Ginger belongs to the Zingiberaceae botanical family, along with other two spices: turmeric and cardamom. The root of ginger has been long known as a culinary and medical spice. The medicinal properties of ginger have been valued from ancient India and China to Rome. In southeastern Asia, India and China, ginger has been part of the local diet throughout the ages. The Romans were the first to import ginger to Europe from China in the 16th century. Nowadays, the top ginger producing countries are India, Fiji, Indonesia, Jamaica and Australia.
Ginger can be found in various forms: whole roots, dried roots, powdered ginger, pickled ginger, as well as in crystallized form. Ginger tea is also recommended, especially during cold weather. It is a diaphoretic tea, which means it can make you feel very warm and it leads to perspiration – it should be consumed when feeling feverish. The curative properties of ginger have sustainability in science. It has been discovered that by using ginger on the skin, it stimulates blood circulation. The root of the ginger plant is rich in volatile oils. These oils contain gingerol. It has been well known throughout time that ginger is very effective in alleviating stomach pain and discomfort. It is also a strong carminative – a substance with promotes the elimination of gas from the digestive system and it soothes the intestines. It is also used for treating nausea. It can also be used for treating heperemesis gravidarum, the most severe form of sickness related to pregnancy. It can easily treat symptoms related to motion sickness, dizziness and vomiting.
Ginger contains gingerols, a very strong anti-inflammatory substance. Gingerol inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are small proteins, with a function in “cell signaling”. They are the ones who give out messages to the immune system. It is believed that because of this substance, people who suffer from osteoarthritis and rheumatic pain and consume ginger, report a significant decrease in pain and improved mobility.
Where can you purchase ginger? It can be found in most supermarkets. The older the ginger is, the thicker its coat will be. When fresh, it can be stored for up to 3 weeks, however it needs to be left unpeeled. Fresh ginger is a better option compared to dried ones, because it contains higher levels of gingerol. However, if you purchase the dried variation, make sure you keep it away from light and high temperatures. It should be contained in a colder, dark and dry place, but for not more than half a year. The consumption of ginger is healthy, since it also contains some oxalate. People who are known to have suffered from kidney stones should avoid consuming too much of it, though.