Ginger
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.
Raw ginger root is high in magnesium, potassium, choline, B6 folate, and vitamin C. It also contains substantial amounts of calcium, iron and zinc.
Ginger is used in many herbal remedies for cleansing the colon, stomach cramps, to help stimulate the circulation, many bowel disorders, muscular aches, indigestion, nausea and vomiting. It helps to reduce allergies and because it has anti-microbiotic properties, it can be used to help heal wounds and sores. In the Western Indies, ginger is often used to treat urinary tract infections. In Nigeria, it is used to treat malaria and yellow fever. In some developing countries, ginger compounds such as zingerone have been found to be effective and are very much in use to combat E. coli induced diarrhea, primarily in children. Ginger has been observed and proved to be effective in treating nausea – the types of nausea caused by morning sickness, chemotherapy, and seasickness. It is entirely safe to be taken throughout pregnancy.
Gingerols, the main active components in ginger and the ones responsible for its distinctive flavor, may also inhibit the growth of human colorectal cancer cells, according to research presented at the Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, a major meeting of cancer experts that took place in Phoenix, AZ, October 26-30, 2003.
Gingerols are very potent anti-inflammatory compounds. These substances are believed to explain why so many people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis experience reductions in their pain levels and improvements in their mobility when they consume ginger regularly. In two clinical studies involving patients who responded to conventional drugs and those who didn’t, physicians found that 75% of arthritis patients and 100% of patients with muscular discomfort experienced relief of pain and/or swelling.
Ginger improves the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body. Ginger also has cholesterol lowering and blood thinning properties.
When I cannot find organic ginger root, I use and recommend ginger powder from the company, Wakaya Perfection. They grow amazingly potent ginger and turmeric on the side of a volcanic mountain. Because the volcanic soil is negatively charged the plants are able to absorb more of the amazing minerals found in volcanic ash. This makes the powder from this ginger root more potent than any found in your typical market place.
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