Ginger was in use in ancient China and India; it became popular in Western cultures around the 13th century, when people began to use it as a spice. It was traditionally used to treat various ailments including hangovers, upset stomachs and gas. Ginger is included on the official drug lists of several European and Asian countries, but it is considered a dietary supplement in the United States. Consult with your healthcare provider before taking ginger or any other herbal supplements.
Identification
Ginger is also called ginger root and black ginger. The root's taste and spiciness increase with time, so ginger is harvested over six to 20 months. The underground stems of the ginger plant are used both medicinally and as a spice. Ginger is commonly available as a fresh root; other common forms include dried roots, pills, extracts and teas.
Culinary Uses
Ginger is used as a seasoning for a variety of foods such as pickles, chutneys and curry pastes. Fresh young ginger, including the green sprouts of the ginger root, can be sliced and added to a salad. Fresh ginger can be pickled or brined, then served as a condiment or used as the base for a sauce.
Medicinal Uses
Ginger is commonly used for preventing and treating stomach complaints such as nausea, gas, diarrhea and decreased appetite. Fresh ginger is also used for acute bacterial dysentery, hair loss, malaria, snake bites, migraines, tooth pain and arthritis-like complaints, according to the National Institutes of Health. Fresh ginger juice is applied on the skin to help heal burns, while ginger oil is used on the skin to stop pain.
Considerations
Ginger is regarded as generally safe. However, it may cause mild side effects such as gas, diarrhea, and soreness in the mouth when taken in larger amounts, says Drugs.com. Individual cases of irregular heart rhythm and allergic reactions have also been reported with ginger use. Ginger should not be used to treat morning sickness, as its safety during pregnancy and lactation have yet to be determined.
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