In Ayurvedic (holistic) medicine Ginger is known as the "universal medicine." Greeks called it Zingerberis. Ginger is considered a distant relative of the banana. In latin it is called Singabera (shaped like a horn.) Ginger comes from China and India and is grown throughout Asia and in Jamaica.
Its Rhizome or rootstalk is commonly used for culinary and medicinal purpose and is known as the "Hot Root." Ginger is widely used externally as an anti-inflammatory agent on joints for those suffering from gouty arthritis, osteo arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Its warming tea is used for gas and diarrhea, nausea and motion sickness and for digestive problems. In China it is used for colds and chills and is considered a "yang" tonic for boosting energy levels. Ginger is also known for its antioxidant properties and for lowering cholesterol.
The Ginger root is useful in making Ginger tea and is also an ingredient in Ginger Ale. In Japan it is used for Sushi and in the Philippines it is used in meat products to get rid of the smell during cooking. In Costa Rice it is used as a body booster and is administered as a honey syrup. |
