Health benefit of ginger

In addition to its use as a food, this plant has many medicinal benefits.

Ginger

Commonly known as ginger, Zingiber officinale was named by English botanist William Roscoe in the early 1800s. With green stems that can grow to a metre high, the plant is valued for its rhizomes that can be consumed fresh or dried. Ginger has been used in Asian, Arabic and Indian cultures as a herbal medicine since ancient times. While it originated in South-East Asia, it spread across Asia and other tropical regions and was exported to ancient Rome from India.

Ginger reached the west at least 2000 years ago and was imported in a preserved form. This flavoursome plant is used in many recipes and, in some Asian cuisines, it is pickled and served as an accompaniment. The healing property of ginger comes from the volatile oils, such as gingerols, that are responsible for its strong taste. The rhizomes from younger ginger plants are generally used for cooking because the older the plant is, the more essential oils are present and the stronger the flavour. Rhizomes from older plants are harvested for medicinal uses.

The pros

 Ginger products can be bought in dried form, powdered, as oil, tinctures or extracts. However, many herbalists suggest using fresh ginger.

• Most frequently used to aid digestion, ginger is believed to increase saliva and other digestive fluids, alleviating indigestion and associated problems such as flatulence.
• It is known to relieve nausea and morning sickness. If you take ginger for morning sickness, use it for no longer than four days.
• Ginger is recommended to those who suffer from motion sickness. You can buy ginger tablets from your pharmacist or try drinking a cup of ginger tea before your journey.
• Ginger is believed to have anti-inflammatory qualities that may relieve swelling and pain.
• As a tea it is said to ease headaches and sore throats or assist if you have a cold or flu.
• Fresh ginger is used for asthma, coughs, colic, heart palpitations, swellings, dyspepsia, loss of appetite and rheumatism, while the dried root is used to "strengthen" the stomach, inhibit vomiting and treat diarrhoea.

The cons

• Ginger may interact with some prescription medications.
• Herbalists advise not to take more than four grams of ginger in a single day.
• Side effects may include bloating, gas, heartburn and nausea.

When not to take it

• Children under two should not have ginger.
• If you are taking medications, consult a health practitioner, as all herbs can interact with other medications.
• Avoid ginger if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking blood thinners, including aspirin.