Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) is a medicinal plant that belongs to Zingiberaceae family and originates from South-East Asia. Hindu and Chinese cultures have used ginger for more than 3000 years as a soothing digestive. The Arabs considered it an aphrodisiac, while the ancient Indians used it in physical and spiritual purification.
Ginger contains mostly water, but it is also composed of sugars, carbohydrates, proteins and dietary fibre. It contains minerals like calcium, phosphor, sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc and copper, as well as vitamins C, B1, B2, B5, B6, E and J.
Cold and Flu Remedy
Thanks to its antiviral properties ginger prevents and treats cold, flu and cough problems. It helps melt the mucus and opens sinuses and bronchial tubes. Its thermogenic effect increases the body heat and may be very useful in case of fever and chills, as well as in burning body fat!
Digestive System Problems
Traditionally used for centuries to benefit and heal the entire digestive system, ginger helps also in cases of flatulence, meteorism, intestinal gas and bloating. It seems that it stimulates the pancreas to produce an enzyme, which favors digestion, while its strong antibacterial properties are useful in restoring healthy gut flora. It can help relieve nausea and vomiting caused by different reasons and factors, chemotherapy one among them. Anti-inflammatory benefits of ginger are good for alleviating ulcer and gastritis troubles.
Pain Relief
Ginger is helpful in relieving articular and muscular pain, caused by excessive exercise, joint inflammation, rheumatism and arthritis.
Skin
Ginger root is very useful in treating skin inflammations, it favors blood flow, stimulates circulation and helps expel toxins. In Thailand, its oil is used in massage treatments, in order to attenuate skin imperfections, swelling and inflammation. Ginger is also a powerful antioxidant and it fights free-radical formation and promotes microcirculation. It revitalizes and energizes the skin and is also said to treat and reduce hypopigmentation.
Ginger Tea
- 4cm piece fresh ginger root
- brown sugar or honey
- lime
Wash the ginger root to remove dirt and debris. Peel the root and slice it into tiny pieces. Pour four cups of water into a pot and bring to boil. When it starts boiling, add ginger slices, cover and continue heating from 15 to 20 minutes on low fire. Filter the tea using a tea strainer and sweeten it with brown sugar or honey and add a lime slice if you like.
I you want a stronger tea flavor, grate some lime zest into the water when it boils.
Are you a ginger fan and is there anything that you would like to add in the comments? You have probably already used ginger in many other ways that we haven’t described above, so why not share it with us?
