HERBS
MAGIKAL HERBS by Wil Snider
r e g Gin Ginger: Spirit-Spunk-&Temper Ginger is a root herb. I can be used dried or fresh. Other family members of ginger include: turmeric, cardamonn, galangal. It has it origins in south Asia. It was documented in recipes in Europe and the United States as early as 1740 for a flavoring in wine. The Romans imported it from China.
The culinary uses of ginger obviously are used in many Asian and Indian recipes. Traditionally it is considered a “hot fragrant� kitchen spice. Used in China, Korea, Japan for use in seafood and goat meat. It is used in pickling with vinegar or sherry, steeped for tea, and used in candy. We have ginger ale, 1822, and ginger snaps, 1855.
In traditional and non-traditional medicines ginger has many uses. It is used to: reduce fatigue, stomach ache, as a blood thinner, to lower cholesterol, to improve blood circulation, as a throat lozenge, to relieve heat cramps and reduce inflammation. Ginger and ginger tea can be used to help with morning sickness. The American Cancer society has recommended it as a cancer treatment in reducing nausea due to chemotherapy. It also goes after free radicals in the blood system.
Caution should be used by pregnant women when using ginger. Wil Snider www.thegardenjournals.blogspot.com
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