Ginger – Zingiber Officinale

Ginger is a flowering plant that originated in Southeast Asia.  The rhizome, ginger root or ginger, is widely used as a spice and is one of the most delicious too!  It is a herbaceous perennial which grows annual pseudo stems about one meter tall bearing narrow leaf blades.

Ginger is used to flavour spicy dishes and tastes amazing but it also holds many medicinal benefits.  It is known to fight inflammation, cleanse the colon, reducing spasms and cramps, while stimulating circulation.  Ginger is a strong antioxidant and an effective antimicrobial agent for sores and wounds.  It will protect the liver and stomach.

Although the sugar content of Ginger sweets and Ginger beer are not great, the medicinal qualities of the Ginger remain the same.

Limit intake when pregnant and should not be used by those who take anticoagulants or have gallstones.