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Ginger, Zingiber officinale, that warming plant we all know and love, has been used to support whole system wellness for more than 5,000 years. The root is revered as a tonic in Indian and Chinese traditional systems, with its benefits widely studied and recognized worldwide. Particular focus has been given to ginger benefits for women, and how it can powerfully support everything from menstrual cycles, to reproductive wellness to post-workout recovery; in addition to digestion – the root’s best-known claim-to-fame.
Active Ingredients in Ginger
Ginger root contains an abundance of bioactive constituents, mainly phenolic and terpene compounds that lend themselves to the deep benefits of the plant. Of note, gingerols are the major polyphenol substances of the rhizome that are attributed to soothing the gastrointestinal tract. [1] Gingerols also help facilitate a healthy inflammatory response and prompt antioxidant activity for whole body ease and detoxification.
What does ginger do for the female body?
Ginger can move harmoniously with a woman through her moon cycles, providing comfort at every stage. The root has been found to help provide relief from the many symptoms of PMS, whether related to mood, cramping or fatigue[2]. It also can help ease abdominal discomfort and bloating once a woman’s period arrives, thanks to its ability to mediate a healthy inflammatory response. [3] In addition, Ginger may have a positive effect on reproductive wellness [4]. It is advised that any woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding check with their doctor before adding ginger to their wellness regimen.
Ginger Benefits for Women
Ginger benefits for women include everything from menstrual relief and digestive wellness to reproductive support and immune function. Read on to learn the full breadth of advantages of adding ginger to your wellness regimen, whether by tea or capsule.
1. Menstrual Relief
Studies have shown that ginger can greatly relieve period-related discomfort, and significantly reduce the severity of symptoms. It is considered a safe alternative to over the counter drugs, and works similarly in blocking the production of uterine prostaglandins; helping maintain a healthy inflammatory response and minimize cramping and bloating. [5] Two different clinical studies have found ginger to be just as effective with fewer side effects than NSAIDS.[6, 7]
Enjoy the menstrual benefits of ginger for women with De Lune’s Cramp Aid liquid capsules, featuring high potency herbs for drug-free relief from period cramps and discomfort. For a powerful period elixir, combine Tulsi Turmeric Ginger with a light peppering of Cayenne and watch your physical and mental stress melt away. Complete the ritual and celebrate your inner moon goddess with curated wellness kits.
2. Reproductive Support
Ginger has also been researched for its benefits on female reproductive wellness. It is documented for its ability to have positive effects on folliculogenesis, or the maturation of the ovarian follicle, both long and short term with low dosage. [8] It is also found to have cardioprotective properties that aid cardiovascular function, mediating healthy blood flow through the body – and therefore healthy circulation to the reproductive organs, as well.
Complement your Ginger supplement and tea ritual, with the powerful Ayurvedic herb Shatavari for targeted reproductive and hormonal support. [9]
3. Digestive Wellness
One of the best known benefits of ginger is its soothing effect on the digestive system. The gingerol polyphenolic compounds help relax the entire gastrointestinal tract for higher function and greater relief. [10] As a result it may help minimize temporary stomach upset and nausea, while relieving gas and supporting healthy elimination. [11]
Though sipping ginger ale (which typically contains very little ginger, if any) is more placebo effect than anything else, there are many powerful digestive supplements and teas featuring whole organic ginger root to fully reap the benefits from. Check out herbalist-curated Digestive Support Daily Pack for comprehensive digestive wellness on-the-go; fiery, tri-spice Trikatu supplement for metabolic support; or Tulsi Lemon Ginger tea to soothe, detox and refresh the GI tract.
4. Cognitive Health
As it turns out, ginger has mental benefits in addition to its abundance of physical benefits. In fact, research shows that this mighty root can actually help support cognitive function in middle-aged healthy women. [12] Studies demonstrate that it is a brain tonic that aids focus, processing functions, encoding information, and sensory, short term and long term memory. Underlying mechanisms behind its cognitive benefits are still being studied.
Need to focus? Enjoy brain benefits with this Turmeric Golden Milk Latte with Ginger or Turmeric Ginger Shake during your work day. Period woes got your mind fuzzy? Try this Period Rescue Kit featuring ginger for mental clarity and mood support.
5. Workout Support
As a happy outcome of Ginger’s effect on a healthy inflammatory response, the root also has excellent benefits as it relates to female workout support and recovery. One study monitored three groups of healthy women, one who took ginger an hour before exercise, one immediately after, and one group not at all. The group who took ginger an hour before exercise saw a dramatic reduction in workout-related pain and muscle soreness as compared to the other two groups. [13]
An hour before your workout, enjoy some hot or iced Tulsi Lemon Ginger tea, made with whole organic ginger for its full spectrum support. You can pair your infusion with a Turmeric Formula capsule to protect your muscles during your workout.
6. Immune Function
Brimming with antioxidants plus trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, a cup of ginger tea can do just the trick when you’re feeling under the weather. It can soothe and bring a warming effect to the whole body, while supporting normal immune function and healthy inflammatory response so you can feel your best. [14] Always be sure to check with your doctor before consuming Ginger if you have any underlying health conditions or take medications.
While supplements are also efficacious to support immunity, there is something so comforting about the instant gratification of sipping warm ginger tea. Sit back, relax and sip Tulsi Turmeric Ginger, Tulsi Lemon Ginger (with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon) or even Tulsi Masala Chai (contains ginger) – and allow your amazing immune system to do the rest.
7. Healthy Inflammatory Response
When it comes to ginger benefits for women, no list is complete without this one. Ginger contains around 40 antioxidant compounds that help support a healthy inflammatory response throughout the entire body. [15] This action greatly lends itself to many of the root’s aforementioned benefits, namely digestive support, menstrual relief, immune wellness, cardiovascular wellness, minor pain management and muscle relief after exertion. The bioactive gingerols, shoagals and paradols are the main constituents related to balanced inflammatory response.
Bask in Ginger’s inflammatory balance benefits by enjoying it alongside Turmeric for maximum relief and efficacy in this Ayurvedic Turmeric Formula Supplement. For ease from period-related flare ups, check out these herbal Cramp Aid liquid capsules, featuring ginger to ease temporary menstrual pain.
Next time you’re looking for an herbal ally to support you through all your cycles and seasons, reach for Ginger. From ancient India, China and Rome to Medieval Europe to the modern day, women have used this incredible rhizome to nurture so many of their wellness needs.
Looking for delicious ways to incorporate Ginger into your life? Try this Carrot Sweet Potato Soup with Turmeric and Ginger during the cooler months or Iced Tulsi Lemon Ginger Elixir for the warmer months.
Why we love De Lune:
De Lune is the female-founded nutritional health company revolutionizing the menstrual cycle from a burden into a strength. By harnessing clean ingredients from Mother Nature in research-backed doses for maximum efficacy, De Lune makes it easy to get real relief from cyclical symptoms and achieve optimal hormonal health.