Who doesn’t know ginger? In the West, it was used in the composition of hypocras, a wine flavored with different spices, very popular in the Middle Ages. In the 12th century, the German nun Hildegard of Bingen recommended it to weakened men so that they regain “health”. Since that time it has been considered a great aphrodisiac plant.
Ginger is of great interest to researchers
Its medicinal properties are numerous, as it has a wide variety of active chemical compounds. Its rhizome contains a resin rich in pungent and fragrant principles such as gingerol and shogaol, an essential oil, as well as many vitamins and minerals.
Many scientific studies have been carried out on this extraordinary spice. They have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, digestive, antiemetic (against nausea and vomiting), antioxidant properties. But also analgesic, tonic, immunostimulating and hypoglycemic properties (it regulates blood sugar levels). All these benefits encourage phyto-aromatherapists to recommend ginger in the prevention of certain cancers and to limit the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
The rhizome can be eaten fresh, dried, candied, crystallized, in powder or in the form of an extract, an infusion or an essential oil. Never hesitate to sprinkle it on your dishes.
What grandmother’s remedies?
- An infusion of fresh ginger and lemon allows you to face the day with energy.
- After a hearty meal, consuming ginger stimulates digestive enzymes and choleresis (excretion of bile).
- Recommended against motion sickness, ginger also helps to reduce nausea and vomiting after surgery.
- Thanks to its analgesic properties, it relieves muscle pain and rheumatism.
- An aphrodisiac massage with essential oils awakens the libido.
Precautions for use
- Seek advice from a doctor if pregnancyoffeeding with milk, drug treatment. Same for young children.
- Before using an essential oil, put a drop in the crook of your elbow. No redness after 30-45 minutes? Its good! l Avoid any contact between an essential oil and the eyes.
- For all preparations in this slide show, follow the protocols described.
Fresh root or powder?
You can choose the fresh root (organic if possible), peel it then grate it finely (in the direction of the fibers) before using it as it is in a salad (sweet or savory), infusing it (5 minutes) in hot water (with honey), or slide it into a dish. It will be tastier than powder purchased in bulk. Candied ginger is interesting and very popular, but beware, it is also very sweet.
The trick? Grate a large root and store it in the freezer in a small bag: handy for always having some on hand!
Ginger is also found:
- In capsules: against nausea or osteoarthritis, at a rate of about 1 g of powder per day
- In essential oil: 1 drop on a sugar or in 1 spoonful of honey, up to 5 times a day, against nausea but also constipation.
Read also :
- Ginger, the best remedy for motion sickness
- Ginger and ginseng: the winter anti-fatigue duo
- Ginger the root feels good
- Add ginger to all sauces
