AMAZING GINGER

Ginger, which carries the scientific name  Zingiber officinale, is widely known as the healing herb.  As the Indian proverb goes, “Every good quality is contained in ginger.”

Commonly consumed as a dietary condiment all over the world, its therapeutic properties have been hailed since ancient times. The book “The New Healing Herbs: The Essential Guide to More Than 130 of Nature's Most Potent Herbal Remedies” chronicles the powerful benefits of ginger across the world.

Ancient Indians used ginger not just for cooking and food preservation, but for physical and spiritual cleansing.  Chinese women took ginger  to ease menstrual discomforts and as antidote for poisoning (specifically shellfish). On the other hand, ancient Greek traders were noted for using ginger as a nausea-preventing digestive helper. The Romans likewise used ginger as a digestive aid.

Then and now, ginger has also been hailed for its effectiveness  in treating nausea associated with motion sickness. Ginger also reduces inflammation -- by blocking the very genes needed to create inflammation in the first place.

Used in traditional Chinese, Indonesian and Ayurvedic medicine, ginger has been used for centuries to treat a variety of cardiovascular conditions. As health experts say, “love ginger, love your heart.” Medical institutions  suggest ginger may lower cholesterol and prevent blood from clotting. Ginger has also been noted to have anti-cancer properties, thanks to the presence of a powerful compound called 6-gingerol.

Indeed, clinical evidences exist on ginger’s anti-allergic, antiemetic, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-inflammatory, anti-nauseant, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antitussive, and cardiovascular benefits.

Fresh root, grated and steeped in boiling water, or a tablespoon of powdered ginger in a cup of hot water can offer  pleasure. Adding a slice of lemon or a drop of honey to ginger tea adds flavor and additional health benefits, notably vitamin C and antibacterial defense.

Soft & tender and quality baby ginger candy, crystallized ginger can be a comfort chewable foodstuff. Candied ginger made of gingerroot that has been cooked until softened, and then lightly coated in sugar, tastes pungent with a spicy-sweet flavor and is moist and chewy. It can be made part of one’s travel kit or snack stash. It is highly convenient since it serves as natural remedy for decreasing symptoms of nausea, reducing hot flashes, alleviating indigestion and colds and helping boosting immunity.

Overall. ginger offers many powerful health benefits, apart from adding flavor to food.

GINGER FAST FACTS

• Ginger has been used for culinary purposes since ancient times.
• Ginger is believed to have originated as ground flora of tropical lowland forests in regions from the Indian subcontinent to southern Asia; the world's largest producers include Thailand, India, China, and other countries of southern Asia
• Besides Asians,  the Italians can be called true ginger consumers.
• Ginger’s use as a medicine dates back more than 2,000 years. Ginger contains hundreds of compounds and metabolites, some of which help in enhancing health and healing. 
• Ginger can be used to make tea, chopped or crushed in curries and savory dishes, and dried or crystalized in sweets and confectionary.