10 Health Benefits of Ginger

              Ayurveda gives ginger the status of a virtual medicine chest. That’s because this wonder spice has time-tested digestion-friendly properties, in addition to its numerous other health benefits.

In India, we use ginger liberally in our daily life. Ginger-spiked chai is a household favorite, and it’s grandma’s antidote of choice for battling cold and flu.

On millions of dining tables in India, you’ll see matchsticks of fresh ginger that have turned a soft pink from being soaked in lemon juice and salt: a zingy accompaniment to our favorite dinner, dal-chawal.

Let’s give this knobbly root a closer look.

 10 Terrific Benefits of Ginger

1.      Haven’t been feeling hungry? Eat fresh ginger just before lunch to stoke a dull appetite. (Ayurveda recommends that lunch should always be your main meal of the day, because this is when your digestive energy is naturally at its peak).

2. Ginger improves the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body.

3.      Ginger clears the ‘microcirculatory channels’ of the body, including the pesky sinuses that tend to flare up from time to time.

4.      Feeling airsick or nauseous? Chew on ginger, preferably tossed in a little honey.

5.      Can’t stop the toot-a-thon? Gas—oops—guess what?! Ginger helps reduce flatulence!

6.      Tummy moaning and groaning under cramps? Munch on ginger—for best results, toss it in a little warm ghee before you chew.

7.      Reeling under joint pain? Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory properties—can bring relief. Float some ginger essential oil into your bath to help aching muscles and joints.

8.      Got a surgery done? Chewing ginger post-operation can help overcome nausea.

9.      Stir up some ginger tea to get rid of throat and nose congestion. And when there’s a nip in the air, the warming benefits of this tasty tea are even greater!

10. Bedroom blues? Try adding a gingery punch to a bowl of soup. (Psst…the Ayurvedic texts credit ginger with aphrodisiac properties, too!)

Ginger & Herb Rice

Cook basmati rice. When you take the lid off the pan, quickly stir in finely chopped garlic, ginger, green chillies and fresh cilantro leaves—the burst of flavor and fragrance will drive your senses crazy with desire!

Ginger In Your Juice

‘Grate’ idea: grate some ginger root and put it in your juicer, along with carrots and apples and a little lemon juice. Totally yummy, and of course, so good for you!

Gingery Dessert

Even a smidgen of grated ginger on your vanilla pana cotta or strawberry sorbet can wake up the flavor!

Ginger Balances  Your Doshas

If your Ayurvedic dosha is Vata (airy, restless) or Kapha (heavy, sluggish), ginger can be to your ailments what a hero is to the baddies. But if you are a naturally fiery Pitta type of person, go easy on the ginger. To understand your unique dosha personality, see a good ayurvedic physician.

A Book Starring Ginger

GINGER: COMMON SPICE & WONDER DRUG By Paul Schulick (Hohm Press, 2001)

The author brings out beautifully how ginger can save billions of dollars in medical treatment and save countless lives. A must-own manual for anyone who’s looking for natural ways to heal.