Ginger- the universal medicine.

The magic food. What does it do you ask? What doesn’t it do!

For the botanists, a bit of background: The ginger plant is a perennial creeper which requires a tropical climate with heavy rainfall and a hot dry season for cultivation.

For my whole life, thanks to my Modern-Hippy Parents, it has been a part of my diet and I can promise you that it has made a difference. What’s more, it adds a zesty and pungent flavour to our dishes. Here are some of the top health benefits of this wondrous root:

-Ginger is a wonderful “carminative”(promoter of the elimination of internal gases) and “intestinal spasmolytic” (soothes the intestinal tract).

-The intake of ginger helps stimulate the secretion of mucus, quieting your cough and soothing any scratchiness in your throat. I drink about a thermos of it daily while I work.

- It contains vitamins such as B6, C and E, and minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, manganese and zinc.

-Ginger has been proven (in multiple studies) to treat  nausea, particularly in the form of seasickness, morning sickness, motion sickness, period pain and as a side effect of chemotherapy. I often feel neausea when I am stressed and ginger really does help me.

-Ginger contains anti viral, anti toxic, and anti fungal properties, and is used for the prevention of and treatment against the common cold. When I have a cold I do two things: grate about a thumb-size piece of ginger and mix it with a spoon of honey and eat it. This is pretty intense if you aren’t used to ginger but it makes you feel alive! Otherwise, grate it and boil it in water and serve with a drop of tea tree oil and honey. It will soothe your throat instantly.

-Ginger displays anti inflammatory properties and can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and various other muscular disorders.

-Ginger contains special enzymes responsible for catalyzing the proteins in your food, thus aiding in digestion and the prevention of cramps. The ancient Greeks used to eat ginger after a large meal in order to ease the digestion process. In Ayurvedic tradition, candied ginger can be eaten after a meal to promote digestion. I have this after my evening meal, and it’s delish!

-Due to its promotion of mucus secretion, ginger protects against the development of ulcers (in your mouth and stomach) unwanted holes in the lining of your stomach. (Sounds gross huh?)

-Ginger has proven to help lower your cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of blood clots.

-Ginger is often used to settle an upset stomach or treat severe stomach ailments such as dyspepsia or colic. It is frequently used today in developing countries to treat diarrhea.

Need a big detox? Check out this crazy post from one of my favourite blogs around!

For some wise words from the beautiful Miranda Kerr click here.

Last week I bought a huge piece of ginger and I’m going strong!

Get on it, folks!

xxx