Ginger, the miraculous root
It’s from Southeast Asia, the use of ginger has spread to tropical areas such as India, Africa and the Caribbean, but its culinary use is more common in Japan and China.
The rhizome of this plant is rich in volatile oils, mucilage, resins and glycosides. You can describe the taste as spicy and sour, leaving a starchy taste. It can be used for sweet and salty dishes.
Powder can be eaten fresh, if you cut into thin slices or pieces, or crystals to be placed in water until tender.
In oriental food, it is widely used as a condiment, but also has medicinal properties and is excellent as a digestive.
Medicinal properties
Ginger was introduced in Europe as an aromatic tonic, liver protector, and to facilitate secretion of bile.
The powdered root ginger acts effectively on gastrointestinal motility. So that is useful to combat nausea and vomiting, even more effectively than traditional drugs, so it is recommended for those who are sensitive to seasickness transport results.
In fact, since ancient times, ginger has been used in foods for sailors, not only as a source of vitamin C, but also to avoid classic dizziness during this activity.
Some studies have also linked this root with aphrodisiac effect, and as an agent that promotes fertility, increasing sperm volume and improve sperm motility.
This root has the property of activating blood circulation, peripheral and combat cramps. It has diaphoretic action, i.e. stimulates sweating and helps eliminate toxins.
Recommended for lung problems as it is expectorant, an infusion can help combat the symptoms of the common cold or flu.
Ginger applications
- The fresh rhizome is useful to treat vomiting, cough, pyrexia and abdominal distention. It also serves as an expectorant for the common cold.
- The dried root is recommended to treat abdominal pain, diarrhea and lumbago.
- Powder is usually used for neuralgia and rheumatism. Also to stimulate the stomach, and lungs.
- The cortex is the part that we can use to treat edema and swelling.
- The root tincture is used for digestive problems such as flatulence, nausea and indigestion.
Home Remedies with ginger
Besides using ginger for a touch of flavor to our food, we can also use the following remedies:
Against the cold
Prepare a tea with ginger root grated or chopped. Bring to a boil for 10 minutes. Take up to three cups a day of preparation to relieve cold symptoms.
Seasickness
Make a syrup with a large piece of ginger rhizome and a cup of sugar. Peel ginger and cut it fine diced. Place one cup of sugar for four of water, add the ginger and let simmer. Let sit overnight and finally deposit it in a dark glass bottle sterilized. Reserve in a cool place, and take two to three tablespoons to stop the symptoms of dizziness.
For stomach pain
Prepare a tea with ginger rhizome, cutting and placing a tablespoon of it for every cup of water and let it boil for 3-5 minutes. Grab a cup three times a day.
Contraindications
Consuming ginger is safe for most people; however, high doses of this root are contraindicated in early pregnancy and in people with peptic ulcer.