Spice of the Month: Ginger

The Malays have an ancient saying: “Ginger a day, keeps the doctor away.” Okay, maybe it doesn’t quite go like that. But for centuries, ginger has been one of the superstars of traditional Malaysian medicine, an herb renowned for its aromatic smell and organic healing powers. But what exactly is it, and what can it do for you?

Here’s a quick rundown of the herb. But we’ve got the essentials covered below:

Basics: Ginger is a large tuberous perennial plant native to southern Asia, but is now cultivated extensively in almost all tropical and subtropical countries, especially China, India, Nigeria, Australia, Jamaica and Haiti. A natural spice, the common ginger herb root is widely used for culinary and medicinal purposes, known worldwide for its smell and pungent taste.

Uses: Ginger is widely used as a spice, with its three main products being fresh ginger, dried whole or powdered ginger and preserved ginger. Fresh ginger is prepared from immature or mature rhizomes and is often grated or pressed into a fine paste or powder, sliced or mixed with other ingredients for a cumulative effect. To ensure you get the most out of fresh ginger, try wrapping it in plastic and refrigerating it for three weeks or storing it in your freezer for up to six months. Dried ginger lasts up to a year or longer in your cupboard when dried, while fresh ginger may last only a few weeks. High quality extracts of ginger can also be found in supplements; however, make sure to discuss any supplements with your doctor before taking them.

Health Benefits: Ginger is commonly used to treat a variety of stomach ailments, including motion sickness, morning sickness, upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, nausea, etc. In traditional medicine the leaves are eaten to treat stomachaches, while the pounded leaves are used as a poultice for headaches, according to Herbs of Malaysia. In Malaysia, the rhizome is also used to treat dyspepsia, nausea, joint pain and gas, according to Health and Beauty from the Rainforest: Malaysian Traditions of Ramuan. Stocked with more than 12 types of antioxidant compounds, the herb also contains essential oils, protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, vitamin C, and small amounts of vitamins B1 and B2.

Ginger, 3 Ways:

1. Mix it in soup. Although a variety of recipes with ginger abound, one of the most popular healthy options is a simple carrot ginger soup. Quick and easy recipe: Combine one bag of large carrots, two slices of fresh ginger root, and four cups of veggie broth. Cook until soft and add water as needed. Or, try Food Network’s version.

2. Concoct a homemade lotion. It’s common Malay practice to apply a lotion prepared from ginger, vinegar and coconut oil on scars, stretch marks and even post-partum effects to help restore stomach muscles to their pre-pregnancy state. Try mixing an equal part of each ingredient together for a soothing moisturizer with a pleasant aroma.

3. Spice up your tea. Peel and thinly slice one ginger root and sprinkle it solo or with some honey into your daily cup to ward off nausea, cramps and aid your digestive functions.

Got any other “healthful” ginger recipes or at-home remedies you’d like to share? Leave us a comment!