Ginger is a unique plant, its rhizome is used to get rid of all kinds of diseases, it is also used as a spicy spice in cooking. Its rich, unusual aroma, pungent taste, as well as a high concentration of essential oils, vitamin substances in the composition are the main highlights of this plant, thanks to which it is popular among many consumers. Let's take a look at the properties of ginger, what are the indications and contraindications for its use, and also learn about the features of storing such a useful product.

Ginger

This is an incredibly useful and tasty spice. With its help, you can overcome multiple diseases, prolong health. The external unsightly appearance of the rhizome raises doubts that the plant contains a huge concentration of vitamin and mineral substances. His help was resorted to long before medicine appeared. The plant is native to North India. To this day, a large amount of this amazing product is cultivated in these regions.

This plant is a perennial, you need to make some effort in order to grow it. Since ancient times, this product has been in service with many people, it served as a cure for various pathologies, it was also considered a powerful aphrodisiac.

The plant begins to bloom the next year after planting. The inflorescences are spikelet-shaped, the petals are yellow with purple edges. The optimal weather conditions for growing ginger are high humidity and a warm climate.

Its greatest value is in a thick and loose rhizome. It is a storehouse of vitamins, antiseptic and mineral elements. Its healing qualities are not lost even during storage and after processing.

Benefits of ginger

The miraculous qualities of ginger are due to the amazing combination of elements in its composition.

Of particular importance are:

1. Antioxidants, among which are vitamins A, C, E, magnesium and zinc. These components are not only the basic substances for the full functioning of internal organs and systems, but are beneficial as protection against free radicals, from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. Such substances prolong the youth of the body, saturate it with vital energy.
2. Essential amino acids. These substances are the main link in the balance of cell composition, take part in cell renewal, in the hematopoietic system, and support the basic functions of the body. Among these substances, oleic and nicotinic acid can be distinguished. These substances are the basis for a complete metabolism.
3. Minerals, among which silicon, potassium, phosphorus and zinc can be distinguished. Also in the composition of the ginger root contains a lot of other positive substances. All of them are necessary in order to maintain the full functioning of the body.
4. Essential oils. They provide a pronounced aroma, under their influence, the natural resistant functions of the body are strengthened, they actively resist the attacks of aggressive microorganisms.
5. Gingerol. Thanks to this organic compound, metabolism is accelerated, signs of the inflammatory process are eliminated, and the removal of toxins and toxins from the body is accelerated.

In addition to the listed components, the rhizome contains other components that have a positive effect on internal organs and systems. This explains the widespread use of the plant for various purposes.

properties of ginger

Drinks and compresses with the root of this plant are used by the people in order to get rid of all kinds of ailments and pathological processes:

1. In the presence of colds, a decoction, juice or tea with this remedy is used. These drinks help to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of acute respiratory viral diseases, influenza, inflammation of the bronchi, tonsillitis, pharyngitis.
2. To relieve swelling of the nasal passages, inhalations based on essential oils are used.
3. If there are intestinal disorders, this plant is also used. It has a mild laxative effect, due to which toxins in case of food poisoning are removed much faster. Antibacterial and disinfectant characteristics help to stop stomach pain much faster, get rid of toxins.
4. Pathologies of the female reproductive system. The positive effects of this plant are noted in inflammatory processes, unpleasant symptoms are eliminated much faster, the body overcomes ailments.
5. Degenerative changes in the articular, muscular, bone apparatus, spinal column. This remedy has proven itself in the complex therapy of many diseases - arthritis, arthrosis, rheumatism, osteochondrosis.
6. Diabetes. The elements contained in the composition of ginger regulate the concentration of glucose in the blood, contribute to its reduction.
7. Pathology of the vascular system. Thanks to the use of this plant, the elasticity of the capillary walls increases, the vessels are cleared of atherosclerotic plaques, thereby reducing the risk of thrombosis, and improving blood circulation in the brain.
8. In the presence of diseases of the reproductive system in men. The use of this tool helps to prevent the development of inflammation of the prostate gland, improves libido in men.
9. As a means to reduce weight. The use of ginger helps to improve metabolic processes, while the digestibility of carbohydrates and fats improves, and this has a positive effect on the rapid breakdown of lipid structures.
10. Use in cosmetology. The use of masks, creams and lotions based on ginger juice or infusion helps slow down the aging process of the skin, regulates the activity of the sebaceous glands, and eliminates acne.

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Also, let's take a closer look at the beneficial properties of the product for various diseases.

Aging, dementia or memory impairment. Due to the content of gingerols and other components in the composition of the plant, the aging process of the body slows down, free radicals are eliminated, damaged cellular structures are restored, and protection against ultraviolet radiation is carried out.

Thanks to the use of the plant, inflammatory processes in the cortex and structures of the brain are inhibited, and its age-related degeneration is suspended. Pledged cognitive abilities are significantly improved, existing disorders are eliminated, memory function is improved, the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease is reduced. This has been proven by numerous studies.

Pathological processes in the antrum of the stomach, in the large and small intestines. With the help of the plant, you can stop the attacks of vomiting, effectively eliminates nausea of ​​various etiologies, for example, during pregnancy, with motion sickness. Under its influence, the bubbles of intestinal gases are split, removing them to the outside, so flatulence is eliminated.

When it is used, the digestion of the food consumed is accelerated, the bowel is emptied and its motility is increased. Serotonin receptors are also inhibited. This tool is not inferior to effective pharmacy antiemetics. According to numerous studies, when using drinks based on this product, more than 40% of the subjects felt significant relief. Previously, they suffered from regular bouts of nausea and malaise after undergoing chemotherapy.

It is recommended to take 1 gram for an attack of nausea. To get rid of motion sickness, you can chew ginger in any form, make a drink. The plant promotes the secretion of salivary fluid, bile, digestive enzymes, increases the mobility of the stomach. Under its influence, the symptoms of chronic dyspepsia are eliminated: increased gas formation, diarrhea, soreness, constipation.

The cardiovascular system. Thanks to ginger, blood microcirculation improves, existing blood clots dissolve, and the concentration of bad cholesterol decreases. Vessels and the heart are protected from ischemic disease, atherosclerotic disease, diabetes mellitus. Also, there are no side effects from the root crop for the heart and blood vessels. An exception is a heart attack, a pre-infarction state, a stroke, or a pre-stroke state. In this case, it is forbidden to use ginger.

Rhinitis of allergic origin, bronchial asthma. In chronic asthma, an inflammatory process occurs, hypersensitivity of smooth muscle cells in the pathways of the respiratory system to various allergens and irritants. Thanks to the root crop, the contraction of the respiratory tract decreases, and an asthma attack is stopped. Thanks to gingerol in the composition of the plant, allergic rhinitis is relieved, unpleasant symptoms are eliminated in the form of swelling of the nasal passages, nasal congestion, mucus, rhinorrhea.

