Ginger: Uses

By Cheryl Harewood

It has been said that no other plant in the world has the distinctive taste and aroma of ginger. You can also call it a popular plant, which many people use as tea, spice, herb, medicine, flavour and so much more.

Ginger is said to have originated in China and is found throughout tropical Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

USES

In Food

• In the Caribbean, ginger is a spice used for cooking and for making drinks such as sorrel. West Indians also make ginger beer as a carbonated beverage or as a fresh, natural, cold drink.

• Ginger tea is often made from fresh ginger.

• Ginger is found in the famous regional specialties of hot cross buns and Jamaican ginger cake.

As Medicine

• Wine made from ginger is common in some countries of the world.

• Ginger is a well-known home remedy for nausea and stomach pain.

• It relieves nausea following cancer treatment, according to a 2010 study to examine the effects of ginger root powder supplements on nausea in 60 children and young adults who underwent chemotherapy.

• Helps alleviate morning sickness.

• Prevents constipation.

• Aids in reducing gas.

• Improves digestion.

• Helps prevent and treat arthritis and inflammation.

• Reduces the risk of diabetes, cancer, stress and cardiovascular disease.

• Treats various types of infection.

• Has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

• Assists in recovery from colds and influenza.

• Protects the respiratory system.

• Reduces dysmenorrhea - pain before or during menstruation.

• It was found that ginger, ingested or applied, can aid in recovery from muscle injury.