Ginger is known to us as a spice plant, however, it is also highly valued in medicine. Among other things, the spicy tuber helps with nausea and in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.
Occurrence and cultivation of ginger
Today, it is impossible to imagine the shelves without ginger as a spice, especially the Asian cuisine loves and appreciates the spicy tuber. Ginger is a name for the rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale . Originally native to Southeast Asia, it is now widespread in almost all tropical countries and is cultivated in China, Japan, India, the Caribbean, the USA and Africa, among other places. The tropical rhizome plant has long narrow leaves and forms a strong rootstock that branches out widely. From it germinate annual and over a meter high new shoots. The flowers are yellow with a striking purple stamen. Ginger has been known as a spice plant for thousands of years, even Confucius is said to have seasoned his dishes with it 2500 years ago. Today, ginger is an indispensable spice, and Asian cuisine in particular loves and appreciates the spicy tuber. Originally, the ginger is still surrounded by a black shell, but with us the spice comes mainly peeled in the trade.
Effect and application
Ginger has more than 160 different ingredients, including numerous vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus and essential oils (zingiberol, zingiberene) and pungents (gingerols and shoagols). In respiratory diseases, the plant is used in the course of aromatherapy. The pungent substance gingerol has a positive effect on the human body, and [6]-gingerol is even said to have anticarcinogenic (effective against cancer), immunosuppressive (suppresses undesirable reactions of the immune system) and anti-inflammatory effects. In asthma, ginger can probably alleviate the severity of the condition. Gingerols inhibit the growth of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which is responsible for numerous stomach diseases. During the drying process, gingerols turn into shoagols, which promote the production of gastric acid, facilitate digestion and speed up metabolism. Dangerous deposits in the blood vessels can thus be reduced. Cancer researchers are studying ginger because the gingerol may be able to reduce the development of tumors. In rheumatoid arthritis, ginger’s anti-inflammatory effect is excellent and it is widely used for this purpose. Gingerols in ginger have the same mechanism of action as acetylsalicylic acid in aspirin – they inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase and thus block the transmission of pain. Ginger can therefore be used to treat headaches, migraines, as well as muscle and throat pain. The antiemetic (nausea suppressing) effect of ginger has been proven. Nausea can be effectively suppressed, even sea and travel sickness, nausea during pregnancy and postoperative nausea can be fought with the tuber. Ginger has an antioxidant effect and binds free radicals in the body. These attack the body’s own cells and cause rapid cell aging, and are also considered to trigger cancer. Unlike many other medicines, ginger does not have any side effects, only diarrhea is possible in case of overdose. Ginger products are available as tea, capsules, drops or tablets, the tuber can also be eaten pure, if the sharp taste does not bother.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Ginger is usually used as ginger tea, you can also buy it as a tea blend or in filter bags. As a powdered drug, ginger is available in capsule form, and there are also juices, candies, drops and essences containing ginger. To achieve an effect, the daily dose should be about 2-4 grams of the drug. Ginger tea can be prepared by yourself by pouring boiling water over about 1 gram of the roughly cut root. After five minutes, the water is poured through a tea strainer. In case of severe nausea, 2 grams of the powdered drug should be taken with a little water. For morning sickness, ginger has been shown to be effective, but controlled studies are lacking, so it should not be taken. Gallstones are a contraindication of ginger – a doctor should therefore be consulted before use.If ginger is taken in higher doses over a longer period of time, blood clotting, blood pressure and blood sugar levels may change. Diabetics and patients with high blood pressure should therefore also consult their doctor. Ginger should always be stored in a dry place and protected from light. A ginger cure over several weeks is advisable to relieve digestion. Ginger becomes more digestible if it is enjoyed as a spread 1-2 times a day. To do this, cut 100 grams of the drug into cubes and boil another 100 grams of water with the ginger. Now the pieces must simmer weakly for about 20 minutes, then add 100 grams of sugar. When the sugar has dissolved, the mixture is left to stand. On two consecutive days, the ginger broth is again boiled on low for 20 minutes, after which it must cool down well. On the third day, boil the broth again until the ginger takes on a glazed color and the broth becomes thick. The ginger pieces are now taken out of the syrup. This is bottled while hot. The shelf life of the spread is about 6 months, make sure it is stored in a dark and cool place. Ginger can be safely eaten over a long period of time without any side effects. However, if allergic reactions appear, there is increased heartburn, diarrhea or malaise, a doctor should be consulted to clarify the exact causes.
