The Uses of a Ginger Plant

The distinctive flavor and unique healing properties of ginger give it a wide array of uses. Ginger's culinary and medical uses make it a handy addition to your spice rack or pantry. Does this Spark an idea?

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- Gingerbread cookies are one of the most popular uses of ginger.
Identification
- The ginger most commonly found in grocery stores is the root of a plant called Zingiber officinale. According to Floridata.com, the plant is native to Asia and has been used in medical treatments and food preparation for over 4,000 years. Ginger root is light beige in color and looks a bit like a hand, with small extensions from a larger main body. Ginger root should be firm, without any growths on the exterior.
Features
- As noted at Botanical-online.com, ginger is composed of various acids, fiber, essential oils and amino acids. It also contains several helpful minerals, such as phosphorous and zinc.
Benefits
- Ginger is well-known as an aid in relieving nausea, such as the effects of morning sickness and motion sickness. Ginger tea, for example, can be made by steeping the root in boiling water. Ginger ale is another popular beverage that relieves nausea symptoms. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ginger is also effective in preventing inflammation; it is often used to reduce inflammation in patients who suffer from arthritis and ulcerative colitis.
Considerations
- For cooking or baking, consider buying ginger in either its root or powder form. Ginger is frequently used to flavor Indian curry dishes and Asian food. Ginger is also used in baking. It is a main ingredient in gingersnap cookies, as well as the popular gingerbread men. The distinctive, sharp flavor of ginger makes it a favorite ingredient in many fall recipes, such as pumpkin bread.
Warning
- There are not many known side effects of ginger, but it can in rare instances cause gastrointestinal upset or burning in the mouth. The University of Maryland Medical Center also cautions those taking blood-thinning medications to use ginger only under a doctor's supervision; this is a good idea for anyone using herbal supplements.

Earth Clinic :Ginger Root Cures

Photo Credit "uno su mille ce la fa" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: valeyoshino (Valentina) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

Comments

Wezli Patoir Jan 26, 2011
Thanks for this information! You all are truly educating the world!

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