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Articles Archive Index
Issue 14
Ginger: The Spice of Life
by Kylie Loynd
 I spent last winter snug in thick woolen socks, gazing out the window while my hands cradled a steaming mug of tea. Our girls would rather I had joined them in the blustery woods for some frozen fun, but I couldn't seem to get warm enough to be enticed outside. This winter, though, Sally King, director of RavenCroft Garden, offered me ginger, a root designed to move my energy. A plant's taste is often linked with how it moves in your body, so Sally had me take a nibble: warm, tingling, yes... energy! Many herbalists consider ginger to be one of the supreme healing herbs, ranked alongside garlic. It's a terrific tonic for the digestive system, excellent aid to circulation and a potent ally for the prevention and care of the flu, colds and fevers — the fact that it's an aromatic and delicious spice is pure bonus.
Ginger, zingiber officinale, family Zingiberaceae, is a creeping perennial grown in the tropics for its tuberous roots and said to be a native of Asia. Produce departments of grocery stores often sell ginger as a fresh root. You can also find it dried and powdered as a cooking spice or in dried, cut and sifted form from your favorite herbalist. Ginger root is high in essential oils and contains a powerful anti-inflammatory compound called gingerol, the source of many of its medicinal and culinary benefits. It also contains antioxidants, carotenes, lecithin, quercetin, selenium, zinc and other minerals.
Move it out: Ginger's strong expectorant qualities are marvelous for breaking up congestion. Sally's family uses ginger when they feel a cold or a chill coming on. They make a simple ginger root tea, an excellent remedy to prevent and relieve colds and warm and energize the chilliest of us. It can also break a fever by promoting a sweat. Chewing on a slice of ginger root soothes a sore throat — even better if you've pre-soaked that slice in honey.
Superb circulation: Ginger moves the blood; you can literally feel it tingle its way to your extremities. Try anti-inflammatory ginger as a soak for aching joints. Herbalist Susun S. Weed notes that when used as a compress, ginger stirs up circulation and harnesses the body's own healing agents to relieve the pain of conditions such as fibromyalgia. (Simmer water, add several ounces of grated fresh ginger and then cook it gently for ten minutes. Soak a cloth in the liquid and apply.) It's a strong tonic for the heart and effective for headache relief. Ginger is also a reliable remedy for general dizziness and sea- and car-sickness.
Digest this: Ginger is a terrific tonic for the entire digestive system, relieving indigestion, heartburn, stomach pains, cramps, flatulence and diarrhea. It's also an effective remedy for loss of appetite because it quells nausea and stimulates digestive juices.
Cancer: In Breast Cancer? Breast Health!, Susun S. Weed notes that even in small doses, consistent use of ginger is remarkably effective at preventing the initiation of breast cancer. Ginger contains many anti-cancer phytochemicals, including carotenes and antioxidants. It can also be used topically as a compress to reduce and eliminate breast lumps.
"When we're not able to digest our life, when we're not moving that energy at the core of ourselves, ginger enlivens and lights our internal fire," says Sally. After years of layering on clothes to cover the chill, I'm looking forward to warming myself from the inside out.
Candied ginger relieves indigestion and stomachaches and reduces cravings for nicotine and other addictive drugs. Keep some on hand in the car to remedy motion sickness. It's also a fast-acting remedy for prolonged vomiting.
Spicy ginger vinegar: Fill a small jar with fresh grated ginger root. Then cover the root by filling the jar to the top with apple cider vinegar. Use cork or plastic to cap the jar. (To avoid rust with a metal lid, insert a piece of waxed paper or plastic wrap between lid and jar.) Turn the jar over periodically as you let it sit for 4 - 6 weeks and then store in the cupboard. Add it to a stir fry, salad dressing or a daily hot brew: Combine one tablespoon ginger vinegar and one tablespoon honey in a cup, add boiling water and drink.
Glorious ginger-and-honey tea: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh ginger root and 2 tablespoons of honey to a quart pot. Fill with boiling water. Let steep for 15 minutes, strain and serve. For a quicker cup, use a teaspoon of powdered ginger root in a cup of boiling water.
Try two ginger recipes posted in our Articles Archive:
Ginger-and-Molasses Switchel, Sally's easy-to-make and wonderfully warming winter drink, and Ginger, Rice and Everything Nice, Tammi Hartung's yummy dish that sends chills packing. (See her book below.)
Common Herbs for Natural Health by Juliette de Bairacli Levy
Growing 101 Herbs that Heal by Tammi Hartung
Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way by Susun S. Weed |
Located near Monroe, WA, RavenCroft Garden is an educational center connecting people, plants and the earth. It is home to founder EagleSong, Community Centered Herbalist (CCH) and Director Sally King, CCH, who work with herbs as a foundation for creating health: 360-794-2938 or www.ravencroftgarden.com.
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