You probably know ginger for its versatile health benefits, but did you know it also contains amazing hair benefits as well? So, that wonderful ginger tea your grandma made when you were sick has more benefits than just making you feel better. This therapeutic herb contains numerous antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that will rock your world. Letās dig a little deeper into this plant to learn all its properties.
Ginger, also known asĀ Zingiber officinale, is a flowering plant that is closely related to turmeric and cardamom. The underground stem, or rhizome, of the ginger plant, is commonly known as the ginger root. It is used in ayurvedic traditional medicine for thousands of years, improving health and well-being.
Ginger has a least 115 constituents and at least 31 gingerol-related compounds. Out of these bioactive compounds, (6)-gingerol is the most abundant pungent compound giving ginger its known powerful therapeutic and preventive effects. Letās dive a little into the health benefits before discovering the hair benefits.Ā Ā (You can skip this section if you want butā¦ why would you?)
Gingerās Medicinal Benefits
Fights fungal infections- According to research studies, ginger can fight off two types of yeast infections, including jock itch and athletes foot. In another, of the 31 herbs tested, ginger had the highest fungal fighting properties.
Fights off inflammation- Clinical studies have suggested that due to the therapeutic compounds such as (6-gingerol, shogaol, paradol, and zingerone) ginger can be used effectively to reduce swelling and pain. In some studies, ginger has also been used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatism. Additionally, the above compounds are largely responsible for its antioxidant properties as well, proving to fight off free radicals from the environment which cause premature aging and cell damage.
Fights Cancer- Researchers are focused on the anticarcinogenic activities found in ginger including inducing apoptosis, preventing cell-cycle and decreasing tumor proliferation. The effectiveness has been examined in a variety of cancer types such a lymphoma, colorectal cancer, breast, skin, and liver cancer. Read more about the use of 6-gingerol and zerumbone to destroy tumor cells here.
Fights Nausea- Ginger is commonly known to alleviate symptoms of nausea and vomiting. It is said to prevent seasickness, combat nausea related to chemotherapy, and nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
Regulates Blood Sugar- A few animal trials have shown that ginger can control blood sugar levels. In one study ginger extract produced a reduction in fructose-induced elevation in lipid levels.
Hair Benefits
Ā Ginger is rich in potassium, manganese, and vitamin b6 which provides your hair follicles with nourishment, making them stronger and preventing hair loss. Ginger also contains essential fatty acids like linoleic acid which helps prevent your hair from thinning.
Gingerās active ingredients, gingerol, and circulatory agents (6-gingerol) cause warming and stimulating sensation when applied to the scalp- thereby increasing blood circulation and encouraging healthy hair growth.
The antiseptic and antimicrobial properties help control dandruff, soothe the scalp, and prevent itchiness and scratching which can damage the hair cuticle. Additionally, the removal of the dead skin cells (dandruff) that clog the follicles helps prevent hair fall.Ā
Ginger contains natural conditioning properties that can prevent dry hair and scalp leaving a natural shine.
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Ginger contains antioxidant gingerol, which helps to fight free radicals. Free radicals can cause hair cell damage which causes hair thinning and hair loss.
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