All About Ginger
Sharon Stajda
Asian societies have always prized ginger for its health
properties. And consider it one of natures best has root for
its wonderful always healing powers. Not only do they use
ginger in curative medicines, but add it to many of their
recipes.
Through out history famous world figures such as Henry the VIII
revered the benefits of ginger. Believing ginger aided in
preventing one from getting to the plague. This uses of ginger
has not been substantiate, but it is very apparent that through
out history ginger has been used for its powerful medicinal
properties.
It is well thought that ginger, the pungent, aromatic spice, is
a root? But actually it is an underground stem, from a tropical
herb plant Zingiber officinale. This herb is primarily grown in
India, Jamaica. It is also grown in China, Sierra Leone, Nigeria
and Australia. It grows best in tropical lowland and forests,
requiring hot, humid, shady conditions, with a fertile loam
that will provide a good amount of nutrients. Ginger has no
season, but grows through out the year, as long as the weather
conditions are stable.
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.
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.
About The Author: For more information about ginger, please
visit the following url:
http://www.oldandsold.com/articles11/evening-book-57.shtml
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