Ginger -My Kitchen Herb of the Week

Ginger 
Ginger isn't exactly a houseplant, but you can grow it. I swear by it to 'get 
things going'. Not only does it help your body feel more energetic and fight 
disease better, but the 'hot' smell and taste add energy to your magic. Use 
fresh or powdered root to add a 'push' to any spell, including those for 
success. Use in potpourris, teas, incenses, etc. Ginger also helps stomach 
upsets. 
~~~5 Good Reasons to Use Ginger~~~

1.Ginger for Treating PMS and Menstrual Cramps

About a teaspoon of fresh ginger grated is amazing at easing painful 
menstrual cramps. Just take it with a big glass of water after, and 
you'll be surprised by how effective it can be. 

2. Ginger for Treating Morning Sickness and Nausea

Look at this fascinating study, featured in the magazine Obstetrics 
and Gynecology: "Researchers from the University of South Australia 
in Adelaide gave nearly 300 women either 350mg of ginger or 25mg of 
vitamin B6 three times per day for 3 weeks. The researchers found 
that both ginger and vitamin B6, which is sometimes taken to 
counteract morning sickness, worked equally well at alleviating 
nausea symptoms."

3. Ginger for a Healthy Heart

Ginger has been shown to reduce the stickiness of blood platelets, so 
it may help reduce risk of atherosclerosis. It may also help reduce 
blood cholesterol levels - a problem more and more people are dealing 
with. Of course, as with any of the ideas in this article - talk to 
your doctor about using ginger for cholesterol problems, don't just 
do it on your own. 

4. Ginger to Treat Arthritis Pain

BBC News reported in 2001 that ginger is a natural alternative to 
treating arthritis pain. "A pill containing extracts of the root 
spice has proved to be as effective as conventional painkillers in a 
clinical trial. Rheumatologist Professor Ray Altman, who led the 
study, believes the highly-concentrated supplement could help to 
reduce the pain suffered by two out of three people with arthritis. 
He tested the supplement on 250 people with osteoarthritis, the most 
common form of the condition. Each was suffering from moderate to 
severe pain. Over a six week period, some were given a 255 milligram 
dose of the dietary supplement twice a day. The rest were given a 
placebo. Two-thirds of those given the ginger pills reported relief 
from pain - significantly more than those taking the placebo. 

5. Treats Colds and Flus

In Chinese medicine, natural root ginger has been used for centuries 
to clean the body of viruses such as colds and flus. If you have a 
cold or flu, a cup of real ginger tea using fresh ginger will be very 
soothing - and may help you get over your sickness more quickly!


What Kind of Ginger Should You Use?

Ginger ale - which our Moms always gave us when our tummies were 
upset - contains very little actual ginger, unless you go to the 
natural food store and get a more natural variety of the soda. 
Instead, use FRESH GINGER whenever possible - it's just got more of 
all the good stuff in it. You can also try a high quality powdered 
ginger pill. 

Selecting Good Fresh Ginger

Fresh ginger should have relatively smooth skin, should feel heavy 
for the size of the piece of ginger, and should have a nice fragrant 
smell. If the ginger looks dried out or has no smell - choose a 
different piece. For the most health benefits, you'll want to choose 
the freshest ginger.

Storing Ginger and Keeping it Fresh

Store ginger in the fridge - it should keep nice and fresh for 2-3 
weeks. Or, you can peel it and store it in whole chunks in the 
freezer for a couple of months. Just take out the pieces of ginger as 
you need it and grate. 

Using Fresh Ginger

The easiest way to PEEL fresh ginger is with a regular teaspoon! It 
works well at removing the outer skin, while leaving all the fragrant 
fresh ginger flesh behind.

Grating ginger is often the easiest way to use it for medicinal 
purposes - just use a regular grater, or a Microplane grater which 
creates a finer grate. 

Ginger (but not the Professor or Mary Ann) ;o)
by Leigh Abernathy

Fresh ginger has the flavor of lemon tinged with fire. The name comes from a
Sanskrit word that means "horn-shaped," which, if you look at ginger, and
squint, and hold it just so, and the light is just right, well, it does look
like horns. Sort of.

You're probably familiar with the ground version, since it's used widely in
baking, but you may have never used fresh ginger. The flavor is quite
different--more citrusy--and is definitely stronger. Anything you add it to
will receive extra oomph.

It's now a part of Asian, Indian and Caribbean cooking. And soon, hopefully,
yours, because once you've experimented with fresh ginger, you'll find uses for
it everywhere. You can grate it onto chicken, steam it with squash, simmer it
with carrots, marinate it with mangoes and poach it with fish. Its citrusy
flavor adds life wherever it's used.

