Ginger Pummels Pain

“In India, ginger is considered a universal medicine. It’s used to help heal pretty much everything, including headaches, muscle pain, joint pain and even bad back injuries,” says Dr. Lonsdorf. Ginger’s secret: It’s packed with gingerols, which are plant compounds that ramp up production of pain-numbing endorphins, dampen inflammation, improve blood flow and relax tense, spasming muscles. Eating one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger (or three slices of candied ginger) a day quells aches and pains for up to 63 percent of women within two weeks, according to University of Miami researchers.

Try this recipe for Poached Apples with Ginger.