Ginger is a plant that is quite commonly used not only in cooking, but also in medicine. For centuries, its medicinal properties have been appreciated in Asia. There, ginger is used as a spice, a cold remedy and also as a preparation for menstrual pain.
Ginger and its healing properties
Ginger owes its intense aroma and slightly sweet taste to zingiberol, i.e. a component of the essential oil. In turn, resinous substances such as zinferon and ginferol are responsible for the ginger's burning aftertaste. All of them also exhibit health-promoting properties.
The oil contained in the ginger rhizome stimulates the secretion of saliva and gastric juice. As a result, it cures flatulence and also has a cholagogic effect, improving digestive processes. Ginger is also included in remedies for motion sickness, as it effectively relieves nausea and stimulates the appetite. For this reason, it is also used for people after chemotherapy. It reduces the clumping of platelets and thus prevents the formation of dangerous blood clots. It should be consumed regularly by people with increased levels of bad cholesterol in the blood.
Ginger is excellent for relieving menstrual pain. It also cures colds and brings relief to aching joints. It is very rich in anti-inflammatory substances and is often included in many anti-inflammatory and warming ointments and gels. It is also used during massage as an ingredient in essential oils. It has an antiedematous effect and helps in the treatment of migraines. It has a refreshing and antiseptic effect. Therefore, it is worth using ginger to gargle for a sore throat. Few people know that adding powdered ginger to coffee cancels out its harmful effects. Ginger improves concentration and improves blood circulation in the brain. In Asia, it is also considered an aphrodisiac.
Ginger as a spice
In Poland, ginger is a spice which is constantly gaining in popularity. However, it is worth remembering that the raw and powdered forms are different and must not be used interchangeably. Raw ginger is ideal for seafood and meat dishes such as duck or pork. Minced, on the other hand, works better in sweet dishes and desserts. It also goes well with baked apples.
Raw ginger should always be washed and peeled thoroughly. Interestingly, it should not be combined with herbs, as these interfere with its intense aroma. On the other hand, it goes well with spices such as allspice, pepper, bay leaves, cloves or nutmeg. At the same time, ginger is not worth buying in advance, as it quickly fades and loses its unique flavour and aroma.
Ginger and its cosmetic properties
Ginger, or more precisely ginger oil, is increasingly used as an ingredient in slimming and modelling preparations. It improves blood circulation and accelerates fat burning. It is also effective in the fight against cellulite. Ginger is also a common ingredient in many perfumes due to its exotic and fresh aroma. It blends well with other spicy fragrances such as cardamom or cloves. It is mainly used in perfumes designed for men.
Types of ginger and its origin
In Polish shops, ginger can be obtained in raw or powdered form. Asian food shops also sell pickled or candied ginger. It is an excellent addition to sushi. Ginger cookies or candies also have an interesting flavour. Ginger beers can increasingly be found in hypermarkets. In China, preserved ginger, i.e. embedded in sugar, is also very popular in local markets.
After all, ginger originated in Asia. There, it has been cultivated for more than 3,000 years. However, its exact origin is unknown. It also appears that it was used in southern Europe and the Middle East even before the Romans arrived. Later, thanks to Portuguese colonists, it found its way to Africa or the West Indies. It is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world, which few people are aware of.
