Ginger

Description : Ginger is the underground rhizome of the ginger plant with a firm, striated texture. The flesh of the ginger rhizome can be yellow, white or red in color, depending upon the variety. It is covered with a brownish skin that may either be thick or thin, depending upon whether the plant was harvested when it was mature or young.

Health Benefits :

    • Digestive issues
    • Nausea
    • Pain reduction
    • Inflammation
    • Anti-tumor properties: Successful in killing cancer cells

    • Anti-diabetic compounds: Lowers blood sugar and increases insulin release

  • Relieves respiratory disorders: Effective in treating asthma

The Pros :

    • Most frequently used to aid digestion, ginger is believed to increase saliva and other digestive fluids, alleviating indigestion and associated problems such as flatulence.
    • It is known to relieve nausea and morning sickness. If you take ginger for morning sickness, use it for no longer than four days.
    • Ginger is recommended to those who suffer from motion sickness. You can buy ginger tablets from your pharmacist or try drinking a cup of ginger tea before your journey.
    • Ginger is believed to have anti-inflammatory qualities that may relieve swelling and pain.
    • As a tea it is said to ease headaches and sore throats or assist if you have a cold or flu.
  • Fresh ginger is used for asthma, coughs, colic, heart palpitations, swellings, dyspepsia, loss of appetite and rheumatism, while the dried root is used to “strengthen” the stomach, inhibit vomiting and treat diarrhoea.

The Cons : 

    • Ginger may interact with some prescription medications.
    • Herbalists advise not to take more than four grams of ginger in a single day.
  • Side effects may include bloating, gas, heartburn and nausea.
Botanical Name
:Zingiber officinale
Family Name
:Zingiberaceae
Name in some International Languages
:
Spanish – Jengibre
Arabic – Zanjabil
Chinese – Chiang
Flavour Characteristics
:
Hot and Pungent
Usage Profile
:
Foods, Preservatives and Medicines
Commercial part
:
The rhizome
Harvesting Season
:
December to February in plains
February to March in higher elevations
Product
:Ginger

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