There is so much talk about ginger from those who are into health and wellness. If you have ever wondered what’s so great about ginger? here is my attempt at an overview of what makes this little alien looking root perfection. I come from a place where ginger grows naturally, really many things do in the super fertile lushly green area of South Carolina that I come from. In fact this area is the home of Blenhiem ginger ale. Not that this makes me an aficionado on ginger but it’s a fun fact and I guess it suggests that the love runs deep. At any rate I do love Zingiber officinale and it’s an amazing organism.

My favorite thing about ginger is it’s anti-inflammatory property. What many people don’t realize is that mucous is an inflammatory reaction of the body. Mucous is protective and is produced as a reaction to some sort of irritation. Much like puss, which is just another name for mucous forms at the sight of skin injuries. The internal organs and membranes produce the slimy liquid in an attempt to purge foreign substances and microorganisms. The truth is we live in a toxic environment. Processed sugar, chemical preservatives, and hormones in our food. Fluoride and other foreign materials in our drinking water, it’s pretty intense. Ginger’s super power of counter acting the effects of all this contamination alone makes it worth all the praise it receives.

But I’m still talking here, Ginger also has an uplifting effect on the nervous system. I find that ginger gives me a nice little mood boost and this is why it makes its way into most of my smoothies, tea and other drinks I tend to have midday. The scent is strong but pleasantly warm like its flavor so it fits well into a variety of food dishes and beverages. In summer blend a small piece with some water add ice and the juice of a whole lemon. This super easy to make bevy is refreshing and uplifting as well as detoxifying. Ginger also has a centering effect that I enjoy. I love something like this with a yoga session. I’m not sure if this is everyone’s experience or my personal experience of the mood boost.

The main draw for most is the calming effect of ginger on the digestive system. Ginger regulates acid secretion in the gut protecting it’s lining. This is why ginger is so widely used to treat stomach upsets. The drink I described earlier is perfect for the little upsets that can happen from time to time as well. I’m sure if I decided to dive into it I could go on for pages about why ginger is perfect, but as I said this is my attempt at explaining, meaning it’s based on my opinions. Now I’m going to make ginger black tea, so I will end this post the way your mom would. EAT IT, its good for you 🙂