Ginger root has a variety of uses as a cooking spice and an herbal remedy. Most preparations and recipes call for the root to be peeled and cut. Simply chopping the ginger into small chunks is a versatile and easy way to get it ready to use. Ginger prepared this way can be steeped or boiled in hot water to make tea or added to many dishes, baked goods and dressings.
Ginger
Ginger is a rhizome – an underground root. Its thick, fibrous flesh has a spicy, pungent aroma and flavor that make it a prized cooking spice in cuisines worldwide. It is also well-known in traditional and alternative medicine as a treatment for nausea and an anti-inflammatory. Among studies that support its anti-inflammatory properties is a 2005 review of the scientific literature on ginger and inflammation published in the “Journal of Medicinal Food.” The University of Maryland Medical Center points out that a number of studies show ginger is also effective against motion sickness.
Chopped Ginger
Organic chemical compounds called phenols -- in particular, gingerol and shogaol -- are responsible for ginger's flavor and medicinal properties. Cutting the ginger helps make these compounds available, and chopping is a simple way of preparing it for cooking or steeping in tea. To make ginger tea, which may be helpful against nausea and gastrointestinal upset, simply bring ¼ cup of peeled and chopped ginger to a boil with 5 to 6 cups of water. Simmer for 5 minutes, let steep for 5 minutes, strain and drink.
Other Forms of Ginger
Ginger is also available as an essential oil, a tincture, extract, and juiced and powdered in capsules. If consuming fresh ginger, tincture or extract causes gastrointestinal irritation, try capsules of powdered ginger. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ginger extract has been tested as an alternative treatment for osteoarthritis. For nausea or a cold or sore throat, you can steep shredded ginger in a cup of hot water, or add a few drops of ginger essential oil to warm water.
Dose
Ginger is probably safe for most people, although you should keep overall intake under 4 grams a day. The typical recommendation is between 75 and 2,000 mg daily, depending on your body weight. For nausea, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends 2 to 4 grams of fresh root or 0.25 to 1 gram of powdered root daily. Your doctor can recommend the best and safest dose and type of ginger for you.
Member Comments