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Ginger is an herb often overlooked because it’s simple and commonplace, but don’t let that fool you. Ginger is a powerhouse of benefits, especially for digestion.

Fun Facts About Ginger

• Ginger is a flowering plant with origins in China.
• Ginger belongs in the same family as turmeric and cardamom.
• We use the ginger rhizome (similar to a root) as an herb and spice.
• Ginger has a long history of use in traditional medicine.

Studies on Ginger for Digestion

Ginger has been studied extensively in the scientific community. Here are a few interesting studies on the effects of ginger for digestion:

• Ginger has been shown to help speed digestion and soothe abdominal discomfort. (source)
• Ginger may ease digestive pain and improve digestion if you have IBS. (source)
• Ginger can soothe away nausea, gas, and bloating, among other uncomfortable digestive symptoms. (source)

How to Use Ginger for Digestion Support

So how can you harness the power of ginger? It’s one of the easiest (and most economical) herbal remedies and you can use it in a number of ways.

Raw Ginger

This is one of my favorite ways to get the benefits of ginger. Raw ginger is full of active compounds that soothe digestion as well as provide other important health benefits.

Simply nibble on a thin slice or munch on about a teaspoon of fresh-grated ginger before a meal. Ginger has a naturally strong and spicy flavor, so you might find you need to chase it with a few sips of water.

Ginger Root Tea

Steep 1 teaspoon of fresh chopped ginger a cup of hot water for five minutes. Strain and serve with lemon and honey.

You can also make ginger tea with premade teabags of ginger powder. I like this brand of ginger tea.

Crystalized Ginger

Also known as candied ginger, crystalized ginger is made by boiling raw ginger slices in a sweetener with water, then straining and baking until dried.

Although this kind of ginger does have added sugar, you only need a little to get the benefits. Eating 1-2 small pieces of crystallized ginger before a meal can make a big difference.

Buy crystalized ginger here.

Ginger Capsules

For convenience, you can’t beat ginger capsules. These supplements contain dried ground ginger and are still surprisingly effective.

Studies show 1-2 grams of ground ginger before a meal can provide digestive relief. Simply take 1-3 capsules before your largest meals each day.

I personally recommend MotilPro as a ginger digestive aid. It contains ginger as well as other vital ingredients to heal the digestive system.

Buy MotilPro here.

When to Use Ginger for Digestion

The best time to take ginger for digestion is before a meal. This can speed digestion and soothe your digestive system.

If you forget, you can also use ginger after a meal and it will still provide some benefits. But it’s definitely most effective when taken beforehand.

Learn More About Digestion Support

Healing digestion is one of the most important keys to improving your health and wellbeing. I even wrote a book on it called The SIBO Solution. Check out more of my posts on digestive health below:

• How to Reduce Gas and Bloating After Eating
• The Benefits of Saccharomyces Boulardii Probiotic
• How to Diagnose Leaky Gut Syndrome
• How to Get Rid of SIBO Constipation

You can also download my free YES/NO foods list for SIBO here.