For centuries, both turmeric and ginger have been used in ayurvedic practices to aid in chronic pain, nausea and immune function. Not only are these roots essential nutrients to our overall health and wellness, but they are also widely celebrated for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Discover the benefits of turmeric and ginger and how these two can be combined to provide inflammation relief.
Turmeric vs. Ginger
Both turmeric and ginger are spices that have been celebrated throughout culinary and cultural practices for centuries. In India–the Hindus believe turmeric to be auspicious and sacred, while Buddhist monks dye their robes in the sacred spice. Alternatively, ginger was originally produced in Southeast Asia for its medicinal and wellness purposes. Since then, it has gone on to be the most widely traded spice throughout the world.
Today, these root spices have an important place in all cultures, but together–they’ve become a powerful force.
The Benefits of Turmeric
Overtime, turmeric has become a widely promoted super-ingredient for its role in healing inflammation, chronic pain, and curing various diseases like irritable bowel syndrome.
Turmeric is considered a powerful root mostly due to its medically active compound, known as curcumin. This compound contains both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help:
- Lower stress and inflammation
- Improve circulation and digestion
- Fight chronic age related diseases–like arthritis
- Lower the risk of heart disease
Today, this powerful plant can be consumed raw or in supplement form to aid primarily with joint pain and inflammation.
The Benefits of Ginger
Similarly to turmeric, ginger is a rhizome that contains a medical active compound known as gingerol. As mentioned above, ginger has been used for thousands of years for the treatment of numerous ailments, such as colds, nausea, migraine, hypertension, arthritis and more.
Not only is this compound celebrated in Ayuverdic medicine, but it has also been heavily reviewed by the medical and pharmaceutical community.
Similarly to turmeric, ginger contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties which help:
- Support cardiovascular health
- Reduce inflammation and chronic pain
- Reduce the risk of cancer–due to its anti-cancer properties
Ginger is widely used in the culinary world; however, it is more commonly consumed in its raw or supplement form to aid in specific ailments like arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and more.
Turmeric and Ginger Health Benefits
As highlighted above, both turmeric and ginger are powerful herbs with numerous health benefits, but what happens when the two are combined?
In one study, both ginger and turmeric were studied for its physiological and therapeutic effects on particular endocrine gland functions. Although the study claims further research must be made, there were promising results that showed that both ginger and curcumin (the active compound found in turmeric) could help fight the effects of both aging and degenerative diseases [1].
Another study showed that a ginger-turmeric mixture provided protective effects against joint inflammation, atherogenesis, kidney dysfunction and other complications in a rat model of human rheumatoid arthritis [2].
These studies show that not only are these two herbs highly recommended in holistic practices, but they are showing promising results in medical research as well.
Turmeric and Ginger for Inflammation
As mentioned, both these roots can be used for a variety of ailments, but their most common use is for inflammation.
Inflammation is usually caused in response to the immune system protecting the body (and organs) against infection, injury or disease. Although there are several inflammatory conditions, some of the most common are:
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Autoimmune diseases
- Rheumatoid arthritis
As such, more people have turned towards holistic approaches to heal these ailments naturally.
Although many turn to consuming these herbs in their raw form through cooking, others have become accustomed to consuming both in a drink known as–Golden Milk. This Indian drink is made by combining cow’s milk or a plant-based milk with turmeric and other spices like ginger or cinnamon. Not only is this drink easy to make, but it contains high levels of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Here at Fusionary Formulas, we wholeheartedly believe in the power of both turmeric and ginger supplementation for natural pain and inflammation relief.
When used in combination, we’ve found that both can help:
- Decrease joint pain and stiffness
- Reduce inflammation and free radical damage of healthy cells
- Alleviate swelling
However, it’s important to remember that not all foods or supplements allow for maximal absorption of both curcumin and gingerol. To fully relieve pain and inflammation, it is important to search out supplements that promote nutrient absorption and bioavailability like this Pain Solution Bundle.
Taking supplements that allow for full absorption will allow you to properly benefit from the pure anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties found within both these powerful ingredients.
Dr. Shivani Gupta is a pioneer who redefined the health and wellness industry by bridging the gap between ancient and modern medicine. She holds a Ph.D. in Ayurvedic Studies, a 5,000-year-old philosophy that prevents disease and illness through the connection of mind, body, and spirit.
References:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21476200
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23773648
https://www.consumerreports.org/dietary-supplements/does-turmeric-really-reduce-inflammation
Dr. Shivani Gupta is a pioneer who redefined the health and wellness industry by bridging the gap between ancient and modern medicine. She holds a Ph.D. in Ayurvedic Studies, a 5,000-year-old philosophy that prevents disease and illness through the connection of mind, body, and spirit.