Ginger

We all know Ginger as a culinary spice used to give food some extra zing, but it’s also used as a natural remedy and has for thousands of years. Ginger is often used as an antiviral, antibacterial, digestive aid, and anti-inflammatory, but what many don’t know is that it offers benefits to the endocrine system and brain. Containing curcumin (the leading natural anti-inflammatory also found in turmeric), Ginger is used to help with symptoms of depression, anxiety, brain aging, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Ginger, especially along with ginseng and ashwagandha, can help with HPA axis dysfunction, provide resilience to stress, and help with symptoms of fatigue, brain fog, depression, anxiety, and insomnia by strengthening the adrenal glands and modulating the levels of stress hormones.

It also contains a whopping 50 antioxidants that protect the brain from oxidative damage. It can help to balance the chemicals in the brain associated with depression and increase the level of two of the most important neurotransmitters: dopamine and serotonin. Ginger has also traditionally been used to help with memory loss and dementia. Now, research shows that it can assist with memory, reaction time, and attention.

The bioactive compounds found in ginger increase the activity of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in learning and memory. 6-gingerol, which is a potent bioactive compound in ginger, is also able to stimulate cGMP and enhance the production of Nitric Oxide. Ginger root may also enhance testosterone production.