Chasing Rainbows

Thought for the Day

"I honestly think it is better to be a failure at something you love than to be a success at something you hate."  (George Burns)

Obsolete Word of the Day

Autochthon:  The name of a human being born from the soil where he or she lives.  Today we call this person a hometown boy or a homeboy.  It is from the Greek word that means "sprung from the land itself."

Fact for the Day

Penguins can convert salt water into fresh water.

The Benefits of Ginger

I always knew I had a higher purpose in life and finally, here it is!  Simply put, I am medicinal and very good for you!  Eat your heart out to those who have "dumped" me in the past!  You could have reaped the benefits of my goodness all this time! (For those who are wondering what the heck these ravings are all about, my first name is Ginger and I am wallowing in a brief moment of humor).  On a serious note, however, for those of us who have long believed that nature and natural products is the best way to health, here is an enlightening piece on the benefits of consuming Ginger. 

Sometimes all the medicine we need is right there in the kitchen or pantry. From cooking and cleaning to fighting infection, the kitchen has something that can help.

The Medicine in Ginger

Ginger tea, gingerbread, sesame ginger chicken... The list of tasty ginger favorites is endless, but in addition to spicing up your cooking, ginger may help when you're not feeling so well. Although ginger has a long history as a home remedy, researchers have yet to identify its active ingredients and determine exactly how it works.

Healthy Uses for Ginger

Medical research suggests that ginger may help relieve the nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness, pregnancy, and surgery. Ginger is approved by Germany's Commission E—a governmental agency that evaluates the safety and efficacy of medicinal herbs—for the treatment of indigestion and motion sickness.

Additionally, some herbalists prescribe ginger to relieve cold and flu symptoms, migraine headaches, the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis, sore throat, minor burns, cramping, and bloating. At this time, there is little scientific evidence to support these uses of ginger, but that should not be taken to mean there is conclusive evidence refuting ginger's effectiveness. It is not unusual for research on herbs to yield contradictory results, due in part to the fact that herbs are available in such a wide range of formulations, purities, and concentrations.

How much and what kind to take

Ginger can be taken in the following forms:

• Fresh ginger root chopped or sliced (often used in cooking or served raw with sushi)
• Ginger tea
• Dried, powdered ginger root or fresh ginger root combined with boiled water (a decoction or infusion)
• Tincture (an alcoholic extraction of the herb)
• Capsules

To prevent motion sickness it is probably best to take one gram two to four times per day in capsule form before embarking and continuing every day while away.

Precautions when Using Ginger Medicinally

Ginger is a common cooking spice that is unlikely to cause any ill effects. However, for pregnant and nursing women, young children, and people with liver and kidney disease, the safety of taking ginger medicinally has not yet been established. In addition, ginger can reduce the ability of blood to clot. If you are pregnant, undergoing surgery, taking blood-thinning medication, or have a chronic illness, ginger obtained through food is considered safe. However, talk to your doctor before taking ginger medicinally.

Resources:

The Alternative Medicine Foundation
http://www.amfoundation.org

U.S. National Institutes of Health
http://www.nih.gov

U.S. National Library of Medicine
http://www.nlm.nih.gov

Sources:

The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines, 1999.

Complementary Therapies: Natural Health Encyclopedia, 2001.

Thought for the Day

My secret for staying young is good food, plenty of rest, and a makeup man with a spray gun.
(Bob Hope)

Obsolete Word of the Day

Balbutiate:  To stutter or stammer

Fact for the Day

Half of all identity thieves are either relatives, friends, or neighbors of their victims.

A Prayer for Getting Older

It is almost the beginning of a new year and though this can be a good thing...you know...new friends, new resolutions, new ideas...it also means one year older is on it's way for all of us!  Those of us who are already in our middle years, probably dread it the most.  So for all of us now middle-agers, here is a wonderful prayer that I found.  Read it, enjoy it, pray it!

Lord, you know better than I know myself that I am getting older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody, helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom it seems a pity not to use it all, but you know, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end. Keep my mind from the recital of endless details-give me the wings to come to the point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They are increasing, and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others' pains, but help me to endure them with patience. I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet. I do not want to be a saint-some of them are so hard to live with-but a sour old woman (man) is one of the crowning works of the devil. Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places, and the talents in unexpected people. And give me the grace to tell them so.

Prayer in Old Age, attributed to a Seventeenth Century Nun

Beliefnet.com

Thought for the Day

"Keeping score of old scores and scars, getting even and one-upping, always make you less than you are."
(Malcolm Forbes, Author and Publisher)

Obsolete Word of the Day

Agowilt:  Sudden fear;  sickening fear