Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger roots creep and spread around underground, while a stalk spikes up bearing narrow leaves and a white or yellow flower. What color your ginger root is depends on where you obtained it, but most store-bought ginger is called black (scalded and unpeeled) or white (peeled). The flowers are quite fragrant, but the root is the only part having any real medicinal use.
HEALING
Stomach: Ginger is every herbalist's favorite for calming tummy turmoil. Stomach aches, menstrual cramps, morning sickness, and heartburn can all be soothed with a cup of ginger. It can also be excellent for soothing motion sickness, in fact, it may be more powerful for this purpose than familiar medications such as Dramamine. Use 1500-2000 mg for this purpose.
Digestion: A small amount of fresh or powdered ginger will stimulate the digestive system. In cases of gastritis or alcoholic gastritis, a pinch of ginger powder or a slice of the fresh root can be made into a tea to calm this discomforting problem.
Aching Joints: Use ginger to help soothe your aching muscles and joints. Add a couple spoonfuls to a warm bath to soothe your joints. Or, you can brew a tea with ginger to have the same joint-relieving effect.
Cholesterol: Recent studies have shown that ginger may help keep down cholesterol levels. Along with exercise and a healthy diet, ginger tea may be a pleasant way for those with high cholesterol levels to start towards a healthier life.
Menstruation: A ginger tea can be used when the menstrual period is late because of a cold or when cramps are especially severe.
Sore Throat: Treat a sore throat by gargling with a ginger infusion or sucking on a ginger candy. Remember that a little goes a long way! Try the ginger candy recipe under the culinary uses of ginger.
CULINARY USES
Ginger has a spicy-citrusy flavor and is a favorite cooking spice in Asian, East Indian, North African, and Carribean cooking. Here is a unique recipe you may enjoy:
Ginger and Honey Candy
1 pound honey -- the darker the better
1 pound walnuts -- shelled and chopped coarsely
½ teaspoon ginger
Simmer the honey over low heat and add the walnuts and the ginger. Stire for forty-five minutes over very low heat.
Butter a large platter and pour the candy. Take it away from the heat, and let it stand for a few hours. This can be cut into different shapes with a wet knife.
(From Herbal Medicine by Dian Dincin Buchman)
FOLKLORE and HISTORY
Many centuries ago, English herbalists believed that ginger was a "remedy" for rotting meat. It was also used for many other curious purposes, including insomnia, cold breasts, snakebites, swooning, and bad eyesight.
Ginger was first introduced to Europe by Alexander the Great upon returning from Asia. It quickly became a favorite and no dinner was complete without the herb.
At one time ginger maintained a good reputation as an aphrodisiac (and it still does to some extent). It was believed that even the most prudent women would be transformed into a vixen with the aid of ginger.