Well if the title is scary, let me tell you, my week was scary and I would like to explain why.

Every year in January I go for a mammogram as I did this year and is what is recommended by the American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Research to name a few. Now about 35 years ago, I had a mass in my breast that at that time they called it Fibrocystic Disease and when I went for my annual mammogram they found a lump that was suspicious and my doctor opted for me to have a biopsy, I was full of anticipation while waiting for the procedure and the results, I had the biopsy and thank the good lord it was benign and nothing to worry about. It was at that point I made the commitment to have regular mammograms, you see you need the first one for a baseline so they can look for changes yearly.

So…. over the years and like clockwork I go in January for my regular mammogram, they do the traditional digital mammogram as my insurance does not pay for the new one, 3 D Mammography. But it is still reliable and still saves lives. I think there was one year I couldn’t go because I could not afford it.

So… I had the mammogram on Jan 23rd, when they performed the mamo a doctor checks it over before letting me go and they ask for more pictures, (which started me to worry) so we did a few more and I went home to explain to my husband and son.

My doctor called me the next day and said, “they wanted to do an ultrasound”, gees I thought, everything starts going through your head, from thinking about chemotherapy or mastectomy, so worry sets in. The extra test was not normal for me.

So…. I set the appointment and went in on Jan 27th, 4 days later and when I got there they informed me I would have 2 tests/procedures, another mammogram and then the ultrasound. I was by myself and I prayed, prayed God would spare me what many women go through and I have known many. As I laid there waiting for the ultrasound tech to come back I prayed again. She came back and needed different angles but I got through it. Everything took about 3 hours and I was exhausted, went home and crashed. My husband was really concerned and I was scared.

I thought I would have to wait until the beginning of the week as this was Friday, to hear anything, but my good doctor got the results and called me at 10:45 PM, yes PM, but I didn’t care and was thankful she called so I wouldn’t worry over the weekend. She said, “they like to error on the side of caution and be thorough” and that’s ok, as they didn’t find anything and I was cleared, but that I will be having mammograms every 6 months now, which is, ok with me. I have always said, “we have to be responsible for our own healthcare“,  there have been times when I have done my own research on symptoms and armed with info take it to when I visit the doctor. Be sure and get your yearly mammograms to ensure your good breast health.

So now I have been given a clean bill of health for my “boob” I am so grateful and  about the same time I had heard some great research on the use of “ginger” for many reasons. So, I just had to tell you why I am trying a “ginger tea.

First of all, here is a list of all the good “ginger” can do for you.

Ginger has the ability to reduce chronic inflammation, pain and migraine. It is also beneficial in the treatment of ulcer, gout and diabetes complications. Ginger contains gingerol and shogaol, and these active compounds give its healing power. Not to mention it has been around for over 2000 years.

And scientists have confirmed that ginger has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and modern scientific studies have shown that ginger can inhibit the formation of inflammatory compounds and anti-inflammatory properties. A-1

And while I have read that it has the capability of shrinking tumors that’s when it caught my attention. Plus, the other maladies I experience with inflammation in my lower back, shoulder and hip, it seems to be helping, not to mention it is like a diuretic which is good as it flushes out toxins, is an antioxidant, builds your immune system stops colds and it helps with nausea, like “ginger ale”. And there’s more;

• Help the body absorb nutrients
• Help alleviate the stomach pain
• Help with irritable bowl syndrome
• Help with weight loss
• Help fight cancer
• Help manage glucose levels
• Improve circulation
• Improve the food digestion
• Make Nails and Hair Grow

And it relieves stress which is something big in my life. Im not saying its a be all- do all but I can use all the help I can get, without the use of chemical drugs.So, with all the benefits I just thought it would be a good choice to make up this some “ginger tea” I have included a video that I watched, really interesting and it shows how to make your first batch.

So tell me, have you ever tried Ginger for medicinal purposes or more traditional use in cooking? Have a link share in comments.

Here’s more reading on Ginger and its Benefits  

a-1 How Ginger Destroys Cancer More Effectively Than Chemo
Ginger Overview from the University Of Maryland