Next time you’ve overdone things a bit…and you’ve got the muscle aches and pains to prove it… skip the ibuprofen or aspirin and reach for a slice of ginger instead.

Researchers have shown that ginger is quite effective at reducing muscle pain. In fact, just 2 grams or .07 ounces of ginger had exerciser’s pain dropping by up to 25 percent!

Participants in the study took capsules of ginger (raw or heat-treated) or a placebo for 11 days. On day 8 they did strenuous arm exercises and then rated their pain over the next three days. Those who received the ginger had a moderate to significant reduction in their muscle pain compared to the placebo group.

Research has already shown that the root can reduce arthritis pain. And of course it has long been a folk remedy for upset stomachs and colds.

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties similar to those found in naproxen, ibuprofen, or aspirin. But the spice has none of the potential side effects of those drugs like heart complications, bleeding, or liver toxicity.

So next time you’ve overdone the yard work or done a bit to much sightseeing why not head for the refrigerator instead of the medicine cabinet? (Hint: Store your fresh ginger in a paper bag in the vegetable crisper and it will last for weeks.)

Ginger is safe, natural, and affordable. Oh and did I mention delicious? There’s simply no downside to this one.

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