Medicinal Properties of Ginger

Written by Felix Rono 

Ginger is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to approximately 1 meter tall. It is grown mainly in tropical countries. Its rhizomes are the most important in adding flavor to meals. Ginger is used in preparing a wide range of dishes such as tea, and soup. It is an important spice for many dishes due to its pleasant aroma that improves taste and flavor. Aside from its value in the culinary field, ginger is also famous for its medicinal properties.   

Ginger has a strong spicy taste that is loved by many. However, some people may not like the taste. If you are among such people, then use a ginger supplement instead. This article provides you with a deeper understanding of preparing some of the most common ginger recipes. It also reveals to you the major health impacts of ginger. 

Benefits of Ginger Tea 

Ginger tea is a great option for people who want to live a healthy lifestyle. It is non-caffeinated and low in calories, perfect for diets. Drinking ginger tea is one of the best ways to warm up during the colder seasons. This serves you well in seasons such as winter. However, taking ginger tea is also effective in the mornings and evening regardless of the season.  

Ginger tea also offers two other benefits to you. The spicy tea soothes an itchy throat helping you recover faster. This is especially important for persons involved in careers that require a lot of talking or singing.  Ginger is filled with vitamin C, which helps boost your immunity. This in turn reduces your costs of healthcare. 

Recipe for Ginger Tea 

  • Thinly slice rinsed ginger (around an inch for each cup of water).  
  • Bring the mixture of ginger and water to boil and simmer for 5-10 minutes.  
  • Add sweetness from honey or acidity from a lemon as desired. 

Benefits of Ginger Soup 

Ginger soup helps speed up your stomach’s metabolism. This helps in proper utilization of digested food hence ensuring higher nutritional benefits. Your diet greatly affects your digestive system’s health. A higher metabolism is beneficial since it lowers the risks of weight gain. 

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help people experiencing indigestion problems. Ginger soup is light, warm, and comforting to the stomach. The anti-inflammation is important in dealing with bacteria and pathogens that inhibit proper digestion. Ginger soup also lowers instances of stomach upsets due to its anti-inflammation role. 

Recipe for Ginger-Turmeric Soup 

For the best experience, you should use garlic and turmeric with ginger for your soup 

  • Saute garlic, turmeric, and ginger 
  • Add stock, bring to a simmer 
  • Optionally, add pasta, chicken, and other ingredients as desired 

Benefits of Ginger Root 

Ginger root is rich in gingerol, a potent anti-inflammatory substance. This compound helps you to reduce pain. It offers similar results to pharmaceutical pain killers. The root also improves mobility. This is especially applicable for individuals suffering from conditions such as osteoarthritis and menstrual pain. 

Ginger root has also proved effective in treating nausea. Nausea and vomiting mostly affect patients who have just come out of surgery. For instance, patients from chemotherapy may be relieved of the nausea feeling. The ginger root is also important in helping pregnant women to deal with the challenge of morning sickness. 

How to prepare Ginger root 

  • Use a teaspoon or knife to scrape off the rhizome skin 
  • Slice the rhizome into small pieces as desirable 

Benefits of Ginger Powder 

Ginger consumption in powder or raw form helps decrease total cholesterol and blood triglycerides. High levels of bad cholesterol are associated with increased heart disease risk. Around three grams of ginger powder causes a significant reduction in cholesterol levels. 

A recent study showed that ginger powder lowered fasting blood sugar indicators short term and long term. High blood sugar levels are related to a greater risk of heart disease. Around two grams of ginger powder caused significant reductions in cholesterol levels.  

How to prepare Ginger Powder 

  • Cut ginger rhizomes into smaller pieces 
  • Dry the ginger in the hot sun or a dehydrator 
  • Grind the ginger into a fine powder using a food processor such as a blender 

Benefits of Ginger Oil 

The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger oil can be used for skin problems. Feel free to use it for joint pain, knee pain, and psoriasis. Ginger oil gives your skin a soothing effect. The oil is used to relieve pain through body massage. Additionally, it is used for recreational purposes since it helps people to relax. The oil also helps to restore skin radiance by eliminating the signs of aging.  

Ginger oil may also be used on the hair. The oil promotes the growth of healthy hair by providing nourishing effects. It achieves healthy hair growth by ensuring a clean scalp. This is more important for persons who keep long hair.  

How to Prepare Ginger Oil 

  • Mix ginger oil with Vaseline to make a salve.  
  • A teaspoon of Vaseline to around seven or more drops of oil is a good amount to try. 

Caution 

Ginger has many health benefits but like everything else, it should not be over consumed. It is always important to consult a doctor on the effectiveness of ginger alongside other prescribed drugs. You need to be aware of some of the signs that may point out an overdose of ginger. Overdose symptoms include nervous system depression and cardiac arrhythmias. Other symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, mouth irritation, heartburn, and diarrhea may also point out to an overdose. However, it could also point out to underlying factors such as allergy. 

Recap of Major Health Benefits 

Taking ginger tea promotes a healthy lifestyle since it is low in calories and non-caffeinated. The tea also helps in soothing an itchy throat and boosts your immunity. Ginger soup helps your stomach’s metabolism and lowers stomach upsets due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger root helps to reduce pain and treats nausea. It is recommended for persons with conditions such as osteoarthritis and cancer. Additionally, ginger powder lowers total cholesterol and hence the risks of heart attack. Ginger oil is beneficial to your skin; it nourishes a healthy skin and ensures growth of healthy hair. Please try out any of the ginger recipe and reap the health benefits.