Research show ginger can help ease symptoms of asthma

It turns out that ginger is good for much more than relief after that third helping of pie.

A new study shows that the spicy root can relax airways and help relieve asthma symptoms.

Ginger’s asthma relief seems to come in two ways. First, it blocks an enzyme that constricts airways. Second, it triggers one that relaxes them.

Along with benefits to asthmatics, another study done by the University of Rochester found that people taking chemo could reduce the terrible nausea it causes by 40 percent — simply by taking a ginger supplement before the treatment.

The New York researchers also found the herb is quickly absorbed by your body, and likely has all-important anti-inflammatory effects as well.

The funny-looking fresh root can be peeled and grated for cooking. But since spending time in the kitchen isn’t my favorite thing, I’ve been getting my ginger the easier way, which is from a bottle of ginger juice.

When you shop for ginger, and other root foods, always get organic. You don’t know what toxic chemicals have been used. And when the food you eat grows underground, it has a better chance of still having some of those poisons left on the part you’re eating.

Sources:
“Can ginger help with asthma?” Laura Johannes, The Wall Street Journal, 1/6/2014, online.wsj.com