Boost Health and Fight Inflammation with Ginger Root
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Ginger is a subtropical plant grown for its nobby root (rhizome or underground stem). The root has tan skin, ivory to pale green flesh, and a peppery, slightly sweet flavor. Ginger is planted in August or September using the previous year's crop. Ginger takes about nine months to reach maturity. After the flowers appear, the tops begin to die, leaving the ginger rhizomes ready to harvest. Ginger is a mainstay of Asian and Indian cooking and is used grated, ground and slivered. Ginger juice is the juice of the root. Candied or crystallized ginger is ginger cooked in sugar syrup, while preserved ginger is in a sugar-salt mixture: both of these are used primarily for sweets and desserts. Pickled ginger, used as a palate cleanser with sushi, is ginger preserved in sweet vinegar. |
No one is sure how old Ginger is, or where it came from, since it has never been found growing wild. It was first cultivated by the Chinese and Indians. It was one of the important spices that led to the opening of the spice trade routes. The name Ginger comes from the Sanskrit word "sinabera" meaning "shaped like a horn" because of its resemblance to an antler. In the 19th century it was popular to keep a shaker of Ginger on the counter in English pubs so the patrons could shake some into their drinks. This practice was the origin of ginger ale.
Ginger is a plant native to Southeast Asia that is also grown in the United States, China, and various tropical regions. The root is usually the part of the plant used in herbal remedies. Ginger has a long history as a pungent spice for cooking and as an herbal remedy for upset stomach.
Ginger is well known as a remedy for travel sickness, nausea and indigestion and is used for wind, colic, irritable bowel, loss of appetite, chills, cold, flu, poor circulation, menstrual cramps, dyspepsia (bloating, heartburn, flatulence), indigestion and |
gastrointestinal problems such as gas and stomach cramps. Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb and there has been much recent interest in its use for joint problems. It has also been indicated for arthritis, fevers, headaches, toothaches, coughs, bronchitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, to ease tendonitis, lower cholesterol and blood-pressure and aid in preventing internal blood clots.
Look for smooth skin (wrinkles indicate that the root is dry and past prime) with a fresh spicy aroma. Also available dried and ground in the spice section. Specialty or Asian markets carry ginger juice, pickled ginger and preserved ginger.
Ginger can be found as a whole root available for purchase at your local grocery store. It is also available in capsule, tablet, and bulk powder forms at your local or internet health food store. When looking for a ginger supplement, look for name brands like Solaray, Natures Plus, and Now Food to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.
*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Ginger is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications. |
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Author: Darrell Miller
About the Author: More information on ginger root is available at VitaNet ®, LLC Health Food Store. http://vitanetonline.com/
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Boost Health and Fight Inflammation With Ginger Root
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Ginger Tea Benefits Trivia:
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Ginger was first used by the ancient Chinese and Indians as early as 5,000 years ago primarily as a tonic root for a wide array of ailments. The widespread use of ginger in cooking meats and other food items did not take place until about the 13th Century.
Ginger was widely used by the ancient Romans as a medium of exchange. It had quite a high value as it was said to be equivalent in value to a live sheep.
Ginger tea is often paired with honey in the treatment of many ailments. Honey is typically added to freshly-made tea to sweeten the taste. The pair is used as a remedy for sore throat, persistent cough and other respiratory problems. This tandem is also used to restore the voice by clearing away the phlegm.
Ginger tea is likewise often paired with lemon when used as a home remedy in the treatment of colds and other respiratory ailments. Fresh lemon juice is typically squeezed into the ginger infusion to add a zesty tang to the spicy flavor of the drink.
Ginger comes from the same family as cardamom, galangal and turmeric. They all come from the Zingiberaceae family and are collectively known as the 'spice lilies'. These four spices are noted for their ability to help stimulate the production of gastric juices, bile and saliva which have enzymes that promote the proper digestion of food.
Ginger has a considerable amount of Vitamins C and E. It is believed that these contribute to the antioxidant qualities of this herb thus making it a viable free radical scavenger. These also contribute to the anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger has a high content of potassium that allows it to help protect the body against bone fragility, muscle weakness, mental apathy and heart and kidney damage.
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