Ginger: The Origins and Health Benefits

Ginger, commonly referred to as ginger root, is actually a rhizome of the monocotyledonous perennial plant Zingiber Officinale. Originating in southern China, ginger cultivation spread to India, Southeast Asia, West Africa and the Caribbean. It was one of the most important spices that lead to the opening of the spice trade.

Ginger contains up to three percent of an essential oil that causes the fragrance of the spice. Its main constituents are sequiterperioids with Zingiberene as the main component. The pungent taste is due to the nonvolatile phenylpropanoids (gingerol and zingerone) and diarlyhlptanoids (zingeroles and shoagoles); the latter are more pungent and have a spicy and sweet aroma.

Young ginger roots are juicy and fleshy, with a very mild taste. They are often pickled in vinegar or sherry as a snack. The word ginger comes from the Sanskrit "sinabera," meaning "shaped like a horn," and it bears a resemblance to an antler. Common uses of ginger are in Chinese food and in tea, where the ginger is stewed in boiling water.

Fresh ginger root may be candied and used as flavoring in sweets like cookies, cakes and candy. It is the main flavoring in ginger ale and ginger beer. In China, ginger is commonly found in the Guangdong province in Canton, a ginger flavored liquor. In Japan, ginger is pickled to make benishonga and gan. It is also used for tofu and noodles.

Powdered, dry ginger adds spiciness to gingerbread and other things.

Ginger has many medicinal uses. Ginger root is an effective treatment for nausea and motion sickness. Ginger ale and ginger beer are common "stomach settlers."

When ginger is added to water, it is a cure for heat cramps. It has a natural inflammatory response to the body. When applied as a paste to the forehead, ginger relieves headaches. It also minimizes joint pain from arthritis. Ginger is also a natural treatment for head colds, as it is a natural decongestant and antihistamine.

Over usage of ginger or an allergic reaction can include flatulence or extreme constriction or tightening in the throat, necessitating uncontrollable burping to relieve the pressure. Too much use of ginger can also cause the blood to thin.

Ginger may cause heartburn and is not recommended for people with gallstones. It can interfere with the digestion of iron and fat soluble vitamins.

Due to the fact that ginger can interfere with many medications, you should consult your doctor or medical professional before beginning a ginger regiment.