Painful sensations. The product has an analgesic effect, relieves pain:

1. Muscle pain. The plant inhibits the development of the inflammatory process, helps to eliminate swelling and soreness in the muscular apparatus, and has an effect with increased physical and sports stress. Its action does not occur immediately, relief comes after a day or two after taking the remedy.
2. Tooth. A slice of raw root helps to reduce soreness, disinfects the oral cavity, freshens breath.
3. Head. The rhizome, grated on a fine grater, helps to reduce headaches associated with sinusitis, sinusitis, rhinitis. In this case, it is used as compresses.
4. In the spine. Mix grated ginger with turmeric, chili, mustard and sesame oil. Apply as a compress to the desired areas for half an hour.
5. Osteoarthritis. With degenerative processes in the joints, pain and stiffness of movement, discomfort occur. Due to the effect of this plant, the activity of cytokines and chemokines, which cause the development of the inflammatory process, decreases. The severity of the inflammatory process also decreases, the course of the disease is facilitated. Used as a compress, as in the previous case.
6. Diabetes. The plant has a positive effect on the balance of glucose in the blood, reduces sugar levels, reduces insulin susceptibility, significantly reduces the risk of developing diseases of the vascular system and the heart apparatus, and is a good prevention of the development of diabetes.
7. Dysmenorrhea. According to the information that scientists have received during numerous experiments, the rhizome of the plant quickly relieves pain during menstruation. Its actions can be compared with the action of mefenamic acid or ibuprofen.
8. oncological processes. This remedy is considered antitumor, since, according to many scientists, its active components are able to resist the growth and development of lymphoma, hepatoma, cancer of the mammary glands, urogenital area, skin, and intestinal tract. Gingerols, which are contained in the composition of the plant, contribute to the inhibition of the reproduction and growth of malignant cells, under their influence, self-destruction of atypical cells occurs.
9. infectious processes. Since this plant is an antioxidant, the body resists various types of bacteria - genital, oral, staphylococcus, streptococcus. According to Chinese scientists, ginger inhibits the activity of these bacteria, its action is similar to antibacterial substances. The plant's action against fungi and viruses is also noted.
10. Flu, colds. When you feel that you are starting to get sick, you need to take natural medicine as soon as possible. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory action, the development of the disease stops, headache and sore throat are eliminated. This is an excellent expectorant, helps to thin the viscous mucus in the organs of the respiratory system, facilitates the release of sputum to the outside, and eliminates chronic or catarrhal cough. The first remedy for the onset of a cold is ginger-honey tea with the addition of lemon.
11. Getting rid of excess body weight. Under the influence of this plant, there is an improvement in metabolic processes, the absorption of lipid structures is inhibited, the stomach produces more hydrochloric acid, as a result of which calories and harmful fats and carbohydrates are burned much faster. Under the influence of the drug, there is a decrease in appetite, a feeling of satiety appears.
12. Deterioration of smell or its complete loss. The tool has a neuroprotective effect, is very effective in eliminating the loss of smell.
13. Skin on the face. The effectiveness of ginger as a rejuvenating agent is noted. Under its influence, free radicals are actively removed from the skin, collagen production is increased, irritation and age spots are eliminated, inflammatory processes on the skin, it becomes more elastic and elastic. In order to get rid of pigmentation, wipe problem areas with raw root several times a week. To get rid of acne, a mask is made.
14. Hair benefits. Under the influence of the active components of ginger, hair growth is stimulated, they stop falling out, there is also an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect, due to which dandruff is eliminated. They make masks from the grated root crop, rub its juice into the head, add the juice to shampoos.
15. To neutralize the hangover syndrome. You can not combine ginger with alcoholic beverages, this is fraught with an increase in blood pressure. And with the onset of a hangover, you can use the plant. With it, you can get rid of nausea, vomiting, intoxication. It is enough just to chew the root or make a tea based on it.
16. During pregnancy. This remedy eliminates morning sickness and vomiting during toxicosis in pregnant women. According to experts, its action is similar to the action of pharmaceutical preparations.

Read also: Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine symptoms and treatment

As we can see, this remedy brings great benefits to the body, it is used to get rid of unpleasant symptoms. It is recommended to make sure before use that you do not have an individual intolerance to the product, there are no allergic reactions. Otherwise, you can harm your body.

Ginger: contraindications

Despite the huge benefits of this plant for the body, it can not be used by all people. It is important to consider possible contraindications before use. It is recommended to use ginger root with caution in the following situations:

• in the third trimester of the gestation period;
• the period of feeding the child with breast milk;
• under the age of three;
• if there is febrile hyperthermia or fever;
• if a person has a history of peptic ulcer disease, cholecystitis, acute and chronic gastritis;
• ischemic heart disease;
• stroke or pre-stroke condition;
• heart attack or pre-infarction condition;
• in the presence of epilepsy.

Also, in rare situations, increased susceptibility to essential compounds has been noted. Therefore, before using ginger rhizome orally or externally, it is recommended to test for an allergic reaction - apply a small amount of freshly squeezed juice to the back of the wrist or to the area near the elbow. If after a few hours you notice redness, the area begins to itch or burn, it is recommended to refrain from using this remedy.

When carrying out complex therapy, which consists of the use of medicinal and non-traditional remedies with ginger, it is first recommended to consult a doctor in charge, since this plant can affect the effectiveness of pharmaceutical preparations.

Storage features

You can use ginger for food in any form - pickled, candied, dried root, juice from it, infusion, tincture, tea are used. But not everyone knows how to properly store it after purchase. Proper storage is a guarantee that vitamins and minerals do not evaporate over time.

Most people prefer to keep the root vegetable fresh. But this method of storing fresh root is only suitable for those who use up ginger within a week. If you plan to store the plant for longer, you need to choose another option.

Short-term storage of fresh raw materials is carried out no more than a week. If the root is dried, it can be stored for four months. During this period, its useful properties are not lost. For use, it can be ground into powder, used as a flavoring additive. You can also dip the root in warm water before use. This will give it freshness and shape.

Ginger - useful properties and contraindications

• 28.09.2016
• medicinal plants
• Irina Mart
• 1586

Ginger is an evergreen perennial native to Asia. There are many varieties of ginger. However, only a few of them are cultivated. They differ in sharpness of taste, smell and size. Ginger is a medicinal plant with a number of useful properties. It is consumed fresh, dried and pickled.

The height of the plant can reach one and a half meters. The leaves are narrow, pointed and long (up to 20cm). In nature, ginger blooms in yellow, red or purple. He has a very interesting flower. But he is not the true value of the plant. Ginger is famous for its rhizome.

This inconspicuous-looking spine has a number of medicinal properties. It is valued both as a medicinal and as an aromatic spicy plant. Ginger root is often found in many medicinal teas, including those for weight loss. And of course, ginger root- an excellent spice that is suitable for preparing a wide variety of dishes, drinks and sweets. Various tinctures, beer, liqueurs, candied fruits, sauces and are made from it. It is added to baked goods and meat dishes. And of course, it is used for medicinal purposes to combat many ailments.

home cleansing recipe with ginger

The health benefits of ginger are legendary. Tracing, you can see that almost every generation has discovered more and more useful properties. As a result, there was a strong belief that ginger is almost a panacea for all diseases. And this is not far from the truth.

Composition of ginger

Largely due to its rich composition. Ginger is a truly miraculous plant that gives strength to the body and supports the brain. The list of useful substances that are included in its composition is huge. These are vitamins C, B1, B2, A, essential oils and amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, lysine, valine, threonine, tryptophan and phenylalanine.

The value of these amino acids is that they are not synthesized by the body, and a person can only get them from outside. The functions assigned to them are enormous. They are involved in the processes responsible for metabolism.

In addition, ginger contains calcium, iron, aluminum, manganese, chromium, germanium, asparagine, phosphorus, magnesium, silicon, potassium, sodium, zinc, as well as linoleic, oleic and nicotinic acids and dietary fiber.

