Ginger is an ancient wonder spice and is given the status of a “natural medicine chest” in ancient Ayurvedic medicine. That’s because this wonder spice has time-tested, digestion-friendly properties, in addition to its numerous other health benefits.
In India, ginger is liberally used in daily life. Ginger-infused Chai is a household favorite, and it’s grandma’s antidote of choice for battling cold and flu!
On millions of dining tables in India, you’ll see matchsticks of fresh ginger that have turned a soft pink from being soaked in lemon juice and salt: a zingy accompaniment to any cooked meal.
Try some fresh ginger just before a meal to stoke your digestive fire and support a healthy gut! You can grate it up and squeeze it into a hot tea, add it to juices, baked goods, smoothies and more… experiment and have fun.
Let’s give this knobbly root a closer look.
10 Terrific Benefits of Ginger
- Haven’t been feeling hungry? Eat a little fresh ginger just before a meal to inspire your appetite and activate your digestive juices.
- Eating ginger improves the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body.
- Ginger clears the ‘microcirculatory channels’ of the body, including the clearing your sinuses that can flare up seasonally or during colder months.
- Feeling airsick or nauseous? Ginger can help, preferably tossed in a little honey.
- Can’t stop the toot-a-thon? Gas—oops—guess what?! Ginger helps reduce flatulence!
- Tummy moaning and groaning under cramps? Munch on ginger.
- Reeling under joint pain? Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory properties, can bring relief. Float some ginger essential oil in your bath to help aching muscles and joints.
- Just had surgery? Chewing ginger post-operation can help overcome nausea.
- Stir up some ginger tea to get rid of throat and nose congestion. And when there’s a nip in the air, the warming and healing benefits of this tasty tea are even greater!
- Bedroom blues? (Psst…the Ayurvedic texts credit ginger with aphrodisiac properties) So yes, it could be your aphrodisiac.
3 Ways To Use Ginger
- In your jollof rice, stew, fried rice etc
I am not about to school you on how to cook but when you use ginger it leaves—the burst of flavor and fragrance will drive your senses crazy with desire! - Ginger In Your Tea
‘Grate’ idea: grate some ginger root and put it in your tea or through your juicer. - Gingery Dessert
For sweet tooths, mix it up with your cake batter or ice-creams you will be surprised at the zesty sensation.
Did you know that ginger is in the top 11 Natural remedies to relieve head-aches?