13 Amazing Health Benefits of Ginger

Also known as ginger root, ginger is the Zingiber officinale plant rhizome consumed as a spice, medicine and a delicacy. The name is from to the family and genus Zingiberaceae. Other members noted in this family of plants include galangal, cardamom and turmeric.

The cultivation of ginger started in the southern parts of Asia and has since spread to the Caribbean and East Africa.

Clusters of pink and white flower buds are produced by ginger which blooms into flowers that are yellow. Because of its adaptation to warm climates and aesthetic appeal, ginger is used often in subtropical homes for landscaping design. It is a reed-like perennial plant with leafy annual stems about one meter in height. Historically, when the stalk withers, rhizome is gathered. The stalk is immediately scraped, washed or scalded to prevent and kill sprouting. The perisperm of Zingiberaceae which is fragrant is used by Bantu as sweetmeats. It is also a sialagogue and a condiment.

Ginger Spice

Ginger also produces a fragrant, hot kitchen spice. Young rhizomes of ginger are fleshy and juicy with a taste that is very mild. These are often pickled in sherry or vinegar as snacks or cooked as part of many dishes' ingredients. In boiling water, these can also be steeped to create tea of ginger to which is often added honey, lemon fruit or sliced oranges. Candy can also be made out of ginger. Since the year 1740, ginger wine has been commercially made as well.

Ginger as Food

In the cuisine of the west, ginger has been used traditional in sweeter food such as speculaas, ginger biscuits, parkin, ginger snaps, gingerbread and ginger ale. Canton, a liqueur flavored with ginger is produced in the French region of Jarnac. Green wine of ginger is a wine flavored with ginger made in the UK, sold traditionally in a glass bottle that is green. To hot tea and coffee, you can also use ginger as a spice.

Ginger Flower

A perennial creeper, the ginger plant requires heavy rainfall and a tropical climate to thrive. For cultivation, it also needs a dry, hot season. The flower of ginger is considered to be quite beautiful. Humanity has cultivated ginger since civilization’s early days and is used widely in various preparations that are culinary in nature all around the globe.

Seasoning and Flavoring

As a matter of fact, it is used as a flavoring and seasoning agent in many food recipes which vary depending on your location. Besides being used to cook, ginger benefits also include being an ingredient important in many related cures to alternate medicines such as herbal therapy, aromatherapy, naturopathy and Ayurveda. In many countries around the world, ginger is used as a remedy for things such as snake bites and wounds.

Nausea

In one study, ginger root supplements have been identified to assist in reducing markers of colon inflammation which helps in colon cancer affective measures. In other studies, it has been found that ginger was effective in treating nausea caused by chemotherapy, morning sickness and seasickness. Some research suggests that ginger may have properties of lowering cholesterol and thinning the blood.

Diabetic Nephropathy Prevention

In one study, the rat groups administered with ginger had less kidney damage or diabetic nephropathy.

Relief of Menstrual Cramps

In the medicine of the Chinese, menstrual cramps are treated with brown sugar and ginger tea.

Relief of Migraine

Relief of migraines is provided by ginger due to its being able to halt prostaglandins from causing inflammation and pain in blood vessels.

Treatment and Prevention of Cold and Flu

From the beginning of time, ginger has been utilized as a natural flu and cold treatment. Many individuals also find this root to help in cases of food poisoning and stomach flu, as it does have a positive effect on the digestive tracts.

Relief of Heartburn

For a long time, ginger has been used as a natural remedy for heartburn and is taken most often for these purposes in the form of tea.

Inflammation and Pain Reduction

Ginger has properties that are inflammatory and is a natural painkiller that is quite powerful.

Toothache

Due to its anti-fungal and antibacterial nature, ginger can be utilized for the reduction of toothache arising from upper respiratory tract infections.

Burns

Ginger juice applied to skin irritations and burns provide relief immediately for some individuals. In salons and spas, the oil of ginger is used for reducing the pain of arthritis and refreshing the mind.