The health benefits of ginger are plentiful and it is often classified as a wonder spice with both medicinal and culinary advantages. More than forty-four hundred years ago, according to “Rodale’s Encyclopedia of Herbs,” Greek bakers made gingerbread with ginger imported from the Orient. In the 16th century the Spanish cultivated it. From Jamaica the conquistadores brought it to the New World. In 1884 Great Britain was importing more than 5 million pounds of ginger root. The origin of ginger is uncertain. It is believed to be native to southern China and India. It was then introduced to southern Florida. It grows well in fertile, well-drained, moist soil that can be partly shaded.
The various nutritional and health benefits of ginger
Ginger contains bisabolene, borneal, borneol, camphene, choline, cineol, citral, ginerol, inositol, volatile oils, PABA, phellandrene, acrid resin, sequiterpene, many B vitamins, zingerone, and zingiberene. It has been used throughout history to treat colitis, diverticulosis, nausea, gas and indigestion, paralysis of the tongue, morning sickness, vomiting, hot flashes, and menstrual cramps. It is said to cleanse the colon and stimulate circulation. It has also been used to treat colds and sore throats.
Although ginger can be very pungent on the tongue, it is supposedly good for indigestion. It is a safe and effective herb. There has been some research to suggest that it is also very effective against motion sickness. Ginger helps promote circulation and is a very mild stimulant. Ginger tea is said to be very effective in preventing colds. It can also be used in the spring to make an excellent spring tonic to wake up the body after a long cold winter and is claimed by many to be able to cleanse the blood, or at least give an invigorating boost.
growing ginger
Ginger is grown commercially throughout much of the tropics and in other regions it can be grown in a container or in container gardening. To grow your own, give your purchased rhizome plenty of heat, moisture, and moisture after planting. You can move it outdoors in the warmer months in a somewhat shaded area. About 12 months after planting, you can take it out of the pot. Remove stringy roots. Cut everything you can use. Save a small amount for replanting in a new pot. You can buy ginger commercially fresh, dried, ground, or dried pieces. Fresh ginger should be well wrapped and stored in the refrigerator. It can last several months when stored in this way.
Ginger Beer Recipe
Who hasn’t enjoyed a tall, icy glass of ginger ale? Ginger ale was considered the most popular soft drink in the US in the early years between 1860 and 1930. There are several different types of recipes on how to make your own homemade ginger beer or ginger ale. A simple home recipe for ginger ale is to take some fresh ginger and crush the root. Place a cup of the root in about a gallon of water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let rest for about 15 minutes. This will unleash the powerful flavor and healthy properties of ginger. Then strain it. You can add honey or your sweetener of choice to this tea. Then just add the desired amount to some club soda.
Ginger beer commonly contains ginger, sugar, and carbonated water. Ginger beer has a stronger ginger flavor and is less carbonated and much less sweet. For those trying to reduce their alcohol intake, ginger ale can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute in punches and champagne at various events and occasions. These drinks can resemble champagne and other flavored alcohols in appearance. Ginger ale has been given to many people to soothe an upset stomach. This is due to the presence of ginger + carbonated water that has a calming effect on the stomach.
Other culinary uses for ginger
Ginger is a super sugar substitute that will give you great taste with almost no added calories. You can use it to make gingerbreads, spice cookies, and cakes. It enhances many meat dishes such as chicken and beef and for making sauces and marinades. A little ground ginger added to the mayonnaise makes a great dressing for a pear salad. A chef’s suggestion is to put 1 slice of fresh, peeled ginger in a marinade that you make for every pound of meat or poultry. If you like fried chicken and livers, you can make seasoned flour by adding a little ground ginger to the flour mixture to coat the meat before frying. Ginger root can be used fresh or dried in recipes from North Africa, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, Japan, China, and East India. In Chinese cooking, you’ll typically find that you first brown a piece of fresh ginger root. Then you add your stir-fried vegetables to this.
To make ginger tea, use a pinch of one tablespoon of ground ginger per cup of boiling water. You can also grate or chop the fresh root and then simmer it in water until it is a yellowish water. You can also add other helpful herbs to the soaking water, such as mint, some clove powder, or some crushed cloves. Steep, strain, and drink throughout the day to promote good health. If you prefer a stronger tea, increase the amount of ginger instead of letting it steep for a long time.
Ginger baths can be another great health benefit in addition to consuming the herb. Ginger baths can help relieve pain and increase circulation. Just drop some grated gingers in your bath and soak in. You can also soak cloths in ginger tea and apply directly to the painful area of the body.
allergies
While the benefits of ginger are being talked about, there are those who may be allergic to ginger. Serious allergic reactions to ginger can include rash, hives, difficulty breathing, and various forms of dermatitis. If this is the case, stop taking ginger immediately and seek medical attention. Few side effects have been associated with ginger taken in low doses. In conclusion, there appear to be many benefits to adding ginger to your diet. The health benefits of ginger are outstanding and it has the ability to add great flavor to the diet.
Summary
A fiery spice, ginger’s health benefits range from increasing circulation to helping with indigestion, as well as being an ingredient in many dishes around the world and easy to incorporate into many quick and simple dishes as part of your daily diet.