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Author: Agnes Bellegris
Ginger and Thyme not only sound like harmonious poetic
metaphors that could be used in the lyrics of a song, they
also help to create harmony from within. that’s because this
pair has been proven to alleviate harboured negative
physical and emotional effects on the body caused by anxiety
and stress. Look at them as natural tranquilizers that
soothe and calm the nerves – definitely a better alternative
to synthetic tranquilizers, which can be addictive and
impair sensory and motor functions. In a control group
study, with 49 volunteers where one third of the group was
given thyme, another third was given ginger and the final
third a placebo, there was a notable improvement of
stress-related symptoms in the ginger and thyme groups but
with ginger having longer-lasting and significantly greater
effects.
To understand how ginger works to alleviate stress, an
explanation of some basic human biology is necessary. There
are receptors in the brain that create personal anxiety when
activated by thromboxane, a derivative of prostaglandins –
hormone-like fatty acids found throughout the body that
directly affect blood pressure and metabolism. What ginger
does is act as a thromboxane antagonist. That is, it binds
to the brain receptors to block them from thromboxane so
that they can not be activated. The result is a calming
effect which decreases stress levels.
But this isn’t all
that ginger does. It acts as an adrenal inhibitor and
decreases craving, thereby also playing a therapeutic role
in the treatment of drug addiction and weight loss. This is
because the tension associated with dieting or withdrawal
symptoms is alleviated, making it easier for individuals to
meet their goals, whether it’s losing 10 pounds, quitting
smoking or reducing alcohol consumption. In addiction to a
daily health regime one follows to achieve whatever goals
have been set, it is important to help the body minimize any
added stress caused by breaking a habit or losing weight.
This is where ginger and thyme come into play.
Reprinted from alive magazine |
Black
Seed & 
