What are the Health Benefits of Ginger?

HISTORY OF GINGER

Ginger is just one of nature’s astonishing healing and culinary herbs.  Ginger is in the same family as turmeric and cardamom and has a history of over 5,000 years.  Native to Southern Asia ginger was used not only as a food for its culinary appeal to the senses of smell and taste, but also for its medicinal purposes including digestive disorders.  Over the centuries ginger was introduced to India, Southeast Asia, and Japan.  The Pacific Islanders also used it in magical rituals.  Ginger was one of the first herbs to reach Europe and Africa from Asia. 

The ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks used ginger both for cooking and medicinally.  The Egyptians grew and used ginger to ward off epidemics.  The Romans and Greeks used ginger in their food and medicine.  It was well known in their time of the therapeutic uses of ginger for stomach problems and to stimulate the digestion system.  The Romans also used it for cataracts.  A twelfth century healer, St. Hildegarde, recommended it use as a tonic, a stimulant, and for any eye diseases.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, ginger all but disappeared from Europe.  When Marco Polo returned from the Far East he brought ginger back with him.  Since then ginger has become a much-coveted spice and at times very expensive.

The first gingerbread man is credited to Queen Elizabeth I of England who presented them to visiting dignitaries and has since become a popular Christmas treat.

After the Spaniards introduced ginger to the West Indies it quickly spread throughout the Caribbean.

MEDICINAL

Ginger contains a vast array of chemicals that provide a proven and powerful aid to healing.  It is the root that provides these remarkable healing properties.  Ginger is known worldwide for its warming and medicinal properties to relieve nausea and sickness, to increase circulation, as a digestive aid, reduce inflammation, and to promote perspiration when a fever is present.  Ginger is used externally in lotions and creams for muscle strains and arthritis to improve mobility. Also, when combined with other herbs, ginger will reduce toxicity, lessen or eliminate side effects, and calm the stomach.  In winter ginger can be used when suffering from a cold or a cough or to add additional warmth to the body and to fight off infections. 

In modern applications ginger seems to have an important role in helping to prevent blood clots, heart attack, and strokes.  Also, ginger’s antiseptic action kills harmful bacteria, such as salmonella.  Ginger’s antiseptic properties were once used to protect against meat bacteria.

CULINARY

Ginger is a combination of volatile oils - zingerone, shogoals, & gingerols.  These volatile oils are what gives ginger it’s pungent, aromatic, and flavorful characteristics.  For that reason is has been used to enhance the eating experience in cultures worldwide.  In Asia ginger is a vital ingredient in traditional cuisine such as curries, soups, and stir-fry dishes.  Ginger is also used to flavor teas and many types of drinks.  In Europe and the Americas ginger is primarily used in desserts and beverages, such as cakes, gingerbread, preserves, cookies, candies, ginger ale and ginger beer.  In the many cultures of Africa and the Caribbean the spice is favored by many in their exotic cuisine.

Not only does ginger add flavor to the dish but it stimulates the production of saliva and gastric juices, which makes swallowing easier and improves digestion.

Whether fresh ginger is added to cooking oils, vinaigrettes, soups, or teas, powdered ginger is sprinkled on vegetables, cereal, or desserts, or pickled ginger is added to salads, relishes, or sandwiches your senses will be truly thankful.  Try adding this fragrant herb to your favorite dish the next time you cook and experience the aroma and delectable savory taste of this extraordinary herb.

Ginger is one of nature’s amazing herbs.  As a spice it adds a delicious flavor to any dish or drink like ginger tea.  As a medicinal herb it has an impressive record stretching back thousands of years. 

Don’t forget, ginger will add an appealing aroma in potpourris. 

Go Ahead, Spice Up Your Life and share your favorite ginger recipe with us.

 

 

About the Author:

Dr.  Stas' Ozog, PhD. (AM)
LAc., Dipl A. & C.H. (NCCAOM)