A natural booster herb Ginger, Image: Pexels
Image: Pexels
Ginger, the spicy all-star of the plant family that brought us cardamom and turmeric, owes its zesty aroma to gingerols.
The name "ginger" has quite the journey, starting from the Sanskrit srngaveram (meaning “horn root,” thanks to its how it looks), winding through Middle English as gingivere, and landing on our spice racks.
For over 5,000 years, Indians and Chinese have been cultivating this powerhouse as a medicinal cure-all. Today, ginger thrives across humid tropics, with India reigning as the top producer.
Back in the day, it wasn’t just a kitchen staple—it was a prized trade item, exported to the Roman Empire for its healing magic.
From easing colds and nausea to tackling arthritis, migraines, and hypertension, ginger’s been doing the health hustle for centuries.
7 reasons why ginger should be your new superfood — Weight loss, fighting germs, digestive aid & more
Ginger’s anti-nausea fame is no myth—science backs it up. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) highlights ginger’s effectiveness in tackling morning sickness, motion sickness, and even chemo-induced nausea. Just a pinch of ginger can calm those queasy moments, making it a must-have for moms-to-be and globetrotters.
Ginger’s bioactive compound, gingerol, takes centre stage, soothing your stomach and ensuring smooth digestion. Harvard Health confirms its role as your gut’s reliable sidekick
With over 400 compounds, including powerhouse gingerols and shogaols, ginger’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits are no small feat. NCBI notes its potential to fight chronic inflammation, offering your body a detox boost to keep disease at bay.
Fresh ginger doesn’t just tantalise your palate—it’s a bacterial buster too. Its antimicrobial properties combat germs like E. coli, making it a flavourful addition to your health arsenal.
NCBI also links ginger to anti-aging magic, targeting the hallmarks of aging while promoting skin and joint health. It’s the ultimate youth-preserving antidote you should have that is cheaper than most skincare bottles.
Another health benefit of having ginger is that helps regulate metabolism and energy production while tackling chronic inflammation and even supporting your gut microbiome. Who knew ginger could be your all-in-one energy enhancer?
If you’re struggling with weight management, research published in 2017 suggests ginger can help trim your waistline, manage diabetes risks, and improve metabolic health. It’s a spicy addition to your wellness plan—no crash diets needed.
Ginger is the ultimate flavour shapeshifter, appearing in all its glory—fresh, dried, pickled, crystallised, or as powder. Its peppery, slightly sweet punch only gets bolder with age, so timing is everything.
For essential oils, you’ll want to let it mature for nine months. Sushi’s favourite sidekick, pickled ginger, blushes pink in sweet vinegar. At eight to nine months, the skin toughens, making it ideal for drying or grinding into spice-rack staples like powders for cookies and curries.
Crystallised ginger is a candy lover’s dream—cooked in syrup and sugar-dusted perfection. If you prefer a milder, tender version, then harvest at five months for fresh recipes or preserves. And when the chill sets in, nothing beats a warm cup of ginger tea. Add a splash of lemon or lime, a drizzle of honey, and voilà—a soothing, after-dinner delight.