‘Unave marundhu’ goes a Tamil saying, which means ‘Food is medicine’. What we eat determines how healthy or unhealthy we are. It is a well-observed fact that vegetables and herbs, in general, contribute immensely to our health. There is so much goodness in these nutrient-dense foods that it’s no wonder why many people choose to turn vegans.  

One of these nutrient-dense foods, of course, is Ginger. Ginger, along with Turmeric, has been in the spotlight recently, ever since the pandemic began. But Indians have always known of the goodness of ginger. On rainy days, a cup of steaming hot ginger tea can warm you up and fill you with energy. And it’s like a shot in the arm for your immunity as well, for we are prone to colds and coughs during rainy weather. 

But that is not all. Ginger tea is good for a host of conditions like joint pain, upset stomach, nausea, flu, etc. Because of its many medicinal properties, ginger offers a lot of health benefits. For this reason, this humble tuber is a ubiquitous presence in many kitchens. Ginger is a perennial herb that is indigenous to China and India. Its scientific name is Zingiber officinale. Though many people mistake it for a root, it is actually a stem that grows underground. Ginger has been a part of Indian cuisine for at least 4000 years. Ayurveda especially gives pride of place to ginger as a very significant herb. Gingerol, the active constituent in ginger, has sedative, analgesic, anti-pyretic and anti-bacterial properties. It is used as one of the important ingredient in making kabasura kudineer powder. Yet another element, zingerone, is a good antioxidant. 

Now let us see some of the incredible benefits we get from ginger:

Uses And Health Benefits Of Ginger

1.Reduces Inflammation

The volatile oils found in ginger have anti-inflammatory properties resembling those of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). So it is a good remedy for headaches, menstrual pains, flu, and menstrual pains. It can also lower the dosage of medication taken for osteoarthritis. 

2.Improves Digestion and Settles Upset Stomach 

Ginger has an excellent ability to settle an upset tummy. It is very good for healthy digestion. Ginger heals the gut and protects it. Ginger makes food move more quickly through the gastrointestinal tract, in the process reducing wind, cramps, and bloating. It also stimulates the taste buds and makes the digestive juices flow. Ayurveda says that the first step to preventing indigestion is to ensure that the digestive fire is enhanced. Ginger is an excellent herb to kindle the digestive fire. Before consuming each meal, grate or chop some fresh ginger, add some drops of lemon juice and also a pinch of salt, and chew it. Being a good digestive tonic, ginger improves gastric motility and helps to alleviate nausea, constipation, acidity, and it also has a protective effect on the gastric lining in case of acidity problems.

3.Remedy for Cold

Ayurvedic physicians claim that ginger is a great remedy for the common cold. It is why people are advised to drink hot soups as ginger is one of the ingredients. Combine ginger (1 part), cinnamon (1 part), and lemon grass (2 parts). Let 1 tsp of the mixture steep for 10 mins in 1 cup of hot water. After straining it, add honey (optional). This is an excellent remedy for colds. A tea made of ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom is also effective. To make the tea, mix ginger (2 parts), cardamom (a pinch), and cinnamon (3 parts). You can add honey for taste.

4.Reduces Nausea

Ginger has active compounds that can give relief from morning sickness and nausea, which are caused by chemotherapy. You can take it in the form of lemon-ginger juice, sweetened with some sugar. Lemon is also good for nausea.

5.Improves the Appetite

A good appetite indicates good health. Lack of appetite can actually lead to depression for some people as they are unable to enjoy one of the pleasures of life – food. Here too, ginger can come to the rescue. Chew some ginger with lemon and black salt can bring back your appetite. 

6.Can Reduce Menstrual Pain

 Menstrual pain can be very hard to deal with for some women. This condition is called dysmenorrhea. It makes them unable to do anything as long as it lasts. For such women, ginger powder can be very helpful. Ginger is a traditional remedy for alleviating menstrual pain. Take a hot cup of ginger-tea for relief. 

7.Lowers Cholesterol 

Using ginger has been linked to lower levels of LDL (Low-Density Lipoproteins) or “bad” cholesterol, which is responsible for causing heart disease. Taking some ginger daily diet helps reduce LDL.

8.Fights Infection

Gingerol is a bioactive compound present in fresh ginger. This can help reduce infections. The extract of ginger is known to inhibit the growth of many types of bacteria, especially oral bacteria, which can cause inflammatory gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis.

9.Relieves Joint Pain

Ginger has high anti-inflammatory properties, so it can ease joint pain considerably. It can be used in soups, curries, and juices. You can use dry ginger powder or fresh root slices too. Isn’t it incredible that we can get so many benefits from this little stem? Make it a point to add ginger to your daily diet and see the difference it makes to your health and immunity. 

10.Reduces Cough and Fever

Ginger’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-pyretic properties enable it to reduce cough, sore throat, and fever symptoms. In fact, it is a vital ingredient in Kabasura Kudineer, the Siddha formulation that is widely used to alleviate Covid-19 symptoms. You can even get Kabasura Kudineer powder online.