Fresh ginger combined with
cumin and coriander helps to break down high-protein foods such as meat and beans, and
lessens the formation of uric acid in the body. With beans, it counters the problems
of flatulence. In Indian cooking, no dhal or bean dish is ever contemplated without the
addition of ginger. Here we have a great secret of traditional cuisine – food that
not only sustains life and promotes growth, but also incorporates cooking techniques that
aid digestion.
Best ways to take ginger
| · |
For maximum effect on
lungs and head, for mucous and catarrhal conditions, drink
ginger as tea - see recipe below. |
| · |
Or mix the grated
root with a little water and squeeze the milky liquid as a dressing on
foods. |
| · |
For action on colon,
kidneys and lower extremities, add ginger at the beginning of cooking –
e.g. sauté with onions at the beginning of bean or pulse cooking.
Or take in powdered form or in capsules, following stated dose on pack. |
| · |
If your stomach is
upset, a glass of fresh ginger tea will settle it. |
 To
make ginger tea, cut several slices of fresh ginger,
add to water and brew - the longer the stronger. Ginger tea can offset the
craving of sweet and alcoholic drinks.
Drinking ginger tea after eating Indian food of an indigestible nature once
saved me.
I had been eating flat bread, or roti, made with white flour and
copious baking powder, something I learned to avoid
( it is best made with wheat flour and no baking powder).
I felt this heavy lump in the stomach and was feeling most uncomfortable.
Fortunately, my hostess had ginger tea brewing on the stove.
Within a few minutes, I felt a warming sensation and thereafter total
physical relief.
| · |
Ginger is a pungent
food that promotes energy circulation and increases the metabolic rate.
Naturopathic medicine uses it for heart and artery renewal and
hypertension. If you are on
medication for these conditions, seek professional Naturopathic advice,
but do not give up your normal medication without consulting your
doctor. |
| · |
As a general tonic,
incorporate ginger in the diet, having it as an occasional tea or take
capsules for dried ginger as directed on the product. |
| · |
Ginger has a warming
nature and should not be used when there are signs of heat, such as when
a person feels hot, fears or dislikes heat, and is attracted to cold.
Signs of heat include bright red tongue, red face, red eyes, high blood
pressure, fever and inflammation. |
| · |
Despite this, fresh
ginger as tea helps disperse temporary body heat in summer – having a
cooling effect – this is why hot spices are often used in hot climate
countries (cayenne pepper, horse radish, black pepper). |
Ginger for travel sickness
 The
most convenient form for this purpose is capsules. Take ˝ hour or so
before travelling or have crystallised ginger on hand when motion sickness
occurs. This does the trick for some
people. Several studies show the positive effect of ginger on travel
sickness, though doses vary. One
study suggests taking 500mg 1 hour before travel and then 500 mg every two
to four hours as necessary.
Half doses can be given to children - if they are willing to try the spicy
flavour.
| · |
Ginger as a warming
spice can be added to milk to improve its digestibility. |
| · |
Ginger protects the
lungs and the colon. Its healing qualities can transform, reduce, or
expel phlegm in the lungs. Cold-type asthma (white, clear, foamy
discharge, with cold extremities and pale complexion) is alleviated by
the addition of fresh ginger to the diet. |
| · |
For throat
inflammation and asthma, bronchitis and coughs, boil ˝ oz
grated raw ginger to 1 pint of water
and allow water to reduce by half. Cool and then add ˝ teaspoon honey. |
| · |
Oil of ginger
stimulates circulation and is useful for arthritic and rheumatic
disorders, especially for muscle complaints due to age; the oil should
be massaged into affected parts. I recommend that persons suffering from
these conditions should avoid all meat and animal produce. |
| · |
For an aphrodisiac
effect, the root is combined with honey, cloves and olive oil. (The
quantities of each are not stated so experiment at your joyous peril!) |
| · |
Ginger is a natural diuretic (take as tea), is
good for constipation
(use in cooking and
try the ginger dressing mentioned above) and for urinary
difficulties (tea or
capsules as directed on pack). |
Powerful herbs and strongly medicinal foods should
be used cautiously in the normal diet. To use ginger as a medicinal aid, remember that
each person will react differently, as they do to any other herb or spice. The amount that suits you is a matter of moderate
experimentation and observation. To get best
results, you may want to seek advice from a Naturopathic practitioner. A Chinese folk saying warns, “Healthy people
who regularly use medicines become ill.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
 Cornelis van Dalen has more than ten years experience in the Naturopathic
approach to health and well-being. He is the media liaison for the College of Naturopathic
and Complementary Medicine (CNM) and Secretary-General of the Association of Naturopathic
Practitioners (ANP).
For any questions regarding
courses in Naturopathy and Complementary Medicine (Homoeopathy, Herbalism, Traditional
Chinese Medicine, Nutrition), you are invited to contact the CNM Head Office, at 73
Gardenwood Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 1RX . Telephone 01342 410 505, Fax
01342 410 909
or e-mail : info@bestcare-uk.com.
If in any doubt about any of the information covered in health
related articles and its relevance for you, consult your GP
To
view previous articles in this series - see the laterlife-interest
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