Slivered, dried, powdered, and preserved ginger root and ginger juice are obtained from the knobs of the roots called hands, which are surprisingly nutritious and provide more protein than green beans, as much vitamin A and calcium as cauliflower, as well as iron, phosphorus, potassium, and riboflavin.
Ginger counteracts both vertigo and motion sickness better than OTC drugs. A ½ teaspoon dose of powdered ginger outperformed 100 mg of Dramamine in controlled studies. Stir 1 teaspoon of ginger juice into any drink or tea as a motion sickness prevention.
Ginger is a better blood clot blocker that garlic or onion, working to inhibit blood cell syntheses of thromboxane, which triggers dangerous aortic coagulation. The chemical structure of the active ingredient gingerol resembles that of aspirin, another well known blood thinner.
Ginger in fresh and powdered form lowers blood cholesterol levels and helps offset the lipid elevating effects of a high fat diet. Other studies suggest ginger's usefulness in reducing blood pressure as well.
Ginger also decreases the heart rate and increases the force of contractions in the upper chamber of the hear, similar to Digitalis.
Ginger in your morning juice can work as a drug free painkiller, especially in relief of menstrual discomfort, and antacid and appears to help block mutational cell changes that trigger cancer. Ginger also reduces fever and speeds recovery from respiratory ailments.
Buying, Storing and Using
For maximum effectiveness, use the juice or the grated pulp of the fresh ginger root. Use a garlic press to extract juice then mince the remaining pulp.
Ginger root has an affinity for root vegetables such as beets and carrots and is tasty in nut dishes and stock based soups. Use no more than ½ teaspoon of fresh minced grated or juiced root per serving.
Caution for cooks. Simmering mutes ginger's bite, but burned, ginger becomes acrid.
Take a ginger break once a day. Enjoy it as tea, as juice, or salad dressing supplement, or added to a healing tub.
To sooth a cough or hoarseness try this recipe:
Ginger Lozenges
- Peel and cut a fresh ginger root into paper thin lozenges.
- Suck throughout the day to relieve hoarseness and freshen sick breath.
- To double your pleasure, alternate with cups of hot ginger and mint tea.
