Although ginger is highly valued around the world as a spice for cooking, for thousands of years it has been a useful medicinal herb in Asia, India, and the Middle East. Ginger's anti-inflammatory characteristics make it a chosen herb for treating varying forms of arthritis, muscle soreness and even menstrual cramps.
Arthritis
Arthritis is the deterioration of the joints related to the wearing away of the cartilage that acts as a buffer between the bone and joint. Without sufficient cartilage, the bones begin to rub against each other, limiting joint movement and causing stiffness and pain.
According to National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, ginger can relieve pain for those with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and those who experience joint and muscle pain.
Place a handful of sliced ginger root into a liter of water and bring to a boil. Soak a hand towel in the solution to make a wet compress and apply to the aching area for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat every six hours.
Massage ginger oil into the aching area for relief. Store ginger oil in a blue or brown essential oil bottle. Massage the oil into the skin three times throughout the day.
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 2 to 4 g of ginger juice or extract each day for arthritis pain.
Muscle Pain
Muscle pain can be caused by overexertion during exercise or a buildup of lactic acid in the muscles that creates soreness. According to Dr. Jacob Schor, a naturopathic doctor, ginger is the best herb for treating muscle pain that is felt all over the body. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that neutralize the free radicals that cause inflammation. If you experience acute muscle pain, Dr. Schor recommends you take six 500-mg capsules of the concentrated extract daily.
In addition to supplements, ginger oil massaged into sore or aching muscles can provide relief from the pain. Combine 9 drops of ginger oil with 6 drops of almond oil in a dark blue or brown bottle. Apply the massage oil to the aching area.
Toothache
Using ginger for toothaches is useful, according to Botanical Online. Chewing on ginger can help alleviate pain, or boil ginger root for use as a warm compress applied to the outside of the mouth and along the jaw line.
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