One test-tube study indicated that fresh ginger was effective against human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), which can cause respiratory tract infections in infants, children, and adults ( 19).Īnother test-tube study found that ginger extract blocked the growth of several strains of respiratory tract pathogens ( 20).Ī mouse study also noted that taking ginger extract blocked the activation of several pro-inflammatory immune cells and decreased symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as sneezing ( 21). Some research shows that ginger, in particular, may possess powerful immune-boosting properties. Many people take turmeric and ginger at the first sign of sickness, hoping to enhance immune function and sidestep cold or flu symptoms. Ginger has also been shown to decrease chronic pain associated with arthritis, along with several other conditions ( 16).įor example, one 5-day study in 120 women noted that taking 500 mg of ginger root powder 3 times daily reduced the intensity and duration of menstrual pain ( 17).Īnother study in 74 people found that taking 2 grams of ginger for 11 days significantly reduced muscle pain caused by exercise ( 18). In fact, a review of 8 studies found that taking 1,000 mg of curcumin was as effective at reducing joint pain as certain pain medications in those with arthritis ( 14).Īnother small study in 40 people with osteoarthritis showed that taking 1,500 mg of curcumin daily significantly reduced pain and improved physical function, compared with a placebo ( 15). Studies show that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is especially effective at decreasing pain caused by arthritis ( 12, 13). Relieve painīoth ginger and turmeric have been studied for their ability to provide relief from chronic pain. One review of 15 studies also observed that supplementing with turmeric could reduce levels of CRP, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and malondialdehyde (MDA), all of which are used to measure inflammation in the body ( 11). Meanwhile, test-tube and human studies indicate that turmeric extract can decrease several markers of inflammation, with some research noting that it may be as effective as anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and aspirin ( 8, 9, 10). Similarly, a review of 9 studies showed that taking 1–3 grams of ginger per day for 6–12 weeks decreased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker ( 7). One study in 120 people with osteoarthritis found that taking 1 gram of ginger extract per day for 3 months effectively reduced inflammation and decreased levels of nitric oxide, a molecule that plays a key role in the inflammatory process ( 6). Ginger and turmeric have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which could help decrease pain and protect against disease. It can also worsen symptoms associated with autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease ( 5). Reduce inflammationĬhronic inflammation is thought to play a central role in the development of conditions like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Though evidence is limited on the effects of ginger and turmeric when used together, studies show that both can help reduce pain and sickness. Have properties that help with pain and sickness Both can be consumed in various ways and are available as supplements. Ginger and turmeric are two types of flowering plants with medicinal properties. They’re also available in supplement form. It contains the chemical compound curcumin, which has been shown to aid in treating and preventing several chronic conditions ( 4).īoth ginger and turmeric can be consumed fresh, dried, or ground, and added to a variety of dishes. Turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, belongs to the same family of plants and is often used as a spice in Indian cooking. Its medicinal properties are mostly due to the presence of phenolic compounds, including gingerol, a chemical thought to possess potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties ( 3). Ginger, or Zingiber officinale, originated in Southeast Asia and has long been used as a natural remedy for various health conditions. Ginger and turmeric are two types of flowering plants that are widely used in natural medicine.
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