Margot Howe
Assistant Cook
Some people take a 'shot' of ginger every day in the morning, claiming it kills all the bad things inside of them. While not exactly true, there are many health benefits to ginger. Ginger has been shown to slow the growth of pathogens like E. coli and Staph. Although still in the testing stages, it is hoped that the ingestion of ginger will be used to fight gastrointestinal infections. And although there is no evidence that ginger will ward off flu or a cold, it's warming properties can help relieve some of the symptoms of the common cold.
It has long been known that those that suffer from problems with the stomach can benefit from ginger. Used frequently to calm the nausea and upset stomach from pregnancy for years, it has also shown to have a positive effect to those with motion sickness and those that suffer from the side effects of chemotherapy.
But there are other uses for ginger. The anti-inflammatory effects once absorbed into the bloodstream are used to treat the symptoms of arthritis. Essential ginger oil can be applied to the skin once diluted with another oil to treat muscle pain and soreness. Taken internally, gingers' ability to enhance circulation will help with warming cold hands and feet.
How much and what kind of ginger? There are ginger candies that are more palatable than taking a bite of raw ginger. Those suffering from nausea find them useful. But although raw ginger gives the best effect, the flavor has more bite to it than most people can tolerate. Grated into a cup of tea is a common way to ingest it. Dry ginger works well, too, but only use a quarter dose of it. You can find capsules and extracts in your local health food store. Experiment with the various types of ginger to find what works best for you.
It has long been known that those that suffer from problems with the stomach can benefit from ginger. Used frequently to calm the nausea and upset stomach from pregnancy for years, it has also shown to have a positive effect to those with motion sickness and those that suffer from the side effects of chemotherapy.
But there are other uses for ginger. The anti-inflammatory effects once absorbed into the bloodstream are used to treat the symptoms of arthritis. Essential ginger oil can be applied to the skin once diluted with another oil to treat muscle pain and soreness. Taken internally, gingers' ability to enhance circulation will help with warming cold hands and feet.
How much and what kind of ginger? There are ginger candies that are more palatable than taking a bite of raw ginger. Those suffering from nausea find them useful. But although raw ginger gives the best effect, the flavor has more bite to it than most people can tolerate. Grated into a cup of tea is a common way to ingest it. Dry ginger works well, too, but only use a quarter dose of it. You can find capsules and extracts in your local health food store. Experiment with the various types of ginger to find what works best for you.