Ginger root is a very common seasoning for a wide variety of dishes. It is especially popular in Asian cuisine, where a small amount of fragrant spicy root is present in almost all dishes. A bright, very pleasant aroma and healing properties of ginger are manifested due to the content of a large amount of essential oils, and a slightly burning taste is formed due to the phenol-like substance gingerol. In addition to essential oils, ginger root contains unique amino acids - tryptophan, threonine, methionine, phenylalanine and many others.
We will not touch on the taste features of the root. Let's talk about its use as a medicine and prophylactic. The healing properties of ginger have been known in folk medicine since ancient times. Apply it in the form of tincture or decoction, as well as in dry powder. In homeopathy, it is treated with infusion of dried root. The range of its use in medicine is very wide.
1. Ginger is an effective anti-inflammatory, healing, sedative and bactericidal agent. This is a great drug to enhance immunity and strengthen the body.
2. The healing properties of ginger are manifested in its beneficial effect on the digestive system. It promotes better absorption of food, stimulates appetite, improves the functioning of the stomach and intestines, eliminates flatulence. The root is taken for indigestion and diarrhea.
3. Ginger is widely used in the treatment of acute respiratory infections and flu. The healing properties of it as an immunostimulant in these diseases manifest themselves very well. In addition, it relieves inflammation and pain in the throat and lungs, and has an expectorant effect.
4. As an anesthetic, the root relieves pain in the stomach and intestines, eliminates renal and biliary colic.
5. Compresses made from ginger powder are widely used in the treatment of joint pain and rheumatism, arthritis and arthrosis, as well as to relieve swelling with sprains and bruises.
6. Ginger root, saturated with a large number of nutrients, has a general strengthening effect, reduces fatigue and improves performance.
7. The healing properties of ginger as an antioxidant are known, which removes toxins and harmful substances from the body, contributing to better cell renewal, accelerated metabolism. These features of the plant are used in weight loss programs.
8. Ginger and its medicinal properties are widely used in cosmetology and aromatherapy. It removes inflammatory processes on the skin, cleanses and smoothes it, eliminates furunculosis. Using the root, you can relieve toothache, strengthen the gums and get a pleasant breath.
As a medical preparation, ginger root is used in its entirety, for example, it is applied with a juicy cut to the site of inflammation or localization of pain, it is kept in the mouth, chewing slowly, or it is mixed with water into gruel as a powder and compresses and applications are made. A mixture of ginger with chili pepper, turmeric (2: 1: 0.5) and a small amount of warm water will relieve pain in the back and joints. Ginger and turmeric powder in equal proportions, mixed with water in a slurry, will eliminate boils and ulcers on the skin. For pain in the stomach and intestinal disorders, ground root is added to natural yogurt, diluted with a small amount of boiled water.
Like any medicine, ginger has its contraindications. It should not be taken with peptic ulcer during exacerbation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, pathological reflux, some acute gastrointestinal diseases, etc.
For the general strengthening of the body, prevention of colds, increasing immunity, ginger root is brewed in combination with black and green tea and other additives (lemon, mint, currant leaf).