Spicy Help for Back Pain.

I’m sure we are all aware of the benefits of some spices for our particular problems. One remedy that I use regularly, is ginger.

Ginger has been recognised since Roman times, and probably before, for it’s medicinal properties. It contains both volatile oils and phenol compounds, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Making it a useful weapon in the management of pain in general, as well as back pain.

I know it does help me. You can take it as fresh ginger juice, and sometimes I do this with the aid of my trusty juicer, I usually add it to apple and orange juice. You can make up your own juice according to taste.

You can use dried ginger, but it is apparently not quite so effective, and I’m lucky to have a store that stocks fresh ginger quite close to home.

Because it can have quite a powerful effect it is generally recommended that you keep your intake to about a teaspoon a day, half a teaspoon twice a day. This is a long term thing and you should  try, as I do, to maintain your intake each day.

One of my favourite ways to take ginger is as a tea. You can simply grate ginger into a jug, add hot water (not quite boiling) and there you are, strain into your favourite mug. Well, that’s the simplest form. I find that a bit harsh for me so I add honey and lemon to taste.

Try it and see what you think. Don’t expect instant results but I’m sure you’ll see a benefit after a while.

Talking of spices, it’s also well known that curry contains anti-oxidants that are most beneficial for treating inflammatory pain. Maybe we should get ourselves down to the local Indian take away, get a nice vindaloo and wash it down with a mug of ginger tea. Now there’s a thought!