Benefits of ginger for men's and women's health is huge. Ginger is an excellent prophylactic against the development of tumors and diseases of the genital area. Being essentially an aphrodisiac, ginger improves potency and even treats infertility. In any case, the ancient healers insisted on this. With regular use of ginger (a few small slices a day) and daily physical activity, men are not afraid of prostatitis and other inflammatory diseases of the prostate gland.

Traditional medicine has always pointed to the beneficial properties of ginger for women. For example, ginger tea is an excellent remedy for menstrual pain and menopause. It will help relieve painful manifestations, reduce headaches and irritability.

In ancient times, ginger was part of the herbal preparations for infertility. And although today there are no reliable facts confirming this property of ginger, many doctors still advise taking ginger tea for health purposes. Ginger normalizes the hormonal system of a woman and tones the pelvic organs.

Due to its beneficial properties, ginger is a good helper for those who want to lose weight. It has long been considered the unsurpassed "root of harmony." Regular use of it helps to fight excess weight. Green tea with ginger and lemon- An excellent tool for those who want to become slimmer. The effect of it can not be called swift. However, experts say that the lost kilograms after eating ginger return very slowly.

In addition, this root is often referred to as the magic root of beauty. That is what they called it in ancient studies and pointed out the exceptional benefits of using ginger for female beauty and youth. It promotes the elimination of toxins and has an antioxidant and antimicrobial effect. Creams, masks and lotions, which include ginger, significantly improve the tone and appearance of the skin, and also fight cellulite.

The benefits of ginger are also obvious for those who like to travel, as it reduces the symptoms of "sea" sickness. Also, this property to soothe nausea is useful to many pregnant women (especially during early toxicosis). In this case, tea with a small amount of ginger is best consumed before the main meal. So you can eat fully without suffering from nausea.

But still, it is better to warn your doctor about taking ginger tea. Perhaps you have contraindications to taking this root.

Ginger for weight loss

Continuing the story about beneficial properties of ginger, I want to reassure many people who are unsuccessfully trying to lose weight. It has already been proven that ginger is an excellent tool that normalizes appetite. Dishes enriched with the taste of ginger seem to be more satisfying, so a person gorges on a smaller portion. Moreover, ginger improves digestion and absorption of proteins, and also promotes energy production.

These qualities are the best suited for those who want to lose weight.

If you turn your attention to the East, you will see that Japanese women are almost never overweight. There are several explanations for this, and one of them is the use of ginger, the benefits of which they do not doubt.

How to take ginger for weight loss

Regardless of the recipe, there are some general rules that you should be aware of if you decide to lose weight with ginger.

• Ginger has energizing and invigorating properties. Therefore, tea with ginger is best taken in the morning.
• In order not to harm the body, you need to start drinking this tea with half a glass. If no allergic or other reaction has followed, the dose can be gradually increased to 1-2 liters per day.
• The general wish is to eat less during this period, especially buns and sweets. In order to moderate the appetite, it is better to drink ginger tea 20-30 minutes before meals.
• If you use ground ginger instead of fresh, then the amount indicated in the recipe should be halved.
• Ginger tea can be served as a refreshing drink. To do this, add ice cubes, a little sugar or honey, lemon juice and mint leaves to the infused tea.

ginger for colds

The benefits of ginger in the treatment of colds are well known in Korean medicine. There this drink is called senganchha ( Saenggang Cha, 생강차), which literally translates as " ginger tea and is considered very effective. Ginger is indeed a very useful remedy in the treatment of colds. If it is taken immediately at the first sign of a cold, then the effect is guaranteed. Ginger tea is drunk in small sips 3-4 times a day.

To make ginger tea you need:

• 1 tsp grated ginger root pour boiling water and let it brew for 5-10 minutes.
• In a slightly cooled tea, add honey and lemon to taste.
• If you add turmeric to tea during brewing, you get a wonderful ginger drink that will only enhance the anti-cold effect.

With a wet cough you can use ginger powder brewed with milk. To improve the taste, you can add turmeric and honey.

For dry cough ancient doctors advised to do this: mix fresh ginger juice with lemon juice and add a little honey. This medicine should be taken by adults in 1 tbsp. 5-6 times a day. For children, this remedy is best given in the form of a diluted syrup: 1 tsp. for 2-3 tablespoons of water.

Good for colds and inhalation with ginger (except for children and pregnant women). The simplest inhaler: drop 2-3 drops of ginger oil or a little freshly grated ginger into a bowl of hot water. It is necessary to breathe in such a vapor for 10 minutes.

If you get wet, a hot ginger bath will help keep you from getting sick. To do this, prepare a warming solution and pour it into the bath.

ginger solution. 2-3 table. pour tablespoons of dry ginger with boiling water and boil a little.

After that, pour into a warm bath and lie down for 20 minutes. Contraindications for taking baths are common: heart disease, high fever and tumors.

You can also simply warm your feet with this solution. By the way, if your feet often get cold in winter, you can do this: when going outside, just pour a little dry ginger powder into a clean sock. Surely, you have heard that such a procedure is done with mustard. So, ginger copes with this task perfectly.

Think of Japanese cuisine, which very often includes raw fish. These dishes are not served without the addition of pickled ginger. In addition to the fact that these seasonings give the dish a piquant taste and spiciness, and also help to “switch” to the next dish, their use is also dictated by the conscious need to disinfect the fish and make it safer for the human body.

It has been established that 90% of the worm larvae after eating ginger become immobile after 4 hours, and die after 16 hours. For the same reason, ginger should also be consumed by herring lovers, since no one can guarantee the sterility of this fish.

benefits of ginger cannot be overestimated in the treatment of vascular diseases. Vessels encircle the entire human body. They supply blood to all organs, and our health directly depends on their condition - elasticity and flexibility.

With the passage of life, and under the influence of some negative factors, the vessels become clogged with plaques, and diseases that are directly related to this come. This is sclerosis, varicose veins, heart attack and many other diseases. Vision and memory also depend on the condition of our vessels. That is why the cleansing of blood vessels is a very relevant topic for the population.

Traditional medicine, both ours and Eastern, has long been aware of the beneficial properties of ginger in the treatment of blood vessels and successfully uses it. Thanks to the substance gingerol contained in it, it significantly improves metabolism and removes cholesterol deposits, as well as rids the body of food and alcohol toxins.

Recipes based on ginger are very affordable, do not require a lot of money and are easy to prepare. The composition of means for cleansing blood vessels can include both dry ginger root and fresh.

Recipes for cleansing vessels with ginger:

Anti-Cholesterol Blend. Mix ¼ teaspoon of ginger with 5 walnuts and a tablespoon of honey. Mix everything and leave for a day. Take 1 tablespoon before meals.

1 tsp ginger root brew a glass of boiling water and let it brew for 10 minutes. Drink 100 ml in the morning, distribute the rest throughout the day and take between meals.

Multivitamin Blend. Scroll 300 g of fresh root and 1 lemon in a meat grinder or blender. Stir with honey (about 400 g) and store in a glass jar in the refrigerator. Take: for prevention - 1 tbsp. 1 time per day, for treatment - 1 tbsp. 3 times a day.

The duration of the course is at least 1 month.

ginger oil it is also very useful and has the ability to cleanse the bloodstream. For this, a drop of essential oil is added to a teaspoon of honey and taken before meals. Naturally, the oil must be natural, purified.

ginger for diabetes

The use of ginger in diabetes also has a positive trend, but this only applies to type 2 diabetes. There is a logical explanation for this, since eating the root has a beneficial effect on carbohydrate and fat metabolism. And the problem of normalizing weight is one of the main problems with such a disease as diabetes.

