Native to Asia, ginger or zingiber officinale is a tropical perennial plant whose rhizome offers many benefits and virtues for health.
Ginger is widely used in Asian cuisine but has since gone beyond these borders to reach our plates.
There are several varieties of ginger including that of North America (“wild ginger”), Reunion (ginger-saffron), South India (mango ginger) where color, flavor, and aroma are very specific.
Since the Middle Ages, it has been given all kinds of aphrodisiac virtues. But, it is also used in cooking and in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Ginger and its health benefits
There are many benefits and virtues of ginger, recognized, and used for a very long time.
Anti-inflammatory, anti-migraine, ideal against motion sickness or even aphrodisiac according to some, it has many medicinal qualities.
- Do you suffer from digestive disorders or gastrointestinal infections? Ginger has digestive properties.
- In China, it is used against the colds, it relieves great colds, flu, and other respiratory problems.
- Ginger also raises blood pressure and improves capillary circulation.
- Among the benefits of ginger, properties antivomitives : it is very effective against motion sickness and postoperative nausea. Good news for pregnant women: they can consume it to relieve their nausea.
Use of ginger:
Grated or chopped fresh, candied, crystallized, marinated, dried, or ground, ginger is in gastronomy, a spice that has been used for less than 4,400 years.
Over the centuries, it has become one of the most widely used culinary herbs in the world and can be obtained from organic food stores, or fruit and vegetable departments.
To get the best therapeutic benefit, the following are indicated:
- An infusion of fresh ginger: cut into small pieces, 2.5cm of the rhizome. Simmer over low heat for ¼ of an hour then filter. Drink 1 to 3 cup (s) per day to relieve colds, coughs, or to promote blood circulation.
- An infusion of dried ginger: pour 25cl of boiling water over ¼ to ½ teaspoon of dried ginger powder. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes then filter. Drink 1 cup after meals to relieve nausea, bloating, or gas.
- Capsules: Take 250 to 500 mg, 2 to 3 times a day.
- Extracts: to relieve osteoarthritis, follow the dosage indicated.
Growing ginger for its benefits
Ginger needs shade and heat (minimum 10 ° C). The soil should be rich and well-drained.
Tip:
Ginger can be irritating to some. In this case, consume it reduced to powder, it will be less aggressive even if it loses its taste qualities.
To propagate ginger, it is enough to divide the clumps in the fall.
Ginger in a jar:
If you use a deep enough container, growing ginger in a pot is quite possible, as long as you drain the container well by putting a bed of gravel or clay balls at the bottom of the pot and naturally piercing it. .
Beware of little animals!
Ginger is susceptible to attacks from mealybugs.
Nutritional intake
Ginger aids digestion. It contains a little vitamin C, B, and various trace elements depending on the nature of the soil. Ginger is invigorating and gives an impression of heat.
Smart tip about ginger:
In gastronomy, it is safe to consume ginger, although it can cause mild heartburn. It is contraindicated during pregnancy, and without medical advice in combination with anticoagulant drugs.
