Information on Ginger Root
Ginger has a long history of being used as a spice to flavor foods, but ginger root is being used as an anti-inflammatory and painkiller. The properties in ginger appear to be effective in relieving nausea, swelling, pain and cold symptoms. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Native to India and China, the use of ginger has an extensive history throughout South Asia. According to Plant Cultures, ginger root was valued more than sheep during the Roman Empire. Ginger was one of the earliest spices known in Western Europe, used since the 9th century. By the 13th and 14th centuries, ginger had become one of the most commonly traded spices between India and Europe. In the 16th century, ginger was introduced to Africa and the Caribbean.
Description
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Ginger root (commonly referred to as ginger) is actually not a root, but a rhizome, with the scientific name, zingiber officinale. A rhizome is a creeping, fleshy stem that grows underground. The ginger root is thick and beige-colored with a stem (rhizome) that extends approximately 12 inches above the ground as well. It is harvested for use in many different forms, including fresh as a whole raw root, powdered and dried. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) believes that the most important components of ginger root for medicinal purposes are the oils and strong, spicy compounds.
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Medicinal Benefits
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Although ginger root may be best known as a kitchen spice for making delicacies such as gingerbread cookies, it is also believed to be beneficial for the treatment of flu symptoms, headaches, diarrhea, colic, arthritis and heart conditions. According to reports by UMMC, ginger root has been used for medicinal purposes for over 2000 years.
A 2009 clinical trial by The American Cancer Society was not able to provide definitive scientific evidence to support claims that ginger is effective in alleviating nausea in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments. However, many cancer patients find that the taste or aroma of beverages and foods containing ginger helps soothe their nausea symptoms and reduce their vomiting.
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References
- Photo Credit ginger spice image by Neelrad from Fotolia.com
