What is that Ginger?
Ginger ( Zingiber officinalis ) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to Zingiberaceae, a species that also includes turmeric and cardamom plants.
Originally from the Far East, more precisely from southern China, it has long been widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical belts. It has a fleshy and branched rhizome in which the active ingredients are concentrated and from whose shape this plant takes its name. The term ginger has ancient origins and derives from the Sanskrit srngaveram, which means precisely "horned root".
Many of the properties of the root are due to gingerol, the main oily compound of ginger.
Ginger has a typical, pungent, and slightly spicy flavor, with a taste reminiscent of lemon. Widely used in oriental cuisine, for some years it has also spread to Western and European food. Its rapid spread has made it possible to buy it first in shops specializing in the sale of organic and natural products, up to large supermarkets around the world. Today, finding the ginger root is very simple to find, as is its use in many types of recipes.
It is used for the preparation of Christmas sweets, in particular biscuits, drinks such as cocktails and soft drinks, and in the kitchen especially for fish-based dishes. Candied ginger is used to garnish fruit salads, yogurt, ice cream, and in the preparation of desserts, but it can also be eaten as a snack and can be prepared at home, starting from the fresh root.
In addition to flavoring food and as a flavoring in cooking, it is often added to cosmetics. The various benefits of ginger can in fact also be useful for the skin, helping to control the first signs of aging , and providing natural protection from external agents and excess sebum. It follows that the use of this product has become over time one of the main indications to follow for the daily skincare of many people.
The essential oil summarizes all the properties of the fresh or powdered root, but with more concentrated active ingredients. The essential oil can be used by inhalation, by means of an essence diffuser, or as a base for ointments.
Properties and benefits of ginger
According to Ayurvedic medicine, ginger has numerous healing properties.
Traditionally known as a remedy for digestive problems, it is taken in cases of dyspepsia, colic, and cases of gastric hyperacidity. Furthermore, some studies have demonstrated its antiemetic and antinausea effects, but there is still no solid scientific evidence.
Ginger also displays anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, as well as anticoagulant and cholesterol-lowering properties.
All these benefits seem to make ginger and its root a truly special food, a source of well-being and health for the body. However, like most products of this type, especially if taken in the form of a supplement, it is advisable to use ginger under the advice and supervision of your doctor and nutritionist, who will be able to weigh the choices based on specific needs.
Additionally, ginger is thought to be helpful in counteracting nausea, motion sickness, seasickness, and general motion sickness. In this case, you can drink an infusion prepared with half a liter of water and 5 grams of ginger. Alternatively, it is useful to chew a piece of fresh root. The anti-nausea effect appears to be due to the effect exerted on the walls of the stomach and intestines.
It is therefore not recommended to keep some natural remedies (such as ginger candies ) on hand during a long journey. In this, you can always have a quick and suitable motion sickness remedy available at any time.
Oriental medicine considers it a natural anti-inflammatory, but there are no studies demonstrating its effectiveness in combating mild headaches and rheumatism. The same consideration must be kept in mind for symptoms related to gastrointestinal disorders, such as stomach ache or stomach ache, for which ginger would seem to have a calming action against pain.
A property more recently suggested by scientific studies concerns its action on blood sugar levels. Iranian research, for example, has hypothesized that the daily intake of two grams of ginger powder can reduce the risk of chronic complications of diabetes.
Ginger is also included among the " grandmother's remedies " to fight infections. In fact, gingerol seems to counteract the growth of bacteria present in the mouth, responsible for inflammation of the gums. Even respiratory infections, such as colds, coughs, and sore throats, according to popular tradition, could benefit from its antiseptic and immune system-stimulating properties.
Among the alleged properties of ginger, also the antioxidant one: according to some studies it would be able to counteract oxidative stress and the inflammatory response of the body. For this reason, it is hypothesized that its use may be useful in counteracting cognitive decline and memory loss.
Finally, some studies are investigating the possibility that ginger has a lipid-lowering property, which could be useful for lowering cholesterol levels.
Mechanism of action
The numerous molecules with active action of ginger are responsible for its innumerable, but yet-to-be-demonstrated beneficial properties. One of the principles contained in ginger, i.e. 6-gingesulfonic acid, appears to have an anti-ulcer activity.
The "alleged" antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are probably due to the phenolic compounds contained in the plant. Among the pharmacological activities, in addition to those mentioned above, there are antitumor and antiviral activities.
Undoubtedly, in Eastern countries, ginger has been and continues to be a source of benefit for many people, who still consider it an important remedy to deal with many ailments we mentioned earlier. Often its intake takes place in a simple way, in the form of herbal tea or infusion, so as to enhance its perfume, aroma, and flavor.
How it looks
Besides as a fresh root, ginger is available in other forms. The preparations derived from the root ( extracts and tinctures ) can in fact be purchased in pharmacies and by herbalists. There are many ginger supplements available in capsules (usually containing ginger powder) or tablets.
As far as ginger in the form of food supplements is concerned, the advice of your doctor is not only recommended, but it is essential for a correct risk-free intake, avoiding the "do it yourself" which, on the contrary, could cause side and unpleasant effects.
As for the intake through infusions, herbal teas, and tinctures, it is possible to prepare the latter directly at home and to take them at any time of the day, in the correct dosage and without excesses.
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