Glorious Ginger

 

I am not going to lie. I am obsessed with ginger, and not just for its medicinal properties. I. Love. Everything. Ginger. And my family does as well.

I use ginger to make ginger dressing and ginger sauce–you know, the kind they use in Hibachi style restaurants. I use ginger in decoctions and tinctures. I heart candied ginger and I devour ginger pickled carrots. Any chance I get, I add ginger. Did I mention we love ginger?

Nausea and Digestion

Putting the indisputable fact that it possesses the best taste in the world aside, ginger has several properties that are very beneficial in our lives. Many know ginger for its digestive assistance so we will start there. Ginger teas and decoctions are helpful for any type of stomach upset. Chronic issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are also relieved by ginger consumption. It’s a safe way to combat morning sickness while you’re pregnant and motion sickness. Nausea caused by chemotherapy can be treated with ginger, too. Some people use ginger ale for these ailments, but I suggest the tea. Ginger ale tastes great and all, but there are far more cons to drinking pop than your own healthy blend of ginger tea. If ginger tea is too strong, add honey. If adding honey doesn’t help, making a candied ginger to store for just in case can help, too.

Heartburn

Ginger could block heartburn, by stopping the lower esophageal sphincter from loosening, which blocks acid regurgitating back up.

Menstrual Cramping

Ginger is also a great help for menstrual cramping. I like to combine mine with dark chocolate. Don’t knock it till you try it. And stop judging me. It’s amazing.

Anti-Inflammatory

Ginger does so much more though. Ingesting it and using it topically as a salve can assist with arthritis inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This also works for inflamed airway passages and can help make breathing more regular. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can also help treat inflamed skin and help heal rashes and treat acne. Just be mindful if it is too strong as it can irritate your skin.

Circulation

Ginger improves circulation, which is very important for natural energy. It also opens up your vessels and can warm you internally. This is most felt during cold weather.

Cancer

Compound 6-gingerol (known for cancer stopping abilities) is found in raw ginger. It has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties. This can prevent new cancer cells from forming and destroy active cancer cells.

Breath

Ginger cleanses your palette and therefore freshens your breath.

So, there you have it. Ginger is amazing both for taste and its medicinal properties. It’s very easy to grow, I have taken roots from the market and just stick it in the dirt to grow. You can harvest what you need and replant and before you know it you’ll have an abundant supply of this magnificent plant.

If you want to see what else we’re growing on the farm, check out this page.

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