The Pen Tsao Ching, a Chinese herbal manual written in about 3500 B.C.E., lists ginger root as a remedy for leprosy, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." Although ginger does not cure leprosy, it may offer other medical benefits. The chemical compounds in fresh, grated ginger root may ease nausea and motion sickness, ward off influenza and colds and lower "bad" cholesterol levels. Simple strategies can help you incorporate this pungent healing herb into your diet.
Step 1
Scrub ginger root with distilled water and a vegetable scrubber. Remove the tough peel from a 1-inch to 2-inch section of fresh ginger root using a potato peeler or knife.
Step 2
Grate the peeled section of ginger using a cheese grater. You can also use a food processor with a grating disc.
Step 3
Add 1 cup of boiling water to 1 tbsp. of fresh, grated ginger root. Let it steep for 10 minutes. Pour the liquid through a strainer to remove the solids and drink as a tea.
Step 4
Stir-fry 1 tbsp. to 2 tbsp. of grated, fresh ginger in a wok with 1 tbsp. of olive oil. Add cut vegetables such as snow peas, broccoli florets, cauliflower pieces, water chestnuts, bell peppers, mushrooms and hot peppers to create a healthy stir-fry dish. Season with low-sodium soy sauce or teriyaki sauce.
Step 5
Mix 1 tbsp. to 2 tbsp. of fresh, grated ginger into soups and stews. The spicy taste and strong aroma of ginger root complements vegetables, lentils and white-meat chicken in these dishes.
Step 6
Add ginger root to Indian curry dishes. Ginger is a staple of Indian cuisine, and commonly appears in chickpea and vegetable curries. Mix the grated ginger with other curry spices: ground chili pepper, cumin, turmeric and black pepper.
Tips and Warnings
- Add drained, cubed tofu to stir-fry dishes and soups to boost the protein content of these dishes without adding fats to your diet. Tofu absorbs the flavors of herbs and spices, including ginger.
- Talk to your doctor if you plan to use ginger root for any medicinal purpose. Although side effects are rare, ginger root may occasionally cause heartburn or stomach upset.
Things You'll Need
- Distilled water
- Vegetable scrubber
- Potato peeler
- Cheese grater
- Food processor
- Tea strainer
- Wok
References
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
- "Ginger: Common Spice and Wonder Drug"; Paul Schulick; 2001
- "Ginger"; Claire Gordon-Smith et al.; 1998
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