Herb of the Month: Ginger, a Spicy Root with Potent Benefits
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Time to read 7 min
Did you know that ginger has been used for over 5,000 years in traditional healing systems? Known for its warming properties and soothing benefits, this powerful root benefits digestion, circulation, and immunity.
Ginger: A Root of Warming Wellness
While ginger is often recognized for its spicy flavor and culinary versatility, this ancient root has a much deeper story to tell. Native to Southeast Asia, Zingiber officinale has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine for thousands of years, valued for its ability to support digestion, circulation, and overall vitality. Found in kitchens and remedies across the globe, ginger's unmistakable warmth comes from its active compounds, including gingerol, which give it both its signature zing and its remarkable health benefits.
Don’t let its fiery kick fool you—ginger is a soothing powerhouse. From calming an upset stomach to warming the body on a chilly day, this root has a long history of providing comfort and support. While fresh ginger is a treat for the senses, freeze-dried ginger offers a convenient way to enjoy its full spectrum of benefits. Freeze-drying locks in ginger’s essential nutrients and bioactive compounds, ensuring it remains as potent as fresh while being easy to use year-round.
The Historical Use of Ginger
Ginger, or Zingiber officinale, has a rich history spanning thousands of years, firmly rooted in traditional healing systems across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Celebrated for its warming and invigorating properties, ginger was often used as a remedy for digestive issues, respiratory discomfort, and overall vitality. Ancient texts from Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) highlight ginger as a key herb for balancing the body, warming the system, and boosting energy, particularly during colder seasons or times of fatigue.
Ginger’s journey into the Western world began through the spice trade, where it was prized for its culinary value and also adopted for its healing properties. Sailors often carried ginger to combat seasickness, and it became a trusted remedy for nausea, indigestion, and colds. By the Middle Ages, ginger was a staple in both European kitchens and apothecaries, cherished for its ability to ease digestive woes and stimulate circulation.
Modern science has since validated many of these historical uses. Compounds like gingerol, the active ingredient in ginger, have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, aligning with the herb’s traditional role in soothing discomfort and promoting overall wellness. While fresh ginger remains a beloved staple, freeze-dried ginger has emerged as a superior option for preserving its potent compounds, making it easier than ever to harness the full power of this ancient root in contemporary life.
Did you know that ancient sailors carried ginger on long voyages to combat seasickness? Today, it remains a go-to remedy for nausea, digestion, and immune support.
The Amazing Health Benefits of Ginger
Ginger might just be nature's ultimate multitasker! Known for its warming and invigorating properties, this spicy root is a true powerhouse of health benefits. What makes ginger even more impressive is how freeze-dried ginger captures all the natural goodness of the fresh root in a convenient, potent form. From supporting digestion to promoting overall wellness, freeze-dried ginger delivers all the vibrant benefits of this beloved herb without the hassle of peeling or grating. Let’s explore why ginger deserves a place in your wellness routine.
- Supports Digestion : Ginger is well-known for soothing nausea, reducing bloating, and promoting healthy digestion.
- Immune Booster : Its natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds help fortify the immune system, especially during seasonal challenges.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties : Gingerol, its active compound, helps calm inflammation, offering support for joint and muscle comfort.
- Promotes Circulation : Ginger’s warming effects stimulate blood flow, making it great for cold hands and feet during chilly months.
- Eases Nausea : From motion sickness to morning sickness, ginger is a go-to remedy for calming an unsettled stomach.
- Respiratory Health : Its warming properties can help ease congestion and support clear breathing.
- Menstrual Comfort : Ginger can provide natural relief for menstrual discomfort by supporting muscle relaxation.
- Supports Detoxification : Stimulates circulation and aids in removing toxins from the body.
Ginger’s versatility and health benefits make it a valuable addition to any wellness plan. Whether enjoyed fresh, brewed into a tea, or taken as a freeze-dried supplement, ginger brings warmth, balance, and vitality to your everyday life.
The Energetics and Symbolism of Ginger
Ginger is a deeply warming and invigorating herb, celebrated for its ability to stimulate energy and bring balance to the body. Its warming nature makes it an ideal remedy for cold-related imbalances, such as sluggish digestion, poor circulation, or seasonal discomforts. In traditional medicine, ginger is considered a harmonizing herb that invigorates and energizes, helping to ignite the body’s internal fire.
Planetary Alignment: Ginger is associated with the planet Mars, which represents energy, action, and vitality. This alignment reflects ginger’s fiery, stimulating qualities, making it a symbol of strength and resilience.
Chakra Connection: Ginger resonates with the Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura), the energy center linked to confidence, personal power, and digestion. By stimulating this chakra, ginger promotes clarity, motivation, and the drive to act. It’s a perfect herb for aligning the body and mind with a sense of purpose and strength.
