Spirituality Malaysia : More about Ginger ...

More about Ginger ...
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Hoi Kok Wai on 02 August, 2010 03:33:00
 
I must apologise for the long hiatus. Anyway, I am back! :)
Cast of Gilligan's Island - Ginger is the redhead in white dress...
Does anyone recall the red-headed Ginger in the popular TV series of long ago,
Gilligan's Island? Hmm... i had much fun in my childhood days watching and
laughing at the silly adventures. This of course is a dead give-away of the era
I came from! Perhaps I can claim having watched this from DVDs, which I did see
on the shelves of DVD shops selling TV series of new and old.... hehehee!
What brought on Ginger was an email I have just received from a friend, Selena,
listing out quite extensively the many use of ginger. I have written about this
handy and popular kitchen ingredient before but as they say, a good thing is
worth repeating! So here goes an extract from the email received:
_Ginger is one of the world's seven most potent disease-fighting spices. _
_Ginger has been used for its health benefits for over 5000 years and is a
favorite medicinal as well as culinary herb. _
_Unlike most spices, the part that has the most medicinal value grows under
ground. Often mistakenly called “ginger root” this is actually the rhizome
of the plant which is more of a subterranean stem than a root. Although you can
use dried ginger and powdered ginger for health benefits, fresh ginger is
preferred._
_The intake of ginger helps stimulate the secretion of mucus, quieting your
cough and soothing any scratchiness in your throat._
_Ginger has been proven (in multiple studies) to treat feelings of nausea,
particularly in the form of seasickness, morning sickness, motion sickness and
as a side effect of chemotherapy._
_In pregnancy is to be extra careful!! Never use any herb, including ginger,
without first discussing it with your doctor!! As for those suffering from
ulcer, or other very serious gastric problems, they should also consult their
doctor._
_Ginger contains anti viral, anti toxic, and anti fungal properties, and is used
for the prevention of and treatment against the common cold._
_Ginger acts as an antihistamine and aids in the treatment of allergies._
_Ginger displays anti inflammatory properties and can be used to treat
rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and various other muscular disorders._
_The chemical components of the root are instrumental in inhibiting the
biosynthesis of prostaglandins which are responsible for causing inflammation._
_Thus the root has proven to be a highly effective form of treatment, in some
cases, even more so than the NSAID's that are traditionally prescribed._
_So eating ginger may help to prevent cancer and aging disorders._
_Ginger contains special enzymes responsible for catalyzing the proteins in your
food, thus aiding in digestion and the prevention of cramps._
_Good for those with constipation!_
_The ancient Greeks used to eat ginger after a large meal,_
_in order to ease the digestion process._
_Ginger has proven to help lower your cholesterol levels and prevent the
formation of blood clots._
_As a mood enhancer, ginger's cineole content may help contribute to stress
relief._
_Also used for migraine headache._
_Ginger can also be used for reducing toothache and the discomfort which arises
due to the infection in the upper respiratory tract due to its antibacterial and
antifungal nature._
_Chewing on fresh ginger, can help freshen the breath._
_Being a warming herb, ginger can help knock out a fever. This property also
makes it effective in stimulating circulation of the blood._
_It can also help relax muscles around the blood vessels and is said to help
prevent blood clots from forming. The warming effects make it a natural
decongestant as well as an antihistamine, making it the perfect remedy for
colds._
_Some studies show that it can even help inhibit the replication of the herpes
simplex virus._
_Recent studies show that ginger might also have a role in lowering LDL
cholesterol because the spice can help reduce the amount of cholesterol that is
absorbed._
_It has also been shown in animal trials to help slow_
_or even prevent cancerous tumor growth._
_To discover the health benefits of ginger for yourself, simply make a tea by
steeping about 5 slices of ginger in hot water._
_If you prefer it in your food, ginger is excellent in many dishes and is
perfect when combined with garlic._
_Ginger doesn't only spice up your food it can also help to put some extra spice
in your intimate life too. It improves blood flow to your sexual organs, and
contains Vitamin C, zinc and magnesium._
There was no quote on the source of the information above. But anyhow, read and
discern for yourself what works for you. :)