Ginger Root
(Zingiber Officinale)

Ginger is often called "ginger root".

It is actually a rhizome.

It is available in various forms:

fresh, dried, powdered,
preserved and pickled.


Fresh ginger is the raw root, with a pale yellow interior and brownish skin. The best ginger is the Jamaican variety, which has a buff color skin. Whole fresh roots provide the freshest taste and will keep fresh for a week at room temperature and for a month in the fridge. You can simply slice it and smash it a little to release the aroma, it's that easy!

Dried roots are sold either with the root skin left on, or with the skin peeled off, hence the names black and white, whole or sliced.

Powdered ginger (ground) is the buff-colored ground spice made from dried root.

Preserved ginger is made from fresh young roots, peeled and sliced, then cooked in a heavy sugar syrup.

Crystallized ginger is also cooked in sugar syrup, then air dried and rolled in sugar.

Pickled ginger is extremely thin sliced root pickled in vinegar. It often accompanies sushi in the Japanese cuisine.

History and Folklore

It is native to India and China.


• It has been very important in Chinese medicine for many centuries, and is mentioned in the writings of Confucius.
  
  
• It is also named in the Koran, the sacred book of the Muslims, indicating it was known in Arab countries as far back as 650 A.D.
  
  
• It was one of the earliest spice known in Western Europe, used since the ninth century. It became so popular in Europe that it was included in every table setting, like salt and pepper.
  
  
• In Renaissance time, it was one of the spices used against the plague, because it causes one to sweat.
  
  
• In the nineteenth century, in the English pubs and taverns they had small containers of ground ginger, for people to sprinkle into their beer — the origin of ginger ale!
  
  
• It is mentioned in Karma Sutra for its aphrodisiac powers, taken internally or externally.
  
  
• In the South Pacific Islands it was used by men to increase potency.
  
  
• In the Philippines it was chewed to expel evil spirits.

Modern Day Use

• digestive aid, assists normal digestive processes; increases the production of digestive fluids so it helps relieve indigestion, stomach cramps, gas, diarrhea.
  
  
• used to treat nausea due to motion sickness or morning sickness.
  
  
• cardio tonic (it supports maintenance of a healthy circulatory system).
  
  
• thermogenic, it warms up the body (it brings warmth to the body from the inside out).
  
  Tip - for cold feet and hands, drink a cup of hot ginger tea, it will warm you up instantly.
  
  
• it reduces cholesterol levels by promoting its excretion and impairing its absorption.
  
  
• it has amazing anti-inflammatory properties. Warming up the joints and supporting flexibility, it is an awesome herbal remedy for joint pain at menopause.
  
  
• mood enhancer, it helps relieve stress and fatigue.
  
  
• pain reliever, useful for headaches and tooth aches.
  
  Tip - put some ginger paste at temples, the headache will disappear right away.
  
  
• promotes the elimination of toxins in the body, so it is highly recommended for detoxification.
  
  
• nourishes the skin by getting rid of toxins.

Ginger Bath

I enjoy a ginger bath once a week. I found a superb product, Ginger Fusion Fragrance Bath Oil Fizz. A little scoop in my tub makes wonders! My skin feels so soft and I feel relaxed and rejuvenated, it is perfect! You can also use "ginger salt", a combination of sea salt, epson salt and ginger; you can buy it in stores or by clicking this link.


Of course you can use fresh ginger, too. Just pour a hot tub and add some fresh grated ginger root. You can make a little cotton sachet for this, so it doesn't get messy!

I personally soak in the tub for 15 min (I get light headed if I stay more!).
I feel very relaxed and I go to sleep almost instantly. Next morning I feel fantastic and my skin is glowing!


You will sweat profoundly so don't forget to drink plenty of water!

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