However, people with type 1 diabetes are advised not to risk eating ginger.

Unfortunately, more and more people develop diabetes every year. Without going into details about the causes of this disease, we can only say that in recent years the proportion of “wrong” foods on our table has sharply increased and our lifestyle has changed (for the worse). Obesity is no longer just a cosmetic defect, but a real epidemic. Since diabetes almost always accompanies being overweight, the relationship between these two diagnoses is the most direct.

To prevent this terrible disease, we can only advise you to switch to a healthy lifestyle, increase the proportion of physical activity and eat healthy foods.

If you have no contraindications to taking ginger, know that this root has cured people thousands of years ago and now. Its benefits have been proven. But remember, everything should be in moderation!

ending health benefits of ginger, I want to put the final and loudest chord. This plant is a real treasure, given to us by nature. Among all medicines, he is the king of taste. All the epithets that were awarded to him at different times - the root of youth, harmony, beauty and vigilance - they are all relevant today.

The richest chemical composition explains the healing and beneficial properties that ginger has. And amazing taste qualities make it a coveted spice in all cuisines of the world.

So, ginger works like:

• Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal
• Anthelmintic
• expectorant
• Digestive
• Removes excess cholesterol
• Antihyperglycemic (fresh juice)
• Anticoagulant
• Antispasmodic
• diaphoretic
• Stimulating blood circulation
• Antiulcer (external ulcers and boils)
• Anti-sclerotic, memory strengthening
• Mild laxative, choleretic
• salivary
• Cardiotonic
• Increasing sexual arousal
• Tonic
• Vasodilator

Besides, ginger lets other components (for example, herbs) are better to show their healing properties.

Regarding the joint use of ginger with medicines, the following can be said. Ginger can enhance the effect of heart, anti-diabetic and some other drugs. In other words, the pressure can creep up and increase the arrhythmia. In order to eliminate the risks, take ginger under the supervision of a physician.

And finally, an excerpt from an old book of Indian medicine, where the benefits of ginger are described very eloquently:

“... Ginger strengthens memory, digestive power and the stomach, opens blockages in the liver, enhances sexual potency, disperses thick gases and vapors in the stomach and intestines, crushes, dissolves and dries up lymph and thick and viscous raw materials adhering to the walls of the stomach, intestines and other organs. Ginger softens the body, removes thick and raw matter from the brain and larynx, eliminates coldness of the nerves (derived from colds or cold matters), it is used for paralysis, jaundice resulting from congestion, for helminthic diseases, when urine drops drop by drop, which occurs from hypothermia and weakness of the urinary organs. Ginger is taken to stop diarrhea resulting from spoilage of nutrients, to eliminate the harmful effects of animal poisons. Lotions of ginger are used for tumors that appear from lymph, wateriness and cold. Dry crushed ginger is sprinkled on meat broth and eaten - it is considered a useful remedy for pain in the joints and ailments from dampness and cold, as well as from tumors that appear from cold. Ginger is used as a seasoning and after meals - to improve the digestion of food, it also creates a good smell in the mouth. To do this, take a small amount of crushed ginger (on the tip of a spoon) or a small piece of whole ginger root and keep it in your mouth, swallowing slowly. The dose of a single application of ginger inside is up to two dirhams (1 dirham = 3.12 g) ... ".

Ginger - contraindications

It must be admitted that, of course, there are also contraindications. Ginger is a very strong spice. And so its influence on the body is very large. For people with certain disorders of the digestive system (ulcers of the esophagus and stomach) and inflammatory bowel diseases, the use of ginger can be dangerous.

Same ginger is not recommended with a large accumulation of sand in the kidneys and bladder. Some diseases accompanied by inflammatory processes and fever, as well as individual intolerance and some forms of allergies, bleeding and late pregnancy also preclude the use of ginger root.

With hypertension and heart disease, the use of ginger is possible only after consulting a doctor.

Photo of ginger

GINGER IN FOLK MEDICINE

In folk medicine, as a rule, dry ginger or fresh, peeled root is used in the form of an infusion or decoction, and ginger tea is also widely used. In some cases, for example, in the treatment of skin diseases, ginger powder mixed with other substances is used, and for massage and manual therapy, ginger oil obtained from the root is used.

Here are examples of the use of various dosage forms of ginger.

Dried ginger root powder is used as a diaphoretic and expectorant, so it is used for colds and other diseases accompanied by fever.

A decoction of fresh ginger root is taken for colds and inflammatory diseases.

A decoction of the dried root can relieve the feeling of heaviness in the stomach. It favorably affects the activity of the spleen, it is also a good expectorant.

Alcoholic tincture of fresh ginger root improves blood circulation, helps to get rid of nausea, indigestion and flatulence.

Ginger oil (on a piece of sugar or with honey) helps with nausea and indigestion, with cramps during menstruation. It is an effective remedy for flatulence. Ginger oil increases appetite, helps with feverish conditions. It is also (not in its pure form, but as part of massage oil: 5-10 drops of ginger oil are diluted in 25 ml of almond, juniper or eucalyptus oil) is used for massage with lumbago and rheumatism.

How to properly prepare these funds?

Decoction. Often in recipes it is recommended to prepare a decoction. This is done quite simply, and we will describe this technique below. But sometimes some details are specified in the recipe. For example, make a decoction of the root skin or leave the skin on the root. In some cases, a change in proportions is required. All this depends on the specific disease.

To prepare a regular decoction, take a piece (about 4–5 cm long) of a well-ripened ginger root. Then peel it from the skin, chop it, put it in an enamel or glass bowl and pour 1 glass of cold clean water. Put the bowl with ginger in a water bath and slowly heat to a boil. Within 15-20 minutes, the broth is cooked at a moderate boil under the lid. After that, close the container with the broth tightly with a lid and insist until it cools completely.

Store the prepared broth in the refrigerator. Use it heated at least to the temperature of the human body or slightly higher. Do not heat all the broth at once, pour only the amount that you need at the reception.

Infusion of ginger root in water. Take 5-6 g of crushed dry rhizome, place in a preheated (scalded with boiling water) dish and pour 1 cup of boiling water. Insist under the lid, wrapped in a towel for about half an hour, strain. Use inside and out.

Ginger infusion for alcohol. Take a medium-sized root (about 30 g), rinse it well and chop it along with the skin. Then put the chopped ginger in a bottle or jar made of dark glass or porcelain, pour 200 ml of vodka, and insist in a dark, warm place for 15 days. When used in collections and potions, dilute the infusion with distilled water in a ratio of 1: 1. Such an infusion is stored very well.

ginger oil can be easily prepared at home. To do this, cut the ginger into small pieces (or grate), place in a dark glass dish (1/2 of the volume of the bottle), pour any vegetable oil (in this case, its choice depends on your individual preferences) and put the dishes in a dark place for 21 days. Then strain and use for a warming and anti-cellulite massage, for rubbing the back, for the treatment of sore joints, to reduce swelling of the legs, etc.

In our book you will find many recipes for making ginger tea, so we will not dwell on this here. But since this tea is often used for weight loss, I would like to dwell on some general rules for its use.

How to use ginger tea for weight loss:

Ginger can be used constantly, and not only on days of active weight loss, brew it with green or black tea.

One lemon wedge for one cup of ginger tea will be enough.

