Introduction
Physical activity can lead to muscle soreness due to micro-tears in muscle fibers and inflammation. Research highlights natural remedies like ginger, particularly applied topically, to mitigate these effects due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Mechanisms of Action
Ginger contains compounds such as gingerols and shogaols, known to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins, essential in pain and inflammation pathways. When applied as a cream directly to the skin, these compounds may reduce pain more effectively by localizing their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects to the areas of discomfort. This study explored how the topical application of ginger before and after exercise could influence pain sensitivity and recovery.
Conclusions and Implications
The findings suggest that topical ginger applications significantly reduce the intensity of exercise-induced pain compared to non-topical uses. This method ensures that the active components in ginger are concentrated exactly where needed, enhancing the recovery process and reducing the discomfort associated with physical activities. This approach leverages the natural properties of ginger to offer a promising strategy for managing exercise-induced pain and enhancing exercise performance, providing a practical and efficient alternative to oral supplements.
Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20418184/