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Ginger
The look of ginger is pretty unappealing, but you can't judge a book by its cover, right?
Fresh ginger is something that I always have on hand and use almost every day. Come in and discover the wonderful properties and uses of this ancient root.
What Exactly is Ginger?
Ginger, or Zingiber officinale, is actually a plant, but what we usually associate ginger with is its rhizome. Rhizome what? A rhizome is really just the vertical stem or root stock of some plants.
There are about 70 species of ginger grown mostly in Asia, India and Jamaica.
Medicinal Properties: Part I
Past & Present
Ancient Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic practitioners have been using ginger for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. It is only now that Western medicine is validating what Eastern cultures already knew.- Ginger aids in digestion.
- Ginger may help to improve cholesterol levels.
- Ginger greatly reduces nausea caused by motion sickness.
- Ginger induces sweating which in turn expels toxins from the body.
- Because ginger reduces nausea it is used by patients going through chemotherapy and may also help women experiencing morning sickness. Please note, if you are considering using ginger for morning sickness consult your physician.
Healing Naturally
Medicinal Properties: Part II
Past & Present
So what is it exactly that makes ginger so beneficial to your health? Ginger contains an active ingredient called gingerol. This constituent or compound stimulates blood flow, which in turn helps relieve pain.- If you are suffering from a head cold take some ginger, it is a natural decongestant and antihistamine.
- Ginger is known as an anti-inflammatory and helps relieve the pain caused by arthritis.
- Ginger helps to eliminate bad bacteria in the intestines while protecting the good bacteria.
- In India a ginger paste was applied to the temples to relieve headaches.
- Researchers in Denmark have found that ginger blocks the effects of prostaglandins. These are the chemicals that cause inflamation of the blood vessels in the brain causing migrains.
Tea Time
There is nothing more soothing than a cup of ginger tea. I like fresh ginger, lemon and honey, but there are so many combinations out there that I don't think I would ever tire of experimenting. If by chance I don't have fresh ginger on hand, I do like using loose tea.
When choosing a tea, be sure to stay away from anything that reads "ginger-flavored". These particular teas contain very little or no ginger at all, therefore not giving you the beneficial qualities.
The most basic Ginger Tea:
Place 3/4 teaspoon of chopped, or grated, ginger in one cup of hot water. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes. Voila!
So Much to Choose From
Hot & Spicy: Part I
The Sweet Side
"... you can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Man!" - English Fairy Tale What is better then Sweet and Spicy? I absolutely love this combination! The possibilities are endless especially when you add ginger to fruit.
My personal favorites include, but are not limited to:
- Ginger Icecreamli
- Baked Ginger Pearsli
- Ginger Papaya Saladli
- Ginger Papaya Salad
- Crystallized or Candied Ginger
- Soft Gingerbread Man Cookies (what's Christmas without them?)
Can't Live Without It
Helen's Asian Kitchen Porcelain Ginger Grater
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 07/13/2009)
Hot & Spicy: Part II
The Savory (Spicy) Side
"He was never without ginger when he ate. He did not eat much" from The Analect, on Confucius' diet.There are literally thousands of recipes out there using ginger.
My personal favorites include, but are not limited to:
- Spicy Ginger Beef
- Coconut Ginger Chicken
- Veggie Stir Fry
- Ginger Carrot Soup
- Lemon Ginger Shrimp
Spicy Carbonation
I love Ginger Ale. It was one of those things I was given as a child when I had an upset stomach. Comfort in a can.
I also find it amusing that the majority of ginger ale comes in green cans.
The Best Ginger Candy
The Ginger People Spicy Apple Ginger Chews, 3-Ounce Bags (Pack of 24)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)
Spicy Apple Ginger Chews combine the peppery pop of ginger, cinnamon and allspice with the refreshing sweetness of delicious apples. Delightfully spicy, chewy and full flavored, these flavorful treats remind us of a warm slice of apple pie. Drop a few in a cup of boiling water, let them melt and enjoy a deliciously spiced cup of Spicy Apple Ginger Cider. Yum!
Is Ginger Your Cup of Tea?
Do you have a favorite recipe?
DaveWalters wrote...
I live in China and one time when my throat was really bothering me and the Chinese doctors gave me antibiotics for a sore throat (they give antibiotics for everything here). I didn't want to take the antibiotics so I went to see a local chinese "healer". He cooked up some ginger tea and made me drink about a gallon of it. Had me drink some more later that evening. The next morning I woke up and felt completely fine! Very cool huh? Cinetech, by the way, thanks alot for your advice on my lens, I really appreciate it!
Posted June 12, 2009
partybuzz wrote...
Yes...ginger is my cup of tea! Very soothing to the tummy! Great lens!
Posted May 07, 2009
Webcodes wrote...
Thank you for visiting my travel mistakes lens. I love ginger. It really does help with digestion. 5*.
Posted August 06, 2008
Doesn't This Ginger Snack Look Yummy?
Klein's Naturals Ginger Slices, 10-Ounce Tubs (Pack of 6)
Amazon Price: $17.54 (as of 07/13/2009)
- Case of six 10-ounce containers (total of 60 ounces)
- Dried ginger slices
- Kosher-certified, parve
- Snacktime or anytime, always a world of fruity delight in each and every bite.
Cooking with Ginger
How to Peel Ginger
Can it Really Be This Simple?
How Do You Like It?
Ginger & Sushi
You Can't Have One without the Other
Soft pink or pale yellow slices of ginger, or Gari as it is known in Japanese, always accompanies sushi. The custom of eating the ginger is to cleanse your palette.
Great Sushi Recipes
Ginger Proverbs & Quotes
- Chinese Proverb
Can the monkey know the taste of ginger?
- Hindu Proverb
Nose, nose, nose, nose!
And who gave you that jolly red nose!
Sinamont and ginger, nutmegs and cloves,
And that gave me my jolly red nose!
-Thomas Ravenscroft
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