Health Benefits Ginger

Chinese herbal medicine is viewed through the lens of flavor,temperature of the herb, and direction of action within the body.If you have ever taken a raw piece of ginger and placed it on your tongue, you know right away the temperature of ginger is warm and slightly spicy. The flavor of ginger is considered to be acrid. Acrid herbs have the benefit of being dispersive, and promote movement within the body. If you have ever had an upset stomach with cramps, you can quickly note the dispersive effects of fresh ginger when consumed as a tea to settle the stomach. 

The direction of action within the body is more complicated to explain. In simplistic terms: ginger can help promote sweating, which can help ward of a cold or flu in its early stages, and it can warm the center or middle of the body, assisting the function of the stomach and digestion.Ginger, called Sheng Jiang in Chinese (meaning”Fresh Ginger”), is used in multiple forms for Chinese herbal medicine. There is the fresh ginger root itself, blast-fried ginger root (called Gan Jiang), and charred ginger (called Pao Jiang). Preparation of the root in these different forms draws out different therapeutic functions. 

Fresh ginger is used for coldand flu prevention, easing nausea and warming the stomach (improving digestion), treating cough and eliminating toxins. Of course: None of this is news! Why is sushi always served with pickled ginger? It helps eliminates toxins that result in food poisoning. Why did grandma give us ginger-ale as kids? It helps settle the stomach. Why do we commonly drink ginger tea in the winter months? It warms the core of the body and helps us avoid getting illness.

In fact, Western studies show that fresh ginger does have an antibiotic effect on microbes like salmonella, which cause us to get ill. Fresh ginger will also increase stomach acid secretion and intestinal motility, settling an upset stomach! Part of some Chinese longevity practices include the consumption of some form of ginger with major meals. Here are a few ways you can do the same, and promote a long and healthy life into old age as well:

Ginger Tea

Slice 3-5 pieces of ginger, 1/2″ thick
place in a cup and add boiling water
brew for 10 minutes, then enjoy
optional: add a tbs of honey for taste. Getting a cold?! Add honey and 2 tbs of lemon juice to your tea and drink hot!

Pickled Ginger

8 oz fresh ginger, peele
1 tablespoon sea salt
1 cup rice vinegar
1/3 cup sugar