The properties of ginger and possible uses in cooking and medicine

Ginger is highly recommended to treat digestive disorders. It stimulates the production of gastric juices and, if we take it after meals, will help to reduce swelling and nausea

Know the properties of ginger is very interesting, since the use of it in the kitchen can bring us a lot of benefits to our health.

History of ginger

It is said that ginger appeared in Southeast Asia more than 3000 years ago. Export to central Asia was carried out in the 5th century BC by the Persian King Darius, obtained her Indian plantations for sale by Middle East.

The first data that have the gingerbread trade are written by Confucius and relates how the Phoenicians were who take you to the Mediterranean. Later the trade would be extended throughout the Mediterranean, Red Sea, etc...
Although its use was relegated to oblivion after the Roman Empire, the travels of Marco Polo exported it to American soil, so it now can be found a wild cultivation of this plant in the Caribbean Islands.
Currently, the main exporter of ginger, and of the highest quality, is Jamaica.

Culinary uses of ginger

Among the properties of ginger is its powerful ability to enhance the flavor. In Asian cuisine used it to hide more strong flavors such as seafood and some meats.
It is mainly used in oriental cooking as a flavor enhancer in dishes of meat, fish, rice, etc. Although prepare plenty of sauces seasoned with this super plant.
For Western cuisine we usually limit their use dry or powder, which brings to the kitchen some exotic, sometimes spicy, aroma other properties of ginger.
It is also very well suited to sweet dishes, cakes, dessert, caramelized fruits, sorbets, etc.

Using the properties of ginger for therapeutic purposes

• Ginger is traditionally used for stomach disorders, digestive problems. It stimulates the pancreas which generates an increase in the production of enzymes, which favor digestion. Some of the remedies that we associate with ginger are dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, or ulcers.

By stimulating gastric juices, we can use the soothing ginger after meals. It will reduce bloating and nausea.

• Other properties of ginger more surprise, is its anti-inflammatory, very indicated for rheumatic and muscular problems. Here we must say that it is one of the most recommended infusions for menstrual cramps.

• Recommended for colds and moments of mucus. Hot and mixed with lemon and honey low fever and lowers other infections.

How to use

As infusion to prevent headaches, for example menstruation just have to warm up four or five slices of fresh ginger root (unpeeled leave), one teaspoon of lemon juice and honey.

• We put water to boil and when it breaks to boil add slices.

• Let boil for 10 - 15 minutes until you take a brown color.

• Before taking it, we add the lemon juice and honey.

As you can see the properties of ginger are varied and allow apply it for multiple purposes, both curative and culinary.

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