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Ginger Root’s Many Advantages

Ginger, (scientific name: Zingiber officinale) is the root of a plant native to Asia but cultivated in the West Indies, Jamaica, and Africa. It is one of the most widely used herbs in the world. Used for thousands of years previously, it was introduced to Spain by Francisco de Mendosa in the early 1500’s and from there to the new world.

Ginger is technically a tuber that creeps and grows underground. The stalk grows to be at least two feet tall. When it dies in the fall, the tuber is dug up, dried, and ground into the herb powder most commonly known. Uncoated or white ginger was washed and scraped to prevent sprouting. Some like the whiteness and thus it has been bleached or limed to achieve greater whiteness. This results in a loss of nutritional value. Coated or black ginger means the root was not peeled but immediately scalded after harvesting.

Let’s now see some of the health benefits of ginger. Chemicals in ginger herbs that give it value include volatile oil (up to 3%), acrid soft resin, lignin, gum, starch, vegeto matter, asmazone, acetic acid, potassium acetate, and sulphur.

Ginger has been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat nausea. Pregnant women report relief from morning sickness after consuming small amounts of ginger root, ginger tea, and ginger ale. When given in large doses, ginger also relieves chemotherapy related nausea. Many find ginger more effective in relieving motion sickness than Dramamine. It will also stimulate appetite, fight body odor, and promote perspiration.

Ginger helps treat joint pain by stimulating blood circulation. For this reason it is used to treat illnesses such as Raynaud’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. Externally ginger makes the skin red.

Ginger is often used for treatment of flatulence, indigestion, diarrhea, and menstrual cramps. It does this by mimicking some digestive enzymes used to process protein in the body. It also relieves gastrointestinal distress.

Ginger is good for the heart as well. Just five grams of dried ginger per day slows the production of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver. Ginger also hinders platelets from sticking together, thus decreasing the risk of stroke or heart attack.

Many like its flavor and aroma and like to use it in cooking as a seasoning or a tea. One online recipe for gingersnap cookies calls for one teaspoon of ginger powder. It is also a popular treatment for cold symptoms for it is said to loosen phlegm and spread a warm feeling throughout the body thus fighting chills.

Besides the powder and root, ginger may be purchased in capsules, pickles, extracts, and prepared teas that can be made into compresses. Some eat ginger root raw, but if you do, avoid small, wrinkled, or soft tubers. To make a tea, steep ginger in hot water, or just sprinkle it on dishes. The recommended dosage is one third of an ounce of fresh ginger root per day. By steeping the root in hot syrup preserved ginger may be made. You can store ginger root dry in your refrigerator for short periods or freeze it for up to three months.

A few cautions are in order. Since ginger helps thin the blood, don?t take it prior to surgery. Ginger may interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and dietary iron, and may actually cause an upset stomach if too much is taken. Those taking blood thinners, barbiturates, beta-blockers, insulin or diabetes medications should consult their doctor about ginger since it could conflict with these medicines. Ginger may stimulate uterine contractions so pregnant women should be careful how much ginger they ingest.

We’ve covered a few of the many advantages of Ginger. If you’d like to experience them for yourself, we encourage you to buy Ginger from MoreThanAlive for best price and customer service.