FROM CANCER TO MORNING SICKNESS: GINGER
Zingiber officinale
Ginger originates from South East Asia and has been cultivated for so long that it is no longer found growing wild. The part used is the root of the plant and gives the ‘zing’ to Asian dishes and Indian chutneys.
The Chinese consider ginger an important herb to treat colds and to encourage sweating. Ginger is also very effective for treating digestive disorders such as gas and nausea. Due to its effect on reducing nausea, it is widely used to prevent motion sickness and the common morning sickness experienced by many women during pregnancy.
Ginger is warming which makes it useful to get rid of a fever and it stimulates the circulation. The essential oil is wonderful in massage oil and great for producing heat and increasing circulation in sore muscles.
Ginger also has anti cancer properties (another one!) and has been used in alternative cancer treatments and has been used (as previously mentioned) with habenero chilies to treat cancer. It also helps to reduce inflammation in the body.
How do I use Ginger?
I use ginger a lot in my cooking - chopped finely or grated in any asian style dish or stir fry.
I also use it in a tea regularly (daily at present). It’s so easy to make - just slice some ginger, put in a cup and fill with boiling water. I sometimes mix it with Fennel Seed, producing a great tasting tea, that calms the belly and gets rid of any flatulence (always handy!) and just helps to keep me healthy (fennel seed is reputed to help with weight loss also). Ginger tea is great for morning sickness and motion sickness.
If I ever feel like I may be getting a cold I make a tea with fresh ginger, thyme, lemon juice and rind, honey and sometimes some garlic or chili. Mmmmmmm! Those cold bugs don’t stand a chance!