You may have passed fresh ginger by as you walked through the grocery store,
and that's excusable considering its appearance. It's an odd-looking thing
bound to elicit raised eyebrows and questions in the checkout lane. Frankly, it
looks more like something you'd plant amongst your flowers than something you'd
cook with. That's because it the rhizome of a tropical plant.

The pieces that you buy are called "hands." The pieces you break off are
"fingers." Once you've seen it you'll understand why.

When buying ginger, look for sections that are plump with the skin stretched
tight. If it has begun to wrinkle, pass it up--it's past its prime and headed
downhill.

Store fresh ginger wrapped in plastic in the fridge for a month, or bury it in
a small pot of soil in your kitchen window. You can even plant the pieces and
grow your own ginger--large containers are best because ginger is frost
sensitive and those that live where winters are cold can bring it inside for
the winter. Now's the perfect time to plant it to give it a head start on the
growing season. Divide it into pieces, each with a bud, or "eye," and plant
them about three inches deep. Ginger needs well-drained, rich soil and warm
temperatures to do well, so leave it outside when you climate allows it. To
harvest ginger, cut the top off close to the rhizome, rinse off the soil and
break the pieces into manageable sizes.

For long-term storage, freeze it. You can freeze whole ginger pieces, grated
ginger or sliced "coins" of fresh ginger for stir-fries--it thaws quickly. A
coin is simply a cross-section slice about 1/8 inch thick. To freeze them, lay
the coins between pieces of plastic wrap then slip them into plastic bags. It's
a simple matter then to slip a slice or two into your next marinade to give it
some kick.

For stir frying, add a slice or two of ginger to the oil to flavor it, then
remove it before you add the rest of the ingredients. Used this way or grated
there's no need to peel it. It is very fibrous, though, (it is a root of sorts,
remember) but if you cut it or grate it across the grain, you'll minimize the
stringiness. If you want to soften the fire soak grated ginger in cold water
for ten minutes or so, then squeeze it dry.

I love a slice or two of ginger in my hot or iced tea and lemonade--it gives it
extra kick--but it's equally good mated with garlic. One of my favorite ginger
uses is in this tangy salad dressing that's a cinch to make.

Orange Ginger Dressing

1/2 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons balsamic vinega
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
2 teaspoons honey

Combine all the ingredients and it's ready to use. Refrigerated it will keep
for several days.

Now if you've ever eaten sushi, you've been served pickled ginger. There it's
used as a palate cleanser between bites, but I like to nibble on it all the
time at home. You can even try adding a few slices in your next martini. @@

Pickled Ginger

1 cup shaved ginger root
1/2 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar

Scrub the ginger under running water (like a potato). Use a vegetable peeler to
first peel the ginger and then use it to cut very thin slices anywhere from two
inches to a 1/2 inch long. Cook it for one minute in boiling water and drain.

Next combine the sugar and vinegar in a small saucepan, and bring it to a boil,
stirring to dissolve the sugar. Let it cool, then place the ginger into a
sterilized jar and pour the cooled vinegar over it. Cover and refrigerate it
for a week before using for best flavor. Of course, I always have to test a
little right away--purely for quality control, you understand. Pickled ginger
will keep in the refrigerator for a month or more. As it ages, it will turn a
pleasing pale pink.

Ginger is one of those herbs long touted for its medicinal properties and for
good reason. It has been proven effective against motion sickness and
nausea--which is welcome news to travelers all over the world--and has even
been used to treat nausea in chemotherapy patients. So, your grandmother's
remedy of a glass of ginger ale for an upset stomach wasn't off the mark after
all.

Ginger is a strengthening food that has long been used to maintain 
health. Confucius always had ginger when he ate. He approved its use 
at meals and during periods of fasting or sacrificial worship when 
other pungent foods were prohibited. After a woman has a child, she 
is thought to need strengthening and nourishment. Many Chinese, 
particularly those from the Kwan-tung province, long-cook a dish of 
several pounds of pigs feet, a pound or two of ginger, and a 
considerable amount of vinegar. The gelatinous mixture that results 
is quite tasty and thought to be restorative.

Many studies have shown that ginger eases motion sickness and aids 
digestion. Commission E (a panel of experts appointed by the German 
equivalent of the FDA and considered to be the world's most reliable 
source on herbal remedies) recommends consuming ginger to prevent 
motion sickness. In one study reported in The Lancet, ginger 
capsules were more effective than Dramamine in reducing motion 
sickness induced by a revolving chair. It's no coincidence that 
ginger ale, as a soothing beverage, has been served on the airlines 
nearly since the beginning of commercial aviation. Mounting evidence 
also suggests that ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginger is a common ingredient in love spells,  sachets, and love 
incense. Whole Ginger roots are planted and grown to attract money, 
or the powdered root is sprinkled into pockets and onto money for 
this purpose.

