Nature's Power Duo: Uncovering the Little-Known Benefits of Ginger and Ginseng for Women's Health and Hormonal Balance

Ginger and ginseng are two natural remedies that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their restorative properties. While both herbs have been studied for their numerous health benefits, many of the little-known advantages of ginger and ginseng for women are often overlooked. 

In this article, we will explore these benefits in depth and how they can support women's overall health and well-being.

Ginger for Women

Ginger is well-known for its notable effects on digestive health. It has been used as a natural remedy to treat nausea, gas, and bloating for centuries. However, the little known fact about ginger is that it can also support women's reproductive health. Recent studies have shown that ginger can help alleviate menstrual cramps by effectively reducing the levels of prostaglandins, which increase inflamed tissue, making it a natural, effective and safe pain reliever.

Moreover, ginger has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help relieve joint pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. Women over the age of 50 are more prone to these diseases than men, and regular ginger intake can significantly reduce the risk of developing these conditions.

Another little-known benefit of ginger for women is its potential to alleviate symptoms associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, including menstrual irregularities, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Research has indicated that ginger can act as an anti-androgen and reduce free testosterone levels, which have been found to be elevated in PCOS patients.

Ginseng for Women

Ginseng is another ancient herb with numerous health benefits, including both physical and mental health. For women, ginseng can support hormonal balance by regulating estrogen levels and reducing PMS symptoms. A meta-analysis conducted on six trials involving 422 women found that ginseng significantly reduced the severity of PMS symptoms, including bloating, irritability, and physical discomfort. 

Moreover, ginseng's adaptogenic properties make it an excellent choice for women who experience chronic stress. It reduces cortisol levels and helps regulate the HPA axis*, leading to reduced anxiety, better sleep quality, and an overall improvement in mood. 

Ginseng also supports cognitive function, memory, and concentration, making it an ideal supplement for women during menopause who may experience cognitive decline and other cognitive symptoms. Recent research has also indicated that ginseng can improve exercise performance, which is particularly relevant for women who may experience lower energy levels and decreased performance during and after menopause.

In addition, ginseng has been found to have anti-cancer properties that may help prevent the development of breast and ovarian cancers. Research has found that ginsenosides and other compounds in ginseng suppress the growth of cancer cells by decreasing inflammation, modulating the immune system, and reducing oxidative stress.

How to Incorporate Ginger and Ginseng into Your Diet

Incorporating ginger and ginseng into your daily diet is simple and easy! Ginger can be prepared in several ways, including as a tea, in smoothies, or added as a flavoring agent in recipes. Ginger shots are also popular and can be found in many health food stores. The most effective way to gain the full benefits of ginger is through supplementing with ginger products, including ginger supplements or ginger formula supplements that are designed to treat and control specific symptoms.

Ginseng, on the other hand, is typically consumed in the form of supplements. You can find ginseng in tablet or powder form, or as part of a larger supplement designed to treat specific health conditions.

Ginger and ginseng are two powerful natural remedies that can have significant health benefits for women. From reducing menstrual cramps to supporting hormonal balance and reducing chronic inflammation, these herbs offer a myriad of health benefits that may be little-known but highly advantageous. Try incorporating ginger and ginseng into your daily routine to experience these benefits for yourself.

Before you start taking ginger, please watch the 5-min video below addressing a few important things you absolutely should consider before making ginger a regular part of your diet.

*The HPA (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal) axis is a system in your body that helps you respond to stress. When you are stressed, your brain sends a signal to your adrenal glands to release a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol helps your body respond to stress by increasing your heart rate, blood pressure, and sugar levels. After the stress has passed, your cortisol levels go back down to normal. However, chronic stress can lead to prolonged cortisol release, which can have negative effects on your health. It's crucial to manage stress and keep your HPA axis in check to maintain good health and well-being.

References

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2. Farahmand, M., Ramezani Tehrani, F., & Simbar, M. (2017). The effect of Omega-3 and vitamin E co-supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and pregnancy outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Journal of Ovarian Research, 10(1), 49.

3. Lee, S. A., Choi, M. J., Li, L., & Byun, J. E. (2015). Effects of ginseoisde and ginseng total saponin on PMS-like in rats. Biomolecules & Therapeutics, 23(5), 465-471.

4. Oh, S., Kyong Kim, S., Kim, B., Kwon, Y., Lee, J. H., Jeong, S. J., ... & Shin, S. S. (2016). Anti‐inflammatory effects of ginger and its constituents: Role in diabetes and obesity. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1371(1), 30-35.

5. Shalaby, M. A., Hamza, F., El-Mowafy, M., Shouman, S. A., Salah-Eldin, A. E., & Abdel-Galil, M. Y. (2021). Assessing the antioxidant/pro-oxidant activity and anticancer potential of Panax ginseng. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 1-16.

6. Zeinalian, M., Hajializadeh, Z., Rafiee, M., & Pishro, F. (2018). Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale)on primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 9(1), 15-20.

7. Zhang, X., Zhang, H., Liu, Y., Wang, L., Lv, C., Tian, C., & Fang, J. (2018). Effects of ginseng on two main sex steroid hormone receptors: estrogen and androgen receptors. Journal of Ginseng Research, 42(3), 346-352. 

8. Zick, S. M., Ruffin, M. T., Lee, J., Normolle, D. P., Siden, J. M., Alrawi, S., ... & Brenner, D. E. (2008). Phase II trial of encapsulated ginger as a treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Supportive Care in Cancer, 16(6), 583-590.