Ginger root is not only one of the oldest remedies in the world but also incredibly tasty. It’s easy to find in both fresh and dried forms, and even as pickled or candied. I always keep ginger handy because it’s fantastic for soothing upset stomachs, helping with respiratory issues, and even treating skin problems.
Worldwide, ginger is hugely popular, with millions using it every day both as a spice in their meals and as a natural medicine. Although it’s spicy, there are ways to adjust its flavor to suit different tastes, especially for kids, like in Golden Milk.
Ginger is a rhizome, closely related to turmeric. It grows as a tropical plant with bamboo-like green shoots, lance-shaped leaves, and white or yellow flowers. We use the underground part of the ginger plant—the brown root system. Once peeled, this root reveals a fibrous, juicy core that can be easily grated, chopped, minced, or ground.
So why do I love ginger so much? It’s simple! Besides being widely available in grocery stores today in both fresh and dried forms, ginger has an interesting history. It originated in southern Asia and was one of the first spices traded from the Orient during ancient times. Arab traders even created tales about fierce people guarding the ginger fields to protect their source. Over time, ginger gained a legendary status, even finding mention in literature like Shakespeare’s works.
Culinarily, ginger enhances dishes like gingerbread, ginger tea, and curry. But beyond its delicious flavor, Chinese and Japanese practitioners discovered early on the amazing health benefits of ginger. Modern research backs these claims, highlighting many health benefits of ginger, whether dried or fresh.
In traditional medicine, fresh ginger is used to counter dryness and heat, whereas dried ginger is used to relieve dampness and chill. While I use ginger mainly in cooking, I’ve also created a few natural remedies over the years to enjoy its health benefits.
Both fresh and dried ginger root are effective, so here are some ways I incorporate ginger into my daily diet:
– Cooking with ginger in various dishes
– Adding it to teas or smoothies
– Trying out natural remedies
These are my favorite ways to use ginger so far, but there are many more possibilities.
While ginger is generally safe, especially in moderation, there are some warnings about its use during pregnancy. It’s essential to check with a healthcare provider to be sure. Research from the late ’90s suggested that even eating a lot of ginger doesn’t trigger uterine contractions, indicating it’s generally safe. However, too much ginger can cause digestive upset, so always aim for moderation and maintain a balanced diet.
You can find fresh organic ginger in most grocery stores, or try dried ginger root for easy storage. I often buy it in bulk online when I can.
Have you tried using ginger? How did it work for you? Feel free to share your experiences!