Growing ginger is easy - select rhizomes from your grocery that are 
firm without wrinkles, and are slick with a slight shine. It is also 
good to look for small green buds at the ends of the off shoots from 
the big root. I like to start my roots in a pot in very good quality 
potting soil, the kind that is loose and does not pack down when you 
water. Use a pot that has a diameter at least 4 more times the 
length of your root. Fill the pot to about 3/4 full, place the root 
flat on top of the soil, then cover so that you have about an inch 
of potting soil over the root after you water. Place in a location 
where the pot will receive plenty of indirect sunlight and soon you 
should see sprouts appearing. You may leave in pot or set out in a 
shady location after all danger of below freezing temperature is 
past. Ginger can not stand direct sunlight. They like rich, loose 
soil, regular watering, and most important shade. An occasional 
general purpose fertilizer may be applied but if you forget, don't 
worry about it, the ginger will do fine.
******
Ginger for Colds & Flu


I remember one day when I was traveling in my car, and then all of a 
sudden I was extremely nauseous. I remembered reading in a book once 
that ginger was supposed to help. I stopped at the nearest grocery 
store and bought a small piece of ginger root. At the time, I was 
feeling so ill that I thought I was going to throw up, so when I got 
to my car, I took a big bite out of the root. YUCK!

Well, a few minutes later, my nausea was gone. It was a miracle! This 
is not the only time I have used ginger to cure things. It also helps 
for morning sickness when pregnant. When I got morning sickness I did 
not have the root available, but I did have the powered ginger in my 
seasoning rack. I put some in a cup of water and mixed it up and 
drank it down fast. It worked again! Within a few minutes, I was 
feeling better.

I cannot say that this will work for everyone, but I will stand by it 
as a valuable cure for all stomach and digestive disorders that I 
have had. Ginger is said to help cleanse the colon, stimulate 
circulation, reduce cramps and spasms, even reduces hot flashes! It 
works well for preventing indigestion, gas, and fever. It is also a 
strong antioxidant and a good antimicrobial for sores and wounds when 
applied topically.

So, if you know anyone who may need this info, pass it on! 



This is the season when people generally suffer form colds and flu.
Chinese medicine refers to this form of sickness as "invading cold"
or "invading damp" which means that our system has been assailed by
the cold weather. Whether in the form of: influenza, chills, coughs,
or bronchitis, this is a condition that lasts far too long for
anyone. Herbal help can be found as close to you as your spice rack
or local grocery store. Spices are thought of as warm to hot, and
ginger is strong enough to repel the assailant.

GOOD NEWS ABOUT GINGER

Whether fresh or ground, ginger is a marvelous spice as well as a
delicious non-alcoholic beverage. Ginger used in baking livens up
cookies, cakes and breads and naturally helps create that fabulous
Christmas mainstay: the Gingerbread House.

1. Ginger contains a high level of enzymes that break down meat,
similar to our own natural stomach enzymes. Ginger can be used as a
meat tenderizer.

2. If you want to stimulate circulation in the intestines, then
ginger is the herb you're looking for.

3. Want a natural antioxidant? Ginger's your herb.

4. Ginger helps balance your diet. Too many cooling foods, such as
vegetables, need a counter balance. Ginger is known in all forms of
Eastern medicine as a warming herb.

5. Ginger helps relieve motion sickness and nausea.

6. Ginger is used to help detoxify the body, especially aching
muscles from colds and flu.

7. If you've exerted yourself too much, ginger relaxes tight muscles.

TYPES OF GINGER

Fresh ginger root is what you'll find the most beneficial in easing
your colds and flu symptoms. One whiff of a fresh ginger root will
have you starting onto your road to recovery. It's a distinctive
scent, highly aromatic, and images of far off lands might come to
mind. Once it's consumed, it radiates outwards, warming your body and
clearing away your illness. Fresh ginger can be added to food or
brewed into a tea.

Dried/powdered is the simplest way to take ginger. You can buy the
capsules in health food stores. It's easy to find bulk ginger at
Chinese grocery stores or via the Internet. When you purchase ready-
made capsules, take as many as directed on the label.

Tea is found anywhere, but make sure you read the ingredients. You
can find it mixed with other herbs or else listed so far down on the
label that it'll be useless. Ginger should always be listed first for
it to be effective. However, the following recipe is the best for
cold/flu conditions.

RECIPES

Ginger Tea
This should be made with a fresh root.

Grate a small piece of ginger [about the size of a nickel] into a
mug. Add the juice of a