Ginger tea for weight loss invigorates, so we do not recommend drinking it in the evening. It is best to brew it in the morning. Pour into a thermos and drink 1 cup of tea throughout the day.

Having prepared ginger tea for weight loss, it must be filtered, otherwise the tea will be too saturated.

In teas for weight loss, a piece of ginger root the size of an average plum (4 cm) is used for 2 liters of water.

Ginger for tea should be cut into as thin slices as possible, for example, using a potato peeler.

If you drink slimming tea before a meal, it will dull your appetite and hunger.

Peel the skin from the rhizome, cut off a small slice, put in your mouth and suck. When the effect of essential oils (slight tingling) and medicinal substances decreases, the slice can be bitten.

Atherosclerosis

Wash 400 g of ginger root, peel, grate, pour into a bottle and pour 1/2 liter of vodka. Infuse in the sun or heat for 2 weeks, shaking from time to time. The tincture should take on a yellow color. Then strain, squeeze through a cloth and let stand for a day. The medicine should be drunk 2 times a day after meals, diluting a teaspoon of tincture in 1/2 cup of water. From time to time, treatment should take a break for a few days. When taking the tincture, give up meat, and before going to bed, do foot baths.

Pain syndrome

Ginger powder, mixed with water in a ratio of 1: 2 (paste is obtained), or grated ginger, apply as a compress to the site of pain localization. The compress relieves headaches, backaches and rheumatic pains.

Thoroughly mix 100 g of ground flax seeds, 20 g of anise fruit powder, 20 g of ginger root powder with 500 g of garlic-honey mixture. Take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

Haemorrhoids

Take 1 teaspoon of aloe juice with a small pinch of ginger powder 2 times a day until all symptoms disappear.

Hypomenstrual syndrome, general sexual infantilism

Brew 3 tbsp. tablespoons of oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of ginger powder 500 ml of boiling water, let it brew for 30 minutes, strain. Drink hot tea 1 cup 3 times a day.

depression, overweight

With these diseases, they drink ginger tea. To do this, pour 1 teaspoon of grated ginger root with 1 cup of boiling water. Leave for 20-30 minutes. Drink 3-4 times a day.

One more ginger tea recipe:for 1/2 liter of water you will need: fresh ginger root (3–4 cm); cardamom - 2 pods; a pinch of ground cinnamon (optional) 1 teaspoon of green tea without additives; 3 teaspoons of flower honey; carnation; 1/2 lemon.

Brew green tea as usual, leave for 5 minutes, then strain. Pour tea (without tea leaves) into a stainless steel pan, add cardamom, finely chopped ginger root, cinnamon, cloves. Boil. Cook on low heat for 20 minutes. Then add honey and lemon (first squeeze the juice out of it, and then throw the rest of the lemon along with the peel into the pan). Boil 5 minutes. After that, remove the pan from the heat and infuse the tea for 15-20 minutes. Then, through a strainer, pour the tea from the pan into a convenient container.

Black (green) tea with ginger. Finely grate fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon dried ginger). Pour it together with tea leaves in a thermos, pour boiling water, leave for 20 minutes, strain. Such tea is very useful: it not only has a pleasant fresh taste and aroma, but also helps with coughing, invigorates. Ginger is a well-known antioxidant, so drinking a cup of this tea a day can be seen as part of the fight for clear, wrinkle-free radiant skin and good health at any age.

Slagging of the body

Brew 10–20 g of fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon of powder with 1 cup of hot water, leave for 10 minutes, add 1 teaspoon of honey and lemon juice to taste. Take 1/2 cup in the morning on an empty stomach (half an hour before meals). During the day, in small sips, drink the second half of the glass between meals.

Toothache

Apply a well-chewed piece of ginger to the aching tooth. It will destroy harmful microbes, and after it there will be a very pleasant smell.

Overweight, obesity

Ginger tea for weight loss with garlic. Take a plum-sized ginger root (about 4 cm) and 2 cloves of garlic. Peel the ginger and cut into thin slices. Put in a thermos and pour boiling water, leave for 20 minutes. Then take out the garlic and ginger, strain and drink the infusion throughout the day.

Orange tea with ginger root for weight loss. Grind with a blender 1/2 tbsp. tablespoons finely chopped ginger root, 60 g peppermint leaves and a pinch of ground cardamom. Pour boiling water over the mixture, leave for 30 minutes, then strain, add 85 ml of lemon juice, 50 ml of orange juice and honey to taste. Drink tea cold.

Take a bath for 10 minutes by adding 30 ml of ginger oil to hot water.

You can get a massage. To do this, apply a little oil to the surface of the skin and evenly distribute it. Then actively massage the place and immediately wrap up. It is best to go to bed after the massage and get some sleep. Using ginger oil, you can also rub the chest, neck, back of the head and bridge of the nose.

Pour 1 teaspoon of common anise fruits, which must first be ground or crushed (preferably in a mortar), and 1/3 teaspoon of ground ginger in 250 ml of boiling water, let it brew for 10 minutes and strain.

Drink 2-5 times a day for 1 cup of tea sweetened with honey. Do not sweeten diabetics! This tea is especially good for young children.

Take 1 tbsp. a spoonful of fresh ginger root, 200 ml of water. Grind the ginger root, pour boiling water over it, leave for 4 hours and strain. Take 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day.

Seasickness, motion sickness

1-1.5 g of grated ginger (1/3 teaspoon) taken orally with tea or water during or 30 minutes before travel.

Muscle pain, aches

In this case, a ginger bath helps. To do this, add 2-3 tbsp. to 1 liter of water. tablespoons of ginger powder, bring water to a boil and boil for about 10 minutes.

Then pour the decoction into the bath. Ginger bath relaxes and relieves muscle pain.

Nervous anxiety, sleep disturbances, dyspepsia

Pour 2 teaspoons topped with St. John's wort and 1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger root with 250 ml of water and bring to a boil. Strain after a few minutes. Drink 2-3 cups of tea a day. Treatment with this tea should be carried out systematically (for several weeks).

Liver and gallbladder disorders

Pour 2 teaspoons of crushed burdock root and 1/3 teaspoon of ground ginger in 1/2 liter of cold water, after 5 hours bring to a boil, boil for 1 minute and strain. Drink 3 times a day for 1 cup of tea.

Poisoning

Grate the peeled fresh root on a grater, mix with lemon juice and a little salt. If you eat 1 teaspoon of the mixture before meals, then you will digest food quite easily and, in addition, get rid of toxins.

From 100 diseases

The most popular tincture of the past days - "Erofeich" - is named after Yerofey, the barber of Count Orlov, who healed his master of many ailments with this drink. For 1/2 liter of vodka, take 2 g of ginger, galangal root (Potentilla erect), sage, mint, anise seeds. Insist 2 weeks in a dark, but not cold place. After that, the drink should be filtered. The rest can be poured again, but with less vodka - about 300 ml, and repeat the whole procedure. Combine the first and second portions. It is believed that "Erofeich" helps from 100 diseases.

Cold

At the first sign of a cold, it is good to use this composition: cinnamon, ginger and cardamom in equal proportions. 1/3 teaspoon of the mixture, brew 1 cup boiling water and drink every hour throughout the day.

Overwork, depression

In India, ginger tea with lemon is the most popular winter drink. To do this, in 1 cup you need to brew 10–20 g of fresh ginger, add a little mint, lemon balm, a little lemon to taste. This drink tones and invigorates in the morning much better than coffee.

