GINGER

INCREDIBLE BENEFITS OF GINGER ACCORDING TO SUNNAT MEDICINE

Ginger root has been used as medicinal herb in Asia for thousands of years. Ginger is mentioned in the Qur' an as a drink for the pious ones in paradise:~And there they will be given to drink a cup [of wine) mixed with Zanjabeel [ginger]) (Qur'an 76: 17) It was reported that the king of Rome sent a jar of ginger as a present to the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) who fed every one of his Companions a piece.

In his book, The Medicine of the Prophet, Ibn al-Qayyim introduced ginger as a very useful digestive agent, antiflatulent (prevents or relieves intestinal gas), expectorant and mucolytic (loosening and expelling excess mucus); he also noted that it was said to be good for the eyesight and the liver and even as an aphrodisiac Today, fresh ginger root is used as expectorant and an antiseptic for throat infections, and as a respiratory and circulatory stimulant.

Ginger has proved an efficient treatment for nausea, motion sickness and severe morning sickness during pregnancy . Ginger is believed to warm the body especially in cases of the common cold.  It also acts as a general cleansing, detoxifying agent and immune system stimulant. When consumed with food, ginger powder helps digestion by enhancing the activities of different digestive enzymes.In addition, it brings about a pronounced stimulation of bile flow, thus activating liver function and helping to digest fat.

Ginger contains many active principles; only some of them are known to us, while many more are still under study. Scientific experiments have revealed arbout fifty antioxidant compounds in ginger root, the most powerful of which is gingerole.

Gingerole was found to interrupt a pathway responsible for the activation of a factor involved in many disorders, like cancer, atherosclerosis, heart attack, diabetes, allergy, asthma, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, psoriasis Some ginger preparations are common as home remedies, such as its infusion with cinnamon and honey used to treat cold chills and menstrual cramps.

Ginger infusion with milk and honey is a very effective respiratory stimulant and expectorant in bronchitis and chest infection. It is also useful with honey in cases of flatulence, nausea, abdominal disorders, as an appetite stimulant and as a general intestinal tonic and cleanser.

As a spice, ginger is the main ingredient in Chinese dishes and many Indian dishes. It can also be added to stews and sauces. Powdered ginger is a wonderful spice in gingerbreads, cakes and cookies.

PUMPKIN SEEDS

Pumpkin Seeds in general are good sources of protein, unsaturated fats, minerals and vitamins. They actually belong with the protein group of the food guide pyramid. Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, selenium and iron. Both zinc and selenium are crucial for the health of the prostate gland and for male fertility. Iron, as is well known, is a vital part of your blood in the haemoglobin molecule. The seeds are also good source of essential omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the risk of blood clotting, reduce cholesterol and improve the health of the cardiovascular system.

In addition, the seeds supply essential omega-6 fatty acids, which are used by the body to synthesize prostaglandins. Pumpkin seeds are beneficial for a healthy skin, giving it softness and alleviating inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis The seeds should be dried well and stored in air-tight dark glass containers, away from heat and direct sunlight to prevent the oil from becoming rancid and thus losing its beneficial actions. They make a healthy snack, and can be added to salads, cereals, stir-fries or even cakes and breads. However, be aware that their benefits are much reduced when roasted or heated.