All About Ginger

The uses for ginger are many. You will not only find it ground and bottled in the spice section at the grocery store, but in the fresh produce department in its natural stem form. It is also widely used for it oil in spicy colognes, and soaps. One of it more recognizable uses, Ginger Ale. Ginger Ale is one of the oldest and well known soft drinks. Most of us will have memories of Ginger Ale being given to us as children, for an upset stomach.

A study on motion sickness done by ("The American Phytotherapy Research Laboratory") located in Salt Lake City. Results showed that ginger was compared to Dramamine, for relieving motion sickness. It was proven ginger had a significant benefit in their experiment with a controlled study. One group taking Dramamine the other ginger, the group that took the ginger withstood a spin test for 6 minutes, while the Dramamine group became nauseous within 4 1/2 minutes. So next time you fly, opt for Ginger Ale, if you have a problem with motion sickness or that unsettled stomach.

The proprieties in Ginger have shown to aid in lowering blood cholesterol. It is also is effective in thinning blood, which aid in dissolving blood clots (Study Conducted by Cornell University Medical College). Other curative benefits include: relieves menstrual cramps, decreases headache discomforts, helps to regulate blood sugar, anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, which aid to strengthen the immune system. Ginger is also high in both calcium and iron, so in turn helps with strong bones, and decreases adverse discomforts of arthritis. It is claimed that Ginger increases blood flow to the extremities, so helps with cold feet, and hands.

Ginger could be an effective treatment for arthritis, a study has shown.
A pill containing extracts of the root spice has proved to be as effective as conventional painkillers in a clinical trial.
"Rheumatologist Professor Ray Altman, who led the study, believes the highly-concentrated supplement could help to reduce the pain suffered by two out of three people with arthritis."
He tested the supplement on 250 people with osteoarthritis, the most common form of the condition. Each was suffering from moderate to severe pain.
Over a six week period, some were given a 255 milligram dose of the dietary supplement twice a day. The rest were given a placebo.
Two-thirds of those given the ginger pills reported relief from pain - significantly more than those taking the placebo.

How much is too much? To get the benefits of Ginger, it is recommended to include 2-4 grams daily in your diet. There are many ways to get the required beneficial dose. From ginger snap cookies, to Chinese food, and let's not forget Ginger ale. You can also eat raw or blanched Ginger or brew it up in tea. The tea is great to aid in relieving menstrual cramps, and headache. To use topically, oil of ginger can be rubbed into sore joint to provide pain relief. Ginger capsule can be purchased at your health food store, if you prefer to take Ginger in pill form. Ginger is not recommended for children under 2 years of age.

The American Herbal Products Association gives fresh ginger root safety rating of 1. This rate indicates that it is a safe to the general public with a wide dosage range. Side effects if taken in excessive doses may cause mild heartburn. It is recommended to consult with your doctor before using any Spice or herb.

Softened unsalted butter, as needed
1 cup vegetable oil, like soy, peanut, or corn
1 cup sugar
1 cup unsulphured molasses
1 to 2 tablespoons minced crystallized ginger
2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten with a fork
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon fine salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup water
1 tablespoon baking soda
Serving suggestions: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Lightly butter a 9 by 13 by 2-inch cake pan and line the bottom with a piece of parchment or wax paper. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, sugar, molasses, and crystallized ginger. Add the eggs and whisk until smooth.

In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, salt, and cloves. Whisk the molasses mixture into the flour mixture until evenly combined.

In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the baking soda. Whisk the hot water into the batter until just combined. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan. Bake the cake in the center of the oven, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Cool the cake in the pan. Top with real whip cream.

Ginger Tea Recipe:
Ginger tea is believed to aid to improve digestion, and relieve nausea. It is also used to ward off colds, and helps soothe a sore throat.

Ginger tea is easy to make, and tastes very good.

Ginger Tea Recipe
4 cups of water
2 inch piece of fresh ginger root
optional: honey and lemon

Peel the ginger root, slice it into thin slices. Bring the water to a boil. Once the water is at a good boil, add the ginger. Cover it and reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea. Add honey and lemon to taste. You can also add a bit of bourbon or whisky, to make a hot toddy. The booze also helps kill germs from a sore throat.

Note: Keep in mind that if you are making this tea to strengthen the immune system and ward off colds and flu, sweeteners are not recommended.