Health Benefits of Ginger

Scientific name: Zingiber officinale
Other names: Common Ginger; Garden Ginger; True Ginger
Part used: crop root

Origins & Properties

Ginger is original from Maritime Southeast Asia. It is a true cultigen and does not exist in its wild state. The most ancient evidence of its domestication is among the Austronesian peoples where it was among several species of ginger cultivated and exploited since ancient times.

Ginger is an erect, slender, perennial herb usually grown as an annual crop, with a thickened, fleshy, subterranean rhizome and with one or more aerial leafy stems. The rhizome is robust and fleshy, growing horizontally underground but at shallow depth. It irregularly branches.

Common Uses

Very aromatic, ginger is popular as a spice for flavoring food, while the oil of ginger may be used for perfume and medicine. Historically, ginger has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes, often as a digestive aid, but also for other ailments. In addition, the plant has ornamental value for landscaping.

Benefits

Detox: Stimulates digestion
Oral health: Keep oral bacteria from growing which makes the mouth healthy
Calms Nausea: Eases a queasy stomach and breaks up built-up gas in the intestines
Anti-inflammatory: Helps with symptoms of arthritis and osteoarthritis