Radiculitis, rheumatoid arthritis

Back pain relieves compress well and quickly: 2 teaspoons of ginger powder, 1/2 teaspoon of chili pepper, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, mix with warm water. Warm the mixture, apply on a cotton cloth, put it on a sore spot and fix it. For pain in the joints, the same composition in the form of a powder is mixed not with water, but with well-heated vegetable oil (preferably mustard or sesame).

Disorders of the nervous system

Take: red ginseng - 20 parts, ginger - 1 part, dates - 15 parts.

Pour ginseng with 2 liters of water and boil for 2 hours, then add dates, finely chopped ginger and boil for about 30 minutes more. Take out the ginseng, cut it into 5 mm thick oblique pieces, put it back in the pan and boil for 30 minutes. Then add 200 g of granulated sugar and, as soon as the water boils, remove from heat and strain through a strainer. Pour a hot drink into a cup and put pieces of ginseng. Ginseng tea strengthens the nervous system and memory, increases visual acuity, strengthens immunity against colds, and has a calming effect; normalizes blood pressure, liver function. It has a rejuvenating effect on the body. Lowers blood sugar. Protects against the formation of cancer cells.

With increased nervousness, mild excitability, unwillingness to focus on everyday affairs, you need to do self-massage of the neck and neck with warm ginger oil every day for a week. Rub the oil for 5 minutes, and then wrap your head and neck with a warm woolen scarf for 30 minutes.

Stomach disorders

Mix 1/2 cup of white natural yogurt with 1/2 cup of water, add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and ginger powder to the mixture.

Toxicosis during pregnancy

Boil 30 rice grains in ginger syrup until they turn yellow and chew thoroughly. Unpleasant feelings will decrease.

Deterioration of mental activity

Pour 1 tbsp. a spoonful of lemon balm herb, 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh ginger root, 1 cup of boiling water and let it brew. Alternate this tea with regular black or green tea throughout the day. Regular intake will allow you to maintain normal metabolic processes in the body, which is very important for health.

Fatigue and loss of energy

Coltsfoot, St. John's wort, oregano, mint, corn stigmas, lime blossom, wild rose, ground ginger - 1 part each, long leaf tea - 5 parts, eucalyptus and valerian root - on the tip of a knife.

Mix all the tea ingredients. Pour 1 teaspoon of the mixture with 1 cup of boiling water and let it brew for 10-15 minutes. Drink this tea in the morning before breakfast.

Dry currant leaves, raspberries, wild strawberries, thyme herbs and ground ginger - 1 part each.

Pour 3 tbsp. tablespoons of this mixture 1 liter of boiling water, leave for 2 hours in a sealed container, then strain. Drink tea in a glass 2-4 times a day.

Hawthorn (fruits), wild rose (fruits), chokeberry (fruits), Chinese magnolia vine (pulverized seeds), ginger (fresh chopped root) - 1 part each.

Mix all the tea ingredients. Pour 1 liter of boiling water over 3 teaspoons of the mixture and insist in a sealed container for 2 hours, strain. Drink this tea 2-3 times a day.

Furuncles

To draw out the contents of the boil, mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric and ginger with water to make a paste, and then apply the resulting paste to the boil.

In the past few years, an outlandish product has appeared on supermarket shelves and markets, which some have only heard of, while others have been actively using for many years - this is ginger root.

Its health benefits are undeniable. It is known for its medicinal properties for colds, flu and other ailments. It is used in cooking as a seasoning, in cosmetology, as an active component of various creams and masks. However, experts say that it can bring not only benefits, but also harm. But first things first. To begin with, let's figure out what it is.

Product description

If you have only seen ginger as a beige or yellowish-gray root, then you will be interested to know what this plant looks like in its entirety. The plant is perennial. His home country is predominantly in a tropical and subtropical climate (Australia, India, Barbados, South Asia). The largest exporter is China.

You can grow ginger in your own garden or on the windowsill, although this will require creating favorable conditions. It is a trunk like a reed, about one and a half meters in height with spike-shaped inflorescences. The flowers can be of various shades of yellow, as well as from beige to brown. The plant propagates by rhizomes. The roots themselves are in the form of medium-sized tubers (somewhat reminiscent of Jerusalem artichoke roots, but flatter). They are used after peeling. In the middle, the root is fleshy and sinewy, it has a lot of juice. The taste is a combination of spicy, spicy and sweet.

Use both fresh roots and dried, crushed into powder. You can see them in sugar or pickled (often served as a seasoning for sushi). Of course, the best and most useful are fresh roots. As a seasoning, they are added to various meat, vegetable and fish dishes; tea is brewed with them. In Europe, the plant became known in the middle 14th century, when sailors brought it there. He gained particular popularity at a time when the plague was raging in Europe. People believed that its medicinal properties protect against infection with the plague. The plant began to be widely used in the 16th century, after it was brought to America.

The composition of ginger and its calorie content

Ginger is a unique combination of trace elements and vitamins. It consists of:

• Gingerol (promotes weight loss)
• Essential oils
• Terpenes (widely used in the cosmetic and perfume industries; in medicine - as part of anthelmintic drugs, expectorants, antiseptics)
• B vitamins (B1-B6, B9)
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Macronutrients: sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, copper, iron, selenium, zinc
• Citral (starting compound for vitamin A production)

Calorie content - 80 kcal / 100 grams. Content of carbohydrates15%.

Benefits of ginger

The roots of the plant are of the greatest value to humans. For therapeutic and preventive purposes, it is worth using fresh rhizomes, and dried ginger is suitable as a spice in cooking.

Beneficial features:

1. Helps with seasickness and toxicosis in pregnant women, relieves nausea (fresh (chew a piece) or in the form of a drink)
2. Promotes digestion and speeds up metabolism
3. Eliminates flatulence, bloating, colic
4. Has a mild laxative effect
5. Helps strengthen teeth and gums (rinsing or applying a paste of the rubbed root)
6. Normalizes blood circulation, reduces blood pressure, strengthens the heart muscle
7. Used in the fight against helminths
8. Has a restorative and tonic effect on the body
9. Positive effect on memory
10. Improves skin quality
11. Reduces acne.
12. Helps with depression and mental disorders (the root itself or essential oil).

Benefits for women

It has been documented that ginger has been used as a medicinal plant for over three thousand years. Ancient Chinese healers, as well as Avicenna and Hippocrates, wrote about its amazing beneficial properties.

Almost all of the positive effects listed above are equally beneficial for the human body, both female and male. But, due to the characteristics of the organism of each of the sexes, additional areas of health can be distinguished, where it invariably has a healing effect.

It is not necessary to bypass purely female problems. The plant is known to reduce pain during menstruation. Since ancient times, it has been used in the treatment of infertility. And, as we have already said, this healing root helps relieve nausea during toxicosis in pregnant women. It should be noted that this only applies to the first trimester of pregnancy. At later dates (second or third trimester), it is better to refrain from it, because. it reduces blood pressure, and this can harm both the mother and the child. Eating rhizomes has a beneficial effect on the female organs, in particular on the uterus.

The benefits to the body are not limited to this. Ginger is considered an aphrodisiac plant (that is, it helps to increase sexual desire) due to the fact that it improves blood circulation and promotes blood flow to the pelvic organs.

The dietary properties of the product are also well known. It improves metabolism in the body, removes toxins and toxins, the body begins to burn fat reserves. Due to its properties, the plant is present in many diets.

