BENEFIT OF GINGER HEALTH TIPS

Ginger

Description

Ginger is a reed like herb that is grown for its pungent, spicy underground stems or rhizomes. The edible portion is the rhizome which is rough and knotty in appearance.

Culture

Ginger is propagated by planting pieces of the underground stem or rhizome in the early spring. Ginger thrives best in the tropics and in the warmer regions of the temperate zone. Plants thrive in a loose, loamy soil that is high in organic matter. After planting, water sparingly until plants are well developed. In late summer the plants will show signs of maturing such as yellowing foliage and slowness in growth. Harvest by digging up the entire root.

Selection

Ginger roots should be free of bruises and light brown to cream colored. Harvest ginger roots at any stage of maturity because root size is not important. Store fresh ginger in a sealed plastic bag in refrigeration where it will keep several weeks. It can also be frozen for long term storage. In Southeastern Asia, the leafstalks are used as a food flavoring. The bright canary yellow leafstalks are tied in two to four “hands” for marketing. The fresh roots are used in the manufacture of ginger ale.

ginger Overview Information

Ginger is an herb. The rhizome (underground stem) is used as a spice and also as a medicine. It can be used fresh, dried and powdered, or as a juice or oil.

Ginger is commonly used to treat various types of “stomach problems,” including motion sickness, morning sickness, colic, upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, nausea caused by cancer treatment, nausea and vomiting after surgery, as well as loss of appetite.

Other uses include pain relief from arthritis or muscle soreness, menstrual pain, upper respiratory tract infections, cough, and bronchitis. Ginger is also sometimes used for chest pain, low back pain, and stomach pain.

Some people pour the fresh juice on their skin to treat burns. The oil made from ginger is sometimes applied to the skin to relieve pain.

In foods and beverages, ginger is used as a flavoring agent.

In manufacturing, ginger is used as for fragrance in soaps and cosmetics.

One of the chemicals in ginger is also used as an ingredient in laxative, anti-gas, and antacid medications.

How does it work?

Ginger contains chemicals that may reduce nausea and inflammation. Researchers believe the chemicals work primarily in the stomach and intestines, but they may also work in the brain and nervous system to control nausea.