—after a tough workout: Muscles that are stiff and sore. Before you reach for another anti-inflammatory pill to combat post-workout muscle soreness, give ginger a chance.
Scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, you’re probably more familiar with ginger as one of the aromatic spices used in holiday cooking. But it has also been used for millennia for its remarkable medicinal properties. Research has found that ginger’s active compounds work as a potent anti-inflammatory—similar to those non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) that are readily purchased at the local drugstore.
When Inflammation is a Good Thing
The inflammation that occurs after a strenuous workout is a normal physiological reaction. It’s how your body makes those gains in fitness that you seek, such as greater endurance, increased strength and the igniting of your inner speed demon. When you exert yourself, whether it’s from lifting heavy weights, running a hilly course or cross-country skiing for the first time, little tears occur in your muscle fibers. You register it the next day as discomfort—and sometimes a hindrance to easily getting out of bed or navigating a flight of stairs.
Inflammation is how your body reacts to injury—even on this exercise-induced micro scale. The repair work begins, your muscles recover and you’re hopefully the stronger for it.
Exercise Curbs Runaway Inflammation
Studies have shown that overall, regular exercise can reduce inflammation in the body—the kind that can become chronic and underlies a good majority of devastating disease processes.
That’s the bigger picture—but it doesn’t make your sore muscles feel any better right now. You’re still looking to take the fire out of that temporary inflammation so you can get around a little better.
How to Use Ginger
Ginger is a natural, gentle addition to your overall diet. Most grocery stores carry the fresh, gnarled rhizome—something you might have formerly passed by with a sideways look. While it may have a somewhat forbidding appearance, it’s actually very easy to use and incorporate into your daily meals. Cut off a piece and peel off that tough outer layer—similar to peeling a potato. You’ll be left with the spicy-scented raw flesh, which can then be chopped and added to stir-fry dishes, muffin mixes or anything else that can withstand its pungent, warming kick.
One easy way to use fresh ginger daily is by making a tea with it. Pour boiling water over a few slivers and let it steep. You can also find prepackaged ginger tea in grocery stores.
Ginger can also be found in a powdered capsule form to be taken as a supplement. And if you don’t mind a sweet treat with a bite to it—try candied ginger.
