Ganthoda & Magnesium

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral found in the body. To maintain good health, you must consume the recommended daily allowance of magnesium regularly. Ganthoda, an Indian spice, is used in Ayurvedic medicine as well as savory dishes and teas for flavor and medicinal purposes. Ganthoda isn't to be mistaken for Tagar Ganthoda, which in English is Valerian Root.

Ganthoda powder is used in teas for medicinal value. (Image: iplan/a.collectionRF/amana images/Getty Images)

Magnesium Uses

Magnesium is a mineral that works with calcium to build bone, regulate muscle contractions and balance blood pressure. This mineral is naturally found in green leafy vegetables, legumes, cashews, sunflower seeds, halibut and milk. As of 2012, the recommended daily allowance of magnesium is 420 milligrams for a healthy adult male and 320 milligrams for women.

Ganthoda

Ganthoda is a powder made from the root of a long pepper. This powder is known by several other names, which include pipramul and peepramul; however, ganthoda is a word native to India. Ganthoda powder mixed with ginger powder, water and jiggery is an Indian natural remedy for gastric discomfort and joint pain, according to Spices Online. Ganthoda powder is used in many Indian recipes and in tea as an ayurvedic treatment.

Combined Uses

Individuals who want to increase their magnesium intake to prevent bone problems may find the most benefit in drinking milk or consuming milk-based dairy products. This is because some milk-based dairy contains both calcium and magnesium, which work together in this respect. This may not be ideal for a person with lactose intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome, as milk can trigger a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. Some people add ganthoda powder to milk to ease these discomforts, although there are no studies to prove its effectiveness.

Considerations

Although magnesium is FDA-approved for use, ganthoda is not. Neither magnesium nor ganthoda are FDA-approved to cure illnesses, so before using them to treat or prevent any illness, speak to your physician. Magnesium is an important mineral to consume and although it is possible to consume enough through diet, your physician may suggest that you take a supplement to meet your needs. Ganthoda has no known contraindications or side effects, but since no studies are published on its effectiveness, speak to your physician before consuming large quantities of it.