Constipation is a common condition that several people across the globe suffer from. Most of us do so silently! Constipation is medically defined as the difficulty in having bowel movements, which are restricted to around 3 or less than that for a week.
Alternative and complementary treatments are the first line of defense in treating constipation. Ginger, the queen of traditional medicine, is a household ingredient that could treat your constipation effectively and even alleviate the symptoms that are caused by it.
Ginger is the root of a tropical plant (Zingiber officinale), this root has been part of the herbal medicine since ages. This root is primarily used in Asian countries, in the form of cooking and is also added to baked goods. The pungent flavor and odor of ginger are caused due to a chemical compound called zingerone. It is known to also consists of shaols and gingerols, that contribute to the medicinal properties of ginger.
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There are myriad of benefits of using ginger for constipation.
In a double-blind randomized(1) controlled trial conducted in 2014, forty-five patients who were suffering from IBS were randomly assigned into three groups namely placebo, patients who were given a gram of ginger and a group of patients that were given two grams of ginger for a duration of 28 days.
It was observed that after 28 days, the people who had been given 2 grams had shown 46.7% significant reduction in their symptoms and patients with one gram had shown 33.3% reduction in their symptoms and this was measured using the IBS severity scale (IBS-SS). It was concluded that using ginger for constipation yielded amazing results.
[Also Read: Get Rid of Constipation Naturally]
One of the easiest and simplest ways of using ginger for constipation is to use it directly.
All you need to do is wash and peel fresh ginger root and cut it into small pieces and chew on them directly, daily to get rid of your constipation. This is one of the most effective methods you could employ to treat your constipation. However, this may seem radical for a few people to use.
Alternatively, there are several other methods you could employ, like adding ginger into your cooking or making a tea out of this herb, you could also go on a lemon and ginger cleanse. Additionally, in the recent light of events after the breakthrough of the medicinal benefits of ginger, there have been several tinctures, pills, lozenges, and juices that are readily available. However, it is to be noted that you should check the dosage before you buy these products.
[Also Read: Popular Diet for Constipation]
There have been several documented cases where people have voiced their opinion about the side effects of using ginger. It is known to cause nausea and vomiting if taken over the recommended dosage.
Also, it is to be noted that diabetics should not consume ginger tea for constipation(2) as it may affect the absorption of diabetic medications. Also, it is strongly advised that you don’t use ginger and its by-products during your pregnancy unless suggested by a doctor.
Additionally, ginger also has blood thinning properties, which could prolong the action of blood thinning agents such as aspirin, hence it is not recommended that you use ginger whilst on these drugs.
Ginger is a household spice that can be used by anyone ( if there are no medical implications) to treat a myriad of health conditions. However, it is to be noted that ginger is not a substitute for other drugs, hence it is recommended that you use this alongside other natural treatments/remedies for reaping the benefits of ginger for constipation.
[Also Read: Aloe Vera for Constipation]
Drinking 1 or 2 cups of ginger tea is known to aid the digestion process, thereby relieving constipation. It also has laxative effects that promote bowel movement.
Some quick fixes to relieve constipation include
Though unripe bananas don’t seem to relieve constipation, a ripe banana can in fact aid it. Bananas contain dietary fiber called pectin, which stimulates bowel movement by drawing water from the intestines toward the stool.