Ginger Spice

No, we’re not talking about the Spice Girls’ Gerri Halliwel. This is all about Zingiber officinale, or ginger – the spice.

Ginger has been traditionally used for cooking throughout the world. It is pickled in vinegar, boiled to make ginger tea, used as a spice in Chinese seafood dishes, and even manufactured into crackers.

In China, ginger has been used as an herbal medicine for the last 2,500 years. Stewed in boiling water to make a tea, it can abate abdominal bloating, relieve coughing, vomiting and diarrhea. It is also a good remedy for joint diseases like arthritis and rheumatism.

Have a colicky baby? Try a mild ginger tea. Pregnant and nauseous? It helps with morning sickness. Studies have also discovered that its blood thinning properties aid in lowering cholesterol, making it useful for treating heart disease.

It is more commonly used as a cold remedy, soothes sore throats and generally boosts the immune system. Research is looking into how it improves circulation and blood flow, and regulates blood sugar.

If you’re not a fan of Ginger spice, have some ginger root instead. It will give you more energy, boost your immune system and refresh you greatly.