvedic, Chinese, and other ancient medicines that have been around for thousands of years as well. Not to take away the credibility of modern day medicine, most of the medications that we have now have been derived from the same plants used in ancient medicine.

As an example, take a lettuce leaf. As a biologist and a doctor of pharmacy I can tell you that at best, we know about 1-10% of what kind of enzymes, mineral salts and other compounds comprise that leaf. And we know even less on how these compounds interact with each other, furthermore even less on how they interact with and in our bodies.

Just to be clear, I still go to my doctor regularly and follow the modern Western medicine guidelines for any illness or trauma. However, I use natural or over-the-counter supplements that are closely derived from medicinal plants in my everyday living.

(I'll take that prescription)


Today I will talk about Ginger. It is one of my favorite supplements out there. I've been using it for many years for indigestion and related issues. I do have a problem that many can relate to- I like to eat. A lot. And if I over eat before going to bed- I wake up in the middle of the night from nightmares and can't get back to sleep until the morning, so I feel groggy and tired all day. This is where Ginger comes in. I like to take it in capsules or chew on thin root slices. If I take a few capsules before going to bed- I sleep through the night and feel great in the morning.

(Ginger root and powder)

Aside from help with digestion and related conditions like heartburn, gas, and IBS, Ginger helps with has numerous other properties that have been clinically proven. For example it has helps fight cancer (specifically pancreatic cancer) link to the study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4427290/

It also helps lose weight, increase memory function, it is great for nausea ( I suggest it as an OTC option for my pregnant patients), improves blood circulation, blood sugar levels, and reduces inflammation thereby helping prevent some chronic illnesses. Link to the study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3253463/

The only thing to watch out for with Ginger is that it is a known blood thinner, so if you are predisposed to bleeding or if you're taking other blood thinning agents like warfarin- you might need to be careful. When taking Ginger make sure to drink plenty of water as it has some light diuretic property so you don't become dehydrated. As with any other medication or supplement consult with your own doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Ginger root and capsules:

(Photo source: istockphoto.com)