There are numerous benefits of ginger and it's used in a variety
of ways! Ginger is the rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale. A
rhizome is the horizontal stem of a plant usually found underground.
Roots and shoots grow out from its nodes. Other names for rhizome are
rootstalks or creeping rootstalks. Hence, you may have heard the common
name of ginger referred to as root ginger or ginger root.
Ginger
is a perennial, reed like, plant growing three to four feet tall. It
produces clusters of white and pink flower buds that bloom into yellow
flowers. Because of its appealing beauty and attraction to warm
climates, it's used as landscaping for many subtropical homes.
Ginger
has a sweet and spicy aroma. Young ginger rhizomes are juicy, fleshy
and have a very mild taste. It's picked and used as an ingredient in
cooking dishes or steeped in boiling water for ginger tea. Powdered dry
ginger is often used as a flavoring for snacks: candy, bread, cookies,
crackers, cakes and more. Mature ginger roots are fibrous and nearly
dry. The juice from these roots is extremely potent. It's used as a
spice or flavoring for Chinese, Japanese or many South Asian cuisines.
Ginger
was originally cultivated in South Asia. Top producers are now found in
the countries of: India, China, Indonesia, Napal, Nigeria, Bangladesh,
Japan, Thailand, Philippines and Sri Lanka. Historically, the medicinal
term for ginger was Jamaican ginger. It's now cultivated in Jamaica and
comes into this country dried and preserved. Ginger from the West Indies
is considered to be the best.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF GINGER:
Ginger
contains essential oils, protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin C,
choline, folic acid, inositol, manganese, panthotenic acid, silicon and
a small amount of vitamin B3.
Relieves or reduces: nausea,
diarrhea, indigestion, motion sickness, the pain and inflammation of
arthritis, anxiety, depression, upset stomach, colds, coughs, asthma,
bronchitis, flu, sore muscles, headaches, menstrual cramps and more.
It
stimulates poor circulation and appetite. Some studies report it may
help prevent heart disease with its, possible, blood thinning and
cholesterol lowering properties. It has antioxidants benefits with more
than twelve types of antioxidants! Blue ginger, from Madagascar, has a
particularly potent antioxidant! CAUTION! Although ginger is recognized
as safe, it may cause allergic reactions such as: bloating, gas,
heartburn, belching and more.
SKIN CARE AND GINGER ESSENTIAL OIL:
Ginger
essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the rhizome root
and yields about 3% oil. It has a pale yellow to dark amber color with a
strong, or sharp, spicy-warm aroma. It has invigorating, energizing,
stimulating, anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties. Ginger essential
oil is not recommended to use internally.
Helps: clear bruises,
carbuncles, sores on the skin, arthritis, rheumatism, muscle aches and
pains, relieve acne, lighten age spots, fight skin damaging free
radicals, reduce cellulite, promote smoothness and evenness of skin
tone, decrease inflammation, increase radiance to skin, provide
aromatherapy benefits and more!
This oil is used in many
commercial and homemade skin care products: soaps, shampoos, balms, body
scrubs, creams, lotions, bath oils, massage oils and more. Ginger oil
blends well with: bergamot, frankincense, neroli, rose, sandalwood,
yiang-yiang, patchouli, rosewood, cedarwood, coriander, lime,
grapefruit, geranium, spearmint, lavender, orange, vetiver and other
spice or citrus oils. It's a non-toxic and, mostly, non-irritating
substance, except when used in higher concentrations.
CAUTION!
Ginger oil can irritate skin and cause photosensitivity, (sensitivity to
sunlight). It can cause allergic skin reactions such as rashes, hives,
redness or other skin irritations. Those with sensitive skin should
either avoid using ginger oil or use with extreme caution. Stop using
any products containing ginger oil, immediately, upon signs of skin
irritation. If symptoms persist, seek advice from your medical health
provider.
MAKING HOMEMADE SOAP:
Some just love that
distinctive scent of ginger in their soaps! Ginger is used for making
soap but it should be used with extreme caution. If you are just
learning how to make soap, do not use ginger or ginger oil without the
guidance of a master soap maker. As mentioned previously, ginger can be
very irritating for some. Understand all about ginger before using it,
in anyway. Use this soap making oil with other citrus or spice type of
oils to have a complimentary, blended, aroma.
A touch of ginger
oil can been handcrafted, with other natural oils, in a homemade
shampoo. Ginger has been known to either control or help get rid of
dandruff. A homemade shampoo with, a very small amount of, ginger oil
can be cleansing, conditioning and nourishing for the hair and scalp.
There are many, healthful, benefits of ginger root and ginger essential
oil! Ginger is used around the world in a variety of ways!