My girl Ginger…

Let’s face it….ginger is just downright sexy! It’s a gorgeous plant, it’s a powerful medicine and as far back as I can remember, from dance floors to Gilligan’s island, ginger(with or without Fred) has been all about sassy-sweet, smart and spicy goodness.

It’s great when something that’s so good for you comes with that built-in “kick-ass” spirit. Her gorgeous and intriguing spicy sweetness is the perfect combination, since the sweet and hot counter each other just enough to keep the drama slightly restrained. She is the queen of spices and is hugely important in Ayurveda. Ginger in all her many forms will rock your world!

So here’s what you need to know:

Ginger is…

a herb, technically it’s called a rhizome (underground stem) and comes in a plump bulb with smooth skin. You can use it in various forms fresh, dried, powdered, juice, and even oil! Ginger powder is hotter, drier, and more stimulating and expectorant. Fresh ginger is best for colds and flu (take it with honey!).

Ginger Energy is…

pungent and sweet in taste with heating effects (it’s great for countering cold)

Ginger in Action…

Stimulant – Stimulates digestion and circulation

Diaphoretic – Clears congestion in lungs and sinuses

Expectorant – Loosens and thins phlegm and quiets cough

Carminative – Soothes the gut, reduces gas and cramping

Antiemetic – Counters nausea and vomiting

Great for any of the following:

• Morning sickness

• Cold, Flu, sore throat, cough

• Congestion, stuffy nose

• Nausea of any kind (hello sea/car sickness)

• Arthritis and joint pain

• Headaches/migraines

• Swelling

Best way to use it…

• Put it in anything! I put ginger in tea, coffee, cookies, pancakes, smoothies, and curries, you can even add it to salads, and cooked veggies!

• I take candied ginger on plane and boat trips to combat nausea (and it works a treat!).

• Can apply a paste made from ginger and water (or ginger juice) to the temples or forehead (be careful with this as it can be quite heating) for headaches.

• Can also rub a little powdered ginger on the chest to help relieve congestion (particularly with children)

I’ll be posting some of my favorite ginger recipes in the coming weeks so watch this space.

In the meantime…. what’s YOUR favorite way to enjoy the goodness of ginger?

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