Ginger, Ginseng & Tea: Do Chinese Herbal Remedies Really Help?

The more I use ginger root, the more I love it. I always used powdered ginger in recipes, and it works OK. Typical ground ginger is dry, tastes bitter and is a nice addition to cookies and a variety of Chinese recipes including barbecued pork, baked pork roast, and several stir fries. Recently, though, I've started using grated ginger root instead. It has pretty much the flavor of dried ground ginger, but it adds a zing that is quite interesting.

The first time I used ginger medically was on a charter trip off the coast of Oregon. On board was a passenger that happened to be quite violently seasick. I've never seen anyone sicker. I can handle heavy wave action with just a bit of nausea, but when someone else is violently sick, I get worried. Ginger is a good cure for seasickness. It comes in pill form, or you can eat gingersnaps. I found the gingersnaps took the edge off for me, settling my stomach and leaving a pleasant aftertaste. I think that if I had been the seasick man, I would have taken an over the counter product several hours before the trip.

The second time I used ginger medically, was as an appetite suppressant and digestive aid. You can buy sugared ginger at many stores, I get it at Thriftway. This also works. You get a bit of sugar that you're craving, but the bite and sting of the ginger numbs your mouth a bit. It's a lot like eating Red Hot candies, but sharper. I also like the ginger green herbal tea for much the same purpose. It makes your tea different, my lemony.

My neighbor Carol suffered from cancer for several years and she was quite into Chinese herbs before she passed away. She convinced me to try Chinese ginseng. Ginseng is a stimulant that supposed to be good for an energy boost and as an aid against allergies. I tried ginseng tea and quit drinking it because of the heart flutter or buzzed feeling that I got after taking it. She convinced me to try Chinese ginseng because her herbalist claimed that only the American brand of ginseng gave the heart flutter. She bought me a whole pack of one-inch tubes of honeyed ginseng. I tried them and she was correct, I didn't have any problem handling the Chinese ginseng. It even helped my allergies diminish.

If you suffer from low energy or allergies, I'd say try the Chinese ginseng. If you were dieting, on board a boat or other mode of transportation and getting queasy, I'd try the ginger. If you're looking for a tasty treat in your meal, definitely use the grated ginger root. If you're looking for a good cup of tea, yes, try them all. Go to a Chinese teahouse, and sample different varieties-you'll be pleased and surprised by the range of options. We tried the teahouse at the Portland Chinese Gardens. They served me my first taste of white tea and it was worth it.