Ginger is the rhizome or root of the Zingiber officinale plant named by Carl Linnaeus a Swedish botanist. It has a characteristic spicy, slightly hot, citrus-like taste. This herb is commonly grown in India, China, Africa and Jamaica. Ginger has been used for centuries in cooking and in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions including nausea, indigestion, colic and diarrhea. Ginger is available as fresh or dried ginger root and in the form of tea, tablets, capsules or liquid extracts. Herbs should be taken with the advice and supervision of your health care provider.
Facts About Ginger
Ginger made its way to the Western world in camel caravans; it was the first Asian spice to arrive in the west. Ginger was traded in England during the middle ages; but only the upper crust of the English society could afford to trade a sheep for the value of one pound of this highly coveted spice. Ginger has four major characteristics: its fragrance, taste, nutritional value and its synergy. Gingerol is an oily -resinous substance in ginger that gives it its medicinal properties. The Koran recognizes ginger as a spiritual and heavenly beverage.
Nutritional Value
Ginger is a rich source of vitamins, minerals and trace elements making it nutritionally valuable. It contains magnesium, potassium, phosphorous and calcium. It’s also a good source of vitamin C, folates, protein and vitamin B6 and B5. Ginger also contains other agents such as capsaicin, cucurmin, limonene and zingibain these all support its medicinal effects.
Health Benefits
Ginger is a potent anti-oxidant that works against the ravaging effects of free radicals that damages the body’s immune system, causes premature aging and diseases such as heart disease, arthritis and cancer. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. It’s an analgesic and it reduces fever. Ginger’s synergy effect enhances the action of other herbs.
Precautions
Consult with your doctor before taking any herbs or herbal supplements. Ginger should not be taken by individuals with gall stones without consulting with their physician. Discuss with your physician any medications, over the counter products or herbal products you may be taking before taking ginger or ginger supplements. This will prevent any drug interactions such as the interference of ginger on the blood thinners warfin and aspirin.
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