Ginger: what it is and what it is used for

Ginger is one of the best-known ingredients, both in cooking and in medicine. In today’s post, we will clear up all your questions about this root, its benefits and which ginger products are the best on the market. Read on!

This ingredient, originally from Southeast Asia, has been used in cooking and natural medicine for more than 2 millennia, thanks to the various benefits it offers our body. Today, almost 50% of the world’s ginger crop is found in the Asian country of India.

What is ginger?

Ginger is a root that can be grown in all tropical regions, but the variety most commonly consumed usually comes from Peru and China. However, the most highly prized varieties are those from Australia, Jamaica and India. This plant is known both for its medicinal properties and for its use in cooking. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, which also includes cardamom and turmeric. In terms of appearance, it has a thick stem and can grow to between 90 centimetres and one metre in length. In addition, this ingredient is rich in fibre,Omega 3, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins B and C.

Benefits of ginger

• Reduces vomiting, nausea and dizziness.
• Strengthens the immune system, thanks to the antioxidant properties of gingerol and arginine.
• It helps to achievehealthy blood circulation.
• Relieves menstrual painduring your period.
• Helps with weight loss, thanks to its stimulating action, but always alongside a healthy diet and exercise.
• Reduces the risk of diabetes, improving insulin levels, especially in people with type 2 diabetes.
• Regulates blood pressurein people with hypertension.
• Helps fight colds and catarrh.
• Reduces paincaused byosteoarthritis.
• Treats different stomach complaints, such as diarrhoea and colic, among others.

Contraindications of ginger

Although consuming it is not harmful to health, it should be taken with caution, as it may cause a series of mild side effects in some people, such as diarrhoea, increased bleeding during the period, heartburn, wind and stomach pain. In addition, there are different groups of people who should be cautious and careful when it comes to consuming this root. These groups are as follows:

• Pregnant women.On the one hand, there are experts who support consuming this ingredient to combat the nausea that is typical during pregnancy. On the other hand, some specialists maintain that it could affect the baby’s sex hormones and even cause haemorrhaging. During breastfeeding, its use is not recommended due to the lack of studies and verified data on its effects in breast milk.

• People with diabetes.Consuming this plant is counterproductive when taken alongside certain medicines, such as insulin injections or metformin (used to treat type 2 diabetes). If these people wish to take ginger, they should adjust their medication under medical supervision.
• People with heart problems.Overusing this ingredient worsens heart disease. This is because high consumption increases the hypotensive effects of medicines used to treat these conditions, causing vomiting, dizziness, nausea, fainting and even blurred vision.

Natural uses of ginger

• Culinary use.Ginger is one of the most widely used ingredients in Asian cuisine, thanks to its distinctive spicy touch. Today, it has become one of the staples found in many household kitchens. As an example, we can see the importance of this ingredient in dishes such as Asian wok or lamb with ginger.
• Baking. In Western countries, it is used powdered or dried to flavour sweets. We are sure you have all heard of or tried the famous ginger biscuits, haven’t you?
• Tea. Ginger-based infusions provide the benefits we mentioned earlier. Here are two types of infusions you can buy on our website. On the one hand, the revitalisingté de Jengibre, Naranja y Vainilla. On the other hand, there is also the classicinfusión deJengibre y Limón.

Products with ginger

Although there is a wide variety, among the products formulated with ginger, atFarmaciasdirectwe have made the following selection according to each need:

Food supplements made with ginger

Arkopharma

The cápsulas Arkocaps con jengibre is indicated foradults and children over 6 years oldwho want toimprove digestion or treat travel sickness. In terms of use, you should take2 capsules at breakfast and 2 at dinnerwith a glass of water. 

Botanicapharma

In the case of the complemento de Botanicapharma it is made with ginger andhelps eliminate dizziness, treats intestinal disorders and reduces migraines. As for how to take it, you shouldtake 3 tablets a daywith meals. It is important to note that this productis not suitable for coeliacs, people with epilepsy or people with peptic ulcers, or those suffering from biliary or liver disease.

Topical products

Jowaé

This gel de ducha de Jowaé with a ginger fragrance and notes of lemon, jasmine and muskhelps provide energy and a sense of wellbeing. In addition, it is made with avegan formula.

Do you have any questions about how to use any of these products? Did you know there are other plants to strengthen the immune system?Visit theFarmaciasdirectwebsite and let our team of pharmacists advise you. We look forward to seeing you!