Ginger

Ginger
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Origin: Ginger is a tropical plant that has purple-green flowers. The part we use as a spice is the ginger root.

Ginger mainly originated in China and India and through the spice route, it traveled to Europe and the Mediterranean. Today, India continues to be a lead producer of ginger followed by Nigeria, China and Indonesia.

Recipes: Ginger comes in forms of fresh and dried root. Ginger is one of those awesome spices that are used to flavor meats, season vegetables, soups or salads. Taste of Home has some amazing recipes for all sorts of yummy dishes to make a chicken, fish or even delicious gingersnap cookies. 

There are many drinks to be enjoyed with ginger as well, such as ginger beer, ginger wine and ginger ale. For a refreshing drink, try one of these many varieties.

Medicine Cures:

Ginger has long been used in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. It is known as a good spice with many health benefits. 

Ginger can be taken in the fresh, dried form or as capsules or in a tea. In Eastern medicine, ginger tea is known to restore the yang, hot energy.

To make a cup of ginger tea, grate a piece of ginger root. Stir one teaspoon of the grated ginger into a cup of hot water and let it steep for 2 minutes. Strain ginger or allow it to settle to the bottom. 

It can also aid with food digestion, relieve stress, help improve circulation, manage glucose levels and more according to The Chopra Center.

Ginger is known help ease pain from chemotherapy, rheumatoid arthritis or a stomachache.

Many enjoy candied ginger to help with nausea to provide quick relief from morning sickness and motion sickness. Candied ginger can be made at home or purchased in a grocery/ spice store. 

People also drink a ginger-ale when feeling nauseated on a plane for its carbonated ginger flavor.

Beauty Regimen:

Ginger is known to have antiseptic and cleansing qualities and can be used as a natural face wash and help to fight acne. A ginger face mask can help nourish your skin. It is also known to have anti-aging benefits and can help lighten scars and burns. Ginger can also be used for healthier hair.

Weather you cook with it, eat it like candy or enjoy it in a drink, ginger has some wonderful benefits.

Sources

https://nccih.nih.gov/health/ginger

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger

https://chopra.com/articles/the-health-benefits-of-ginger-tea

https://www.healthlogus.com/ginger/