Symbolism: Across cultures, ginger is a symbol of vitality, strength, and protection. Its ability to warm and invigorate embodies resilience and the power to thrive, even in challenging circumstances. Ginger is often seen as a force for transformation, helping to revitalize the body and empower the spirit.
With its fiery energy and profound benefits, ginger is more than just an herb—it’s a catalyst for balance, strength, and renewal.
Our Ginger is grown in Hawaii on a beautiful organic farm. Freeze-drying preserves all the active compounds of fresh ginger, such as gingerol, enzymes, and vitamins.
Freeze-dried Hawaiian Ginger
Our Hawaiian ginger is organically grown with care and respect for the environment on lush, certified organic farms in Hawaii. The fertile volcanic soil and ideal climate create the perfect conditions for cultivating ginger that is both potent and nutrient-rich. With our dedication to sustainable practices, we ensure that every ginger root is grown in harmony with the land, supporting the health of the soil and the surrounding ecosystem.
Once harvested, our ginger undergoes a gentle freeze-drying process that perfectly preserves its natural potency and nutritional integrity. Unlike other drying methods that can diminish the ginger’s bioactive compounds, freeze-drying locks in its vibrant life force, retaining the full spectrum of nutrients and powerful compounds like gingerol. The result is a convenient, easy-to-use capsule that delivers all the warming, digestive, and immune-supporting benefits of fresh ginger, no matter the season.
Our Favorite Ginger Recipes
This collection of ginger recipes celebrates the comforting and warming qualities of the herb. From classic Japanese pickled ginger to immunity-boosting shots, and comforting convalescence soup, each recipe showcases ginger’s ability to energize and soothe, while incorporating elements of Japanese tradition.
Pickled Ginger
Pickled ginger, also known as gari, is a tangy, slightly sweet accompaniment often enjoyed with sushi or as a palate cleanser. This quick and easy recipe allows you to make your own at home with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 large piece of fresh ginger (about 6 ounces)
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
- Blanch Ginger: Boil water, blanch ginger slices for 30 seconds, then drain and cool.
- Make Pickling Liquid: Heat rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and water in a saucepan until sugar dissolves. Cool slightly.
- Pickle : Place ginger in a jar, pour pickling liquid over it, and ensure slices are submerged.
- Store : Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for 24 hours before serving. Keeps for up to 1 month.
Pro Tip:If you want the signature pink hue often seen in pickled ginger, add a slice of red radish or a small piece of beet to the jar before sealing.
Enjoy your homemade pickled ginger with sushi, salads, or as a flavorful snack!
Immunity Shots
Ingredients (Makes 4 Shots):
- 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled
- 2-inch piece of fresh turmeric, peeled (or 1 tsp turmeric powder)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (enhances turmeric absorption)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Blend: Combine ginger, turmeric, orange juice, lemon juice, and black pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Strain: Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove pulp, pressing to extract all the liquid.
- Sweeten (Optional): Stir in honey if you prefer a touch of sweetness.
- Serve: Pour into small shot glasses and enjoy immediately.
Japanese Rice Soup
This comforting Japanese rice porridge, made with kombu dashi, highlights the warming, soothing properties of fresh ginger. It’s a simple, nourishing dish perfect for chilly days or when you need a gentle, healthful meal. Gentle on the stomach, okayu is often eaten as a convalescence food or as nourishment when the digestive system is upset.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup short-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 piece kombu (about 4 inches)
- 5 cups water
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Toppings: Green onion, Toasted sesame seeds, Nori strips, Sauteed Shitake Mushrooms, Mitsuba green herb, or umeboshi pickled plums
Instructions:
- Prepare the Kombu Dashi: Place the kombu in 5 cups of water and let it soak for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for a deeper flavor). Heat the water and kombu over medium heat until just before it starts to boil. Remove the kombu and set the dashi aside.
- Cook the Porridge: Combine the rinsed rice and kombu dashi in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice breaks down into a creamy consistency.
Add the Ginger: Stir in the grated ginger, soy sauce or tamari, and salt. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve: Ladle the okayu into bowls and top with desired toppings.
The Author: Christine Alstat
Meet Chris Alstat, an internationally acclaimed naturopath and herbalist of Japanese heritage, whose profound expertise in plants and natural health has garnered recognition worldwide. As the dedicated owner of Eclectic Herb, Christine seamlessly intertwines her deep-rooted commitment to the Earth with her business, cultivating a space where her passion for plants is ever in full bloom. Her influential voice on herbal wisdom resonates across the globe through publications and panels, reflecting a lifetime commitment to nurturing both the plant kingdom and the earth.
