| For thousands of years ginger has been used in | | | | to and following the pain-inducing exercises both |
| traditional medical systems as an | | | | groups were assessed for pain intensity, |
| anti-inflammatory pain killer. More recently | | | | perceived effort, muscle strength and their blood |
| researchers have found that it has | | | | was examined for the presence of inflammatory |
| anti-inflammatory action similar to the Cox-2 | | | | markers. |
| anti-inflammatory drugs such as Celebrex and, as | | | | The results showed that, when compared to |
| such, would be expected to help relieve pain and | | | | those in the placebo groups, there was a 25% |
| inflammation. | | | | reduction in all symptoms and measurements in |
| The first double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial | | | | the groups taking the fresh and heated ginger |
| to test the efficacy of ginger root in the | | | | preparations. |
| treatment of pain was carried out in 2001. The | | | | This study confirms without doubt the efficacy of |
| results of the University of Miami's six week long | | | | ginger as pain killer. While previous research has |
| trial on 261 patients with osteoarthritis of the | | | | shown that ginger contains compounds that are |
| knee boosted ginger root's reputation as an | | | | effective anti-inflammatory agents, this research |
| effective anti-inflammatory agent. | | | | confirms the traditional use of this valuable spice |
| In order to confirm ginger's efficacy as an | | | | as an anti-inflammatory analgesic. |
| analgesic, researchers at the Georgia College and | | | | The reduction of pain and inflammation amongst |
| the University of Georgia recently completed | | | | athletes can make a considerable difference to |
| another double blind placebo controlled trial. | | | | their performance and recovery and it will be |
| They divided 74 volunteers into two placebo | | | | interesting to see if further clinical trials will be |
| controlled groups. The first group took two grams | | | | designed to test ginger in the sporting arena. |
| of raw ginger daily for 11 days while the second | | | | These studies confirm ginger's place as one of our |
| group took two grams of heated ginger. Those in | | | | most valuable spices as it also has anti-cancer, |
| the control group took a placebo for the same | | | | anti-Alzheimer's and cardio-protective properties. |
| period of time. | | | | Whether in pain or not we would all do well to |
| On the eighth day all participants were asked to | | | | take this amazing food every day of our lives. |
| carry out a series of pain-inducing exercises. Prior | | | | |
