Ever have heartburn? That terrible burning sensation? Or how about nausea? Ginger is another ingredient in recipes that I never knew had so many health benefits. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, ginger can also be taken to treat arthritis, bursitis; motion sickness, relief of chest congestion; and is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. It has also been documented to successfully treat bacterial dysentery, malaria, coughs and migranes. Ginger extracts have been found to improve blood cholesterol levels, elevated low blood pressure and prevent cancer in animals. It has also been found helpful in treating pain and fever as well and colds and flu viruses. (Edible, National Geographic)
Historically, ginger has been used in cooking and for medicinal purposes dating back to ancient civilizations. Its use has been documented back to 650 BCE (according to Edible, National Geographic). Numerous cultures embraced this rhizome including the Egyptians, Roman and Greek empires as well as the peoples of Southeast Asia and Ancient China. In fact, during the 13th and 14th centuries it was one of the most commonly traded spice across Europe. And even though ginger is one of the few spices to have virtually all of its medicinal claims verified, American doctors tend to be unaware of these studies.
When you were a child, did your mom give you ginger ale when you stomach bothered you? See, your mom did know best! Be sure to look for ginger ale with ginger in it. If you can’t find it, you can make your own with ginger syrup and seltzer water. Ginger comes in many forms including crystallized , powdered , honey based syrups, and fresh all of which have health properties. Dried ginger actually has more powerful anti-inflammatory properties than fresh. Therefore, you might want to use more than one form of ginger in your diet. I especially like ginger tea and a local Thai restaurant that my friend Lori and I frequent make a wonderful ginger tea. I have tried making it at home, but it never tastes quite a good! I nibble on crystallized ginger, although it can be quite pungent, it satisfies the sweet tooth. I cook with fresh ginger and find that I keep a piece in my refrigerator. It will last quite some time! Check out our sweet potato chicken curry dish which includes ginger. Yum!
While ginger is non-toxic and you cannot consume too much, be aware of taking the powdered form on an empty stomach. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, it may actually cause heartburn!
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