Benefits for men

What can be especially highlighted useful for men's health from this amazing plant? In Chinese, the name "ginger" sounds like "masculinity", and it fully corresponds to its name, having a positive effect on the entire male immunity in a complex, wide spectrum.

The root is considered a male spice and has been used by the Chinese as an aphrodisiac since ancient times. Essential oils, vitamin C and lysine, in its composition increase potency, improve the tone of the muscles of the genital organs. All due to the fact that it enhances blood circulation and blood flow to the organs of the genitourinary system.

Also having anti-inflammatory properties, it prevents or reduces the development of prostatitis, and is even used in the treatment of male infertility. The immunological properties of the root should not be underestimated. Its use helps to increase vitality and improve memory.

In cosmetology

All people tend to pay attention to external beauty. For us, the condition of our hair and skin is important. For centuries, ginger has been used as a base or supplement in cosmetics. It can be added to shampoo or hair masks. You can also separately rub the juice of the plant into the scalp. Thanks to its properties, the hair will take on a healthier look, become stronger, dandruff will go away.

Also, it is a very powerful antioxidant, so its regular use frees the body of toxins, removes the released radicals. The skin is cleansed, rejuvenated, looks more well-groomed, acquires a healthy color. For those whose skin is prone to breakouts (such as teenage acne), it will be useful to know that plant derivatives act as an antiseptic and have bactericidal properties. In pharmacies, you can find skin care products with its extract.

Harm and medical contraindications

Despite all the listed beneficial properties of the plant - this is not a panacea. Even the best medicine has contraindications. Healing ginger is no exception. Let's talk in more detail about contraindications, and about what harm to health can be in different situations.

First of all, about people with serious disorders of the cardiovascular system. If you have hypertension of the second or third stage, then doctors do not recommend using the root. Why? As already mentioned, it has the ability to thin the blood. Therefore, in combination with antihypertensive drugs, blood pressure can drop sharply, and this is life-threatening. With GB of the first stage, the plant will help reduce pressure. However, you must use it carefully.

Also, do not use the root and its derivatives for people with coronary heart disease, who have had a stroke or a pre-stroke condition, a heart attack or a pre-infarction condition.

Now about diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Gingerol and other substances that make up ginger give it a sharp taste. And this means that it is better for people with stomach diseases to refuse it, because. it can be irritating to mucous membranes. Such diseases include: colitis, enterocolitis, ulcer, gastritis, diverticulitis, diverticulosis.

For the same reason, use is contraindicated if there is damage to the mucous membrane in the oral cavity. Liver diseases, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, cholelithiasis, are also contraindications for use. Not recommended for children under two years of age. Older children can be given with caution so that an allergic reaction does not start.

We repeat once again that pregnant women can use the plant and its derivatives only in the first trimester to alleviate the symptoms of toxicosis. In the second and third trimester, it is dangerous for the life of the fetus and mother, as it can greatly reduce blood pressure.

Most use the root for colds. But you should not use it if you have a fever, because it itself causes a sensation of heat. Bleeding with hemorrhoids, uterine bleeding, frequent nosebleeds are also contraindications.

Although recommended for people with diabetes, it is forbidden to combine with antidiabetic drugs. You can not combine the drug with antiarrhythmic drugs and hypotonic drugs. In case of an overdose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea are possible. In this case, you need to immediately stop using.

Selection rules

You can meet the sale of the root in several forms: fresh, dried and pickled - a different way of storage for different purposes. The dried root works well as a spice. When choosing a dried product, it is necessary to inspect its surface for fogging and mold - of course, they should not be. There should be no lumps in the ground product.

For medicinal purposes, it is best to choose fresh roots. On the shelves of supermarkets, products are often stale. If storage conditions have been violated, the root becomes dryish, wrinkled or begins to rot. Choose heavier roots, firm and dense, they have more juice. The benefits of fresh products are always, undoubtedly, higher than dried or pickled ones.

Marinade is equally suitable for cooking and for the prevention of diseases. It is slightly worse than the fresh root, and still retains many active trace elements and nutrients. It is easier to store the marinade than the dry product and its shelf life is much longer. If ginger is imported from distant hot countries, then the pickled version will be of better quality than dried.

Storage conditions

There are several options for storing ginger at home. Fresh roots are best stored in the refrigerator, pre-packed in cling film. The film will protect the roots from drying out. This will keep it for up to two weeks. Can be frozen in the freezer. Then it is better to pre-clean and cut the roots for ease of use.

An alternative way is to dry it a little and wrap the plant in thick paper. You can store at room temperature in a dry place - the shelf life is about a month. The dried product is stored mainly in cloth bags, in a dry place at room temperature - a shelf life of up to half a year.

Another option is to grate or cut into thin slices and dry in the oven at a temperature of 50 0. Readiness can be determined by touch (finished slices break easily). In this form, it can be stored in a tightly closed jar for up to several years.

Another way is to pour ginger. This will mutually enhance the properties of ginger and honey. The shelf life of such a product is up to six months.

The shelf life of such a product is up to six months. Candied fruits are made from parts of the plant, as well as marinade - it must be stored in a tightly closed container.

If you have a lot of fresh product, you can squeeze juice out of it using an electric juicer. It is not recommended to store, as well as drink juice in its pure form. Usually, a tincture of alcohol is prepared from juice, or from a root cut into slices - 50 to 50 juice and alcohol. A tightly closed bottle of tincture can retain healing properties for up to 3 years. But, if the bottle has already been opened, then you can use the contents within 21 days, on the 22nd day, everything that remains should be thrown away.

Tincture is used for several camels in tea, warm milk or fruit drink. Attention! The tincture is not added to hot drinks. Tincture is used to treat colds and infectious diseases.

How to eat

Ginger has a spicy aroma and pungent taste, and is also refreshing.

Before use, the rhizomes must be washed well under running water, peeled, and can even be placed in cold water for an hour. This is done so that particles of fertilizers and other chemicals that may have been used in cultivation do not enter the body.

On the Internet, you can find dozens of recipes for cooking. Here are the most basic ones:

1. 1 tbsp grated root is approximately equal to 1 tsp. dry ground. Proportions for cooking - 1 gram of spice per 1 kg of dish.
2. Tea with ginger. A piece of root the size of a phalanx of the little finger, grate or finely chop, pour a glass of boiling water. Add 2-3 lemon slices. Cover, let it brew. Then add a spoonful of honey or sugar. If desired, you can add grated or chopped root to any tea.
3. Another drink recipe. A piece (2-3 cm) is thinly cut. Thinly sliced ​​quince, a sprig of mint, a few clove sticks, cinnamon and 2-3 tsp are added to it. green tea. Pour 500 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for 10 minutes. Then you can add a tablespoon of honey. The drink is ready to drink.

Drinks with ginger have anti-inflammatory, soothing, tonic properties. Can be used both hot and cold.

1. Pickled ginger. Pickling it is not easy, you have to spend a lot of time. Of the available ingredients, apple cider vinegar is suitable. The roots must first be washed and peeled. Then they need to be rubbed with salt and sent to the refrigerator for 4 hours. After that, they are washed and doused with boiling water. When the roots have cooled, they are rubbed on a small vegetable cutter, poured with a marinade of vinegar, salt and sugar. For a traditional pink hue, grated beets are added. Now the marinade needs to be infused. This process will take 3 days. After that, the product is ready for use. Often it is served with rolls and sushi, as a seasoning that emphasizes the taste of the dish.
2. An alternative to sweets, and also useful, will be candied ginger. But be careful - they have a lot of sugar, which means. It's not worth getting carried away with them.
3. Many people add the plant to baking (think of the famous gingerbread).

Dried powder is used as a spice for meat and fish dishes (20 minutes before readiness), added to compotes and jams (3 minutes before readiness), in sauces (after removal from heat).

Ginger in cosmetology

On the shelves of stores and pharmacies, you can see product lines that include ginger root. These can be shampoos, hair masks, caring oils. They are mainly intended for oily and normal hair. The healing components of the plant help to eliminate dandruff, improve blood circulation in the hair follicles and strengthen the hair.

Often this plant is included in the composition of anti-cellulite creams and gels, because. it helps to improve metabolism in tissues and organs, improves blood circulation, eliminates the "orange peel".

The extract of the plant is part of the facial skin care products. Due to the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects, it helps to heal wounds and eliminate acne. Products with it are ideal for oily and combination skin. Skin prone to breakouts and acne. The substances included in its composition whiten, eliminate freckles and age spots.

The extract tones, improves blood circulation, giving the skin of the face a healthier, radiant, toned look. Due to its antifungal properties, the extract is used in antifungal products and foot creams.

In this article, we learned a lot of useful and interesting things about ginger. The next time you see these unusual roots in the store, do not pass by, be sure to stock up on this utility. Ginger treatment, the benefits that it brings, will help maintain health and give vitality to all family members.

Ginger has become popular in Russia quite recently, but meanwhile it is a very ancient spice, it was highly valued in ancient Rome, and was brought from the camp of the East. It was added to meat dishes, desserts, stews, drinks and baked various gingerbread. Today this culture is cultivated mainly in China, Ceylon, India, Indonesia, as well as in Australia, Jamaica, West Africa (Nigeria).

Before talking about the ginger root - its health benefits and harms, you should pay attention to the fact that in Russian supermarkets, fresh ginger tubers and pickled ones are most often of Chinese origin. Therefore, it is important to know that fresh ginger should not be used immediately. For the production of all crops in China, huge doses of chemicals and pesticides are used, and all products are also processed before transportation (see Chinese harm).

Therefore, before using fresh ginger, it must be thoroughly washed, cleaned, then placed in water for an hour to reduce the toxic effects on the body. Dry powder usually has foreign impurities and coarse varieties of roots are used for it - it is better not to use it. The dried root changes its properties, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects are enhanced, but the stimulation of digestion is reduced.

The industrial production of this spice in China is very developed - it is preserved in syrup, pickled, candied (boiled in sugar syrup), used as an infusion. In countries where fresh ginger is available, dried ginger is not in demand because the powder has a sluggish taste and aroma. Commodity varieties of ginger, depending on the processing, are divided into:

• White - Bengali or Jamaican - is the highest grade
• Bleached - peeled and aged in lime mortar
• Black Barbadian- unpeeled, but simply scalded or boiled

Not sluggish, dense, smooth fresh roots are considered good in quality; when broken, they should crunch, the aroma and taste of such ginger is stronger. When choosing, preference should be given to a light and shiny root, dark is much worse than light. If you purchase a powder, it should not be white-gray, but only sandy, light yellow, and should also be hermetically sealed.

Useful, healing properties of ginger root

Ginger contains a wide variety of useful substances, it has a very complex composition, including up to 400 chemical compounds, so it has a lot of medicinal properties. The root has a pleasant aroma of essential oils, which contain about 1-3%, a burning taste - gives Gingerol (phenol-like substance), it is saturated with natural sugars, carbohydrates, fats, resins, vitamins, fiber, minerals:

What are the health benefits of ginger?

Helps improve the functioning of the digestive tract

Ginger is useful in that it improves appetite, while speeding up metabolism, its use is recommended for violations of cholesterol and fat metabolism, thanks to the essential amino acids that make up its composition. This spice also contains substances that improve blood circulation, so the metabolism is accelerated and it can be used by those who are struggling with excess weight, since the stimulation of the calorie burning process contributes to weight loss. Moreover, ginger contributes to the normalization of bowel function, regulates peristalsis. Foods that are flavored with ginger root can be better absorbed by the body.

Anti-inflammatory action

The most popular use of ginger root is the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory diseases, colds, bronchitis, sore throats, since it has a moderate anti-inflammatory effect. In some European countries, ginger ale and beer are used to treat colds and are heated before drinking and are believed to lead to a quick recovery. In China, egg omelet with ginger is a folk remedy for coughs, and special cough drops are also made from the root.

Analgesic action

With any muscle, headache, joint pain - it helps to reduce pain. At home, this property of ginger can be used as follows - the grated root or its powder is mixed with water and applied as a compress to a painful place.

Antiemetic

Another useful property of ginger is its antiemetic effect. Numerous studies claim that this product is useful for reducing nausea of ​​any origin. It reduces the manifestations of toxicosis during pregnancy (see), with motion sickness, and reduces nausea as a consequence of chemotherapy, nausea during motion sickness in transport.

Immunostimulating

The benefit of ginger root also lies in the fact that it is a fairly strong antioxidant, it calms the nervous system, improves memory, strengthens the immune system, helps to cope with stress, improves visual acuity, concentration, helps, colds, is an excellent tonic.

Ginger Root Contraindications and Potential Health Harm

There is a lot of information about the medicinal properties of ginger, but with various diseases it can harm health. The benefits and harms of ginger should be considered by people who have any serious health problems, chronic diseases. Many believe that if this is a herbal remedy, then it can be used by everyone without restriction without harm to health. Ginger has certain contraindications and you should definitely consult a doctor before consuming it.

Ginger can not be used simultaneously with certain drugs:

• antiarrhythmic drugs;
• drugs that lower blood pressure;
• drugs that stimulate the work of the heart muscle;
• sugar-lowering drugs - it enhances their action, which leads to an increase in their action and side effects (see). It increases the risk of hypokalemia, and also reduces the effectiveness of beta-blockers.

When it is used, blood clotting decreases, this should be taken into account when taking various medicines that have the same side effects. With a tendency to bleeding and damage to small blood vessels, its use is contraindicated (, etc.)

You can not take it with fever, high temperature - it can contribute to its increase. With viral infections, colds with a slight temperature, its use is acceptable, and with influenza with a high temperature, it should not be used.

The potential harm of ginger root is possible with a stroke, coronary heart disease, with a heart attack and pre-infarction condition, with hypertension. In the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy, its use is not desirable, as this can cause an increase in blood pressure.

With skin diseases, ginger can cause skin irritation or exacerbation of existing chronic skin diseases.

It is contraindicated in any liver disease - hepatitis, as well as in cholelithiasis.

Everything is good in moderation, with excessive consumption of ginger, allergic reactions, diarrhea or vomiting can occur, therefore this product should not be abused and if indigestion or allergies appear, its consumption should be stopped.

How to store ginger root?

• The entire supply of aromatic substances and essential oils is located under the skin, so it should be cleaned carefully, thinner
• Fresh root can keep fresh when stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. A dry root can retain beneficial properties for about 4 months.
• When grinding it, it is better not to use a wooden cutting board that absorbs the juice of the root.
• Ginger juice can irritate mucous membranes, so you should wash your hands thoroughly after contact with fresh root.
• For grinding, it is better to use a grater, it will help get rid of the hard veins that are at the root
• To preserve ginger, it can be peeled and steeped in vodka, wine, and both the root itself and the flavored drink as a seasoning can be used for several weeks.