Ginger - Is it a herb? Is it a spice?
Ginger, scientifically called Zingiber Officinale, is a well-known spice and herbal remedy that has been used for centuries. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is native to Southeast Asia. Ginger has a unique flavor and aroma that makes it a popular ingredient in various cuisines. It’s also widely used in herbal medicine.
In this blog, we’ll uncover the benefits of ginger, how you can use it, and how much to use. Plus, we’ll show with you how to grow your own, and we’ve included a recipe for ginger tea!
What is Ginger?
Ginger is a perennial plant with a thick, knotted, beige-colored underground stem called a rhizome. The rhizome is the part we use for cooking and medicine. The flavor and aroma of ginger come from its natural oils, which are primarily composed of gingerol and shogaol.
What are the benefits of Ginger?
Ginger is packed with nutrients and bioactive compounds that offer numerous health benefits. These include:
1. Digestive Health
For centuries, ginger has been used to treat digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. It’s believed that ginger helps to increase the production of digestive juices, aiding the digestive process.
2. Anti-inflammatory
Ginger contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that can help with the reduction of inflammation, which is linked to several chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Read our blogs about gingko biloba, turmeric, and holy basil; they also aid in the fight against inflammation.
3. Immune Booster
Ginger has natural antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help to boost your immune system. It’s also rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect your body against oxidative stress and free radicals.
4. Pain Relief
It’s believed that ginger can block the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation.
5. Heart Health
Ginger aids heart health. It can help prevent the formation of blood clots, lower blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol levels. Curcumin also assists with heart health by improving blood pressure and cholesterol.
6. Regulating blood sugar
Ginger is beneficial for those with type-2 diabetes because it has proven to be effective at lowering blood sugar levels.
How to Use Ginger
Ginger can be used in various forms, including fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil.
Fresh ginger can be added to soups, stir-fries, and smoothies. It can also be used to make ginger tea. We included a refreshing ginger tea recipe at the end of the blog.
All you need is one glass of ginger water a day!
Fresh ginger water is full of antioxidants, which help your body fight free radicals, lowering your risk of health conditions like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
Ginger water is also rich in potassium!
Dried ginger can be used as a spice in cooking or baking. It can also be used to make ginger tea by steeping a teaspoon of dried ginger in hot water for a few minutes.
Powdered ginger is a convenient way to add ginger to recipes. It can be added to smoothies, baked goods, and spice blends.
Ginger supplements are made from fresh or dried ginger, or from ginger oil that has been extracted through distillation.
What is the correct ginger dosage?
The recommended dosage of ginger is generally one to two grams per day for most people. However, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements or herbal remedies.
What are the contraindications of ginger?
While ginger is generally safe for most people, it may interact with certain medications or have adverse effects on some individuals. People who have gallstones, bleeding disorders, or are on blood-thinning medications should consult with a healthcare provider before taking ginger supplements or consuming large amounts of ginger.
How to grow ginger in 5 simple steps
This blog contains some affiliate links. We'll earn a small commission if you purchase anything through these links but at no cost to you.
Growing ginger at home is easy and rewarding. Follow these steps.
1. Choose a suitable location
Ginger prefers warm and humid conditions, so choose a location that is warm and receives partial sunlight. Ginger grows well indoors and is a great addition to any windowsill herb garden.
2. Prepare the Soil
Ginger grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Mix compost or aged manure into the soil before planting.
3. Planting
Buy a fresh ginger root from the grocery store and plant it in the prepared soil with the eyes facing up. Cover with approximately two inches (five centimeters) of soil. If you’re planting your ginger indoors, you could use a windowsill planter like this five-pot herb planter.
4. Watering
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Ginger prefers to be watered with lukewarm water.
5. Harvesting
Ginger takes eight to ten months to mature. When the leaves turn yellow, it’s time to harvest. Carefully dig up the rhizomes and store them in a cool, dry place.
Why not dry some of your ginger crop for later use?
Drying Ginger
Place sliced ginger on a plate lined with kitchen toweling.
Put it next to a window that gets a lot of sun.
Leave it to dry for three or four days.
Alternatively, place ginger slices in a dehydrator
or low oven (no hotter than 150 ° F/65 ° C) and
check the ginger every half hour or so.
Now for the ginger tea recipe!
Ginger tea is a great way to ingest ginger and enjoy its numerous health benefits.
What you will need:
1 inch/2,5cm piece of fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced
2 cups of water
Honey, lemon, or mint (optional)
Instructions:
Add the sliced ginger and water to a saucepan.
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Remove from heat and strain the ginger pieces from the tea.
Add honey, lemon, or mint to taste (optional).
Serve and enjoy! It’s delicious and refreshing served cold too.
In Summary
Well, there you have it—everything you need to know about ginger! Be sure to add some to your diet so that you can get the most from this tasty, aromatic, and beneficial root.
Please always consult your healthcare practitioner before trying any new supplements, as some of them may react with medications. Always buy your supplements from a reputable supplier and follow the correct dosage on the packaging.