Video: What Is Ginger Root Used For?

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Ginger root is used to aid in the remedy of many ailments, including motion sickness, athlete's foot, headaches, common colds and upset stomachs. Steep ginger root in tea or add it to stir-fry with advice from a cooking instructor in this free video on cooking.

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Video Transcript

What is ginger root used for? Well, for thousands of years Asian civilizations have used ginger medicinally, as well as in cooking. It's said to aid in the remedies of ailments from motion sickness to athlete's foot. It's anti-inflammatory properties can lessen the pain of rheumatoid arthritis, and many women claim that ginger tea helps rid them of menstrual cramps. So, what is this wonder root called ginger? It's gnarly, fist-like bulb is best if the brown skin on it is smooth, the surface hard, and the weight heavy. Peel it, and use it minced or julienned in stir-fry recipes. You can bake it in cookies or breads, spice up your jams and jellies with it, and you can even add it to your favorite barbecue sauce. But if you have an ailment here are some age-old ways to use ginger just to help your ailments. For motion sickness, upset stomachs, colds, or headaches steep about a teaspoon of chopped fresh ginger in a cup of boiling water to make a tea. Sip this tea before taking a trip to avoid motion sickness, or during or after the journey to calm a queasy stomach. If you have athlete's foot cool this tea and soak your feet in it. Its anti-fungal property will actually ease the burn and the itch of athlete's foot. Ginger tea is also said to reduce excessive perspiration, act as an aphrodisiac, and freshen one's breath, so grandma was right about giving you ginger ale for what ails you. I'm Jan, from Kitchen Kitchen.