Ginger reduces exercise-induced muscle pain.

Ginger can reduce pain and reduce exercise-induced muscle pain. The pain-reducing effect is obtained by consuming raw or heat-treated ginger. This shows a study published by Black et al in the Journal of Pain in 2010.

Ginger - now also proven effect on humans

Ginger has previously shown anti-inflammatory effects in animal studies, but its effect on human muscle pain has previously been uncertain. It has also been suggested that heat treatment of ginger will make it extra pain relieving, but this is refuted in this study - as the effect was just as great when consuming raw or heat-treated ginger.

Studies

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ginger intake over 11 days and its effect on reported muscle pain. The randomized, double-blind study was divided into 3 groups;

(1) Raw ginger

(2) Heat treated ginger

(3) Placebo

The participants in the first two groups ate 2 grams of ginger a day for 11 consecutive days. They also had to perform 18 eccentric exercises with the elbow flexors to stimulate an overload - which caused local pain and inflammation. Pain levels and several other variable factors (effort, prostaglandin level, arm volume, range of motion and isometric strength) were measured before and 3 days after the exercises.

Results from the study: Ginger is a natural painkiller

Both group 1 and group 2 achieved similar results when it came to pain relief in affected muscle compared to the placebo group. The conclusion was that ginger is a natural painkiller that can be beneficial to take daily. In the past, it has also been proven that Ginger can reduce brain damage by ischemic stroke. Positive findings have also been made when it comes to pain relief from arthritis pain.

Ginger tea or thai curry

If you are not too fond of raw ginger, then we suggest that you make tea with ginger and lime - or possibly cut it into small pieces and add it to a good green Thai curry or similar.

We would love to hear from you in the comments section if you have any good suggestions for natural diet or recipes.