Ingredient of the Day - Ginger

One of the most medicinal foods found in the modern kitchen is ginger root. Ginger root is the underground rhizome of the ginger plant and can have flesh that is yellow, white or red, depending upon the variety. The yellow variety is what is commonly found in North American supermarkets.

Ginger is widely known for its healing properties, especially its anti-inflammatory properties and effect on inflammation based pain such as that from arthritis and menstrual cramps.

At this stage of my life I do not use prescription or OTC drugs (with the exception of vitamins and supplements) so ginger tea has become my "drug" of choice in relieving menstrual cramps. It takes about an hour to kick in but its effects last at least 3 or 4 hours. Having a cup or two the day prior to your cycle will get the ginger into your system possibly preventing the cramps from becoming as severe.

There have been tests conducted on the effect of ginger extract on cancer cells but I won't get into that here. For more information visit the World's Healthiest Foods article on Ginger here.

Ginger's other medicinal uses include: relieving nausea and vomiting (including motion and morning sickness- see below cautions), reducing intestinal gas, relaxing/soothing the digestive tract, detoxification and boosting immunity.

For nausea - Steep one or two 1/2-inch slices of fresh ginger root in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes.
For inflammatory pain (arthritis, menstrual cramps etc.) - Peel a 2 inch piece of ginger root and slice into thin slices. Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, add the ginger. Cover and reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea. If it's too spicy, dilute with a little fresh water until tolerable.

To store unpeeled: Wrap in paper towel and store in its own plastic bag in your fridge's crisper drawer for up to 3 weeks. It can be frozen for up to 6 months.

Magickally speaking ginger is associated with power, love, money, healing, and success (including enhancing the success of spell work). It can be used in an amulet, mojo or medicine bag to promote healing and protection. Eating some ginger before working magickally with ginger helps to slightly raise your energy level in turn helping the spell.

In aromatherapy the uplifting and energizing scent warms the heart and cold, dull or fearful emotional states. It helps to open up feeling and improve communication, improve memory, sharpen the senses and stimulate energy.

Cautions:
Ginger in all forms is usually very safe however it should not be taken in the 4 days prior to surgery as it can make blood platelets less sticky, affecting bleeding time. It's fine to take the day after. Those on blood thinners should also consult with their doctor.
Do not take ginger for the first 2 months of pregnancy.
Ginger increases bile flow so people with gallstones should consult their doctor prior to taking.
250g or 1 cup of tea, 4x a day is the safe recommended dose.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. This information is not intended to be medical advice. As with all herbs and drugs, research is a must and consult with your health care professional before using medicinally.