by Kiran Patil
Ginger is an ancient spice with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. The top health benefits of ginger include its ability to relieve nausea and pain, treat osteoarthritis, prevent cancer, treat arthritis, improve respiratory conditions, and reduce flatulence. It also helps boost bone health, strengthen the immune system, and increase appetite.
This spicy root is also good for enhancing sexual activity, mitigating obesity, and relieving the pain related to menstrual disorders.
What is Ginger?
Ginger, also known as Zingiber officinale, is a flowering plant, whose root or rhizome is used as a spice. [1] It can be consumed in many forms, fresh, dried, powdered, and in the form of oil and juice. In many places, it is mostly used in sweets and alcoholic beverages such as ginger beer and wine.
Today, ginger is on the FDA’s list of generally safe foods and is often used to mask the taste of bitter medicines such as cough syrups.
Uses of Ginger
Fresh raw ginger root is a staple ingredient in Asian cuisines and is used in soups, rice, noodle, and stews. Pickled ginger is offered with sushias a palate cleanser. World over, it is also used to flavor beverages such as tea, specialty coffees, lemonades, cocktails, and even smoothies. Ginger cookies, candied ginger, and the gingerbread man are popular holiday favorites.
You can make your own ginger tea by steeping grated ginger in boiled water. It is a natural cure for a sore throat, coughs, and colds. Ginger juice and ginger chews are other home remedies, often given to alleviate nausea and digestive problems. It is often used in herbal productssuch as soaps, shampoos, massage oils, and perfumes.
Ginger supplements are available in most pharmacies in the form of:
- Dried ginger root
- Capsules
- Extracts
- Syrups
- Powder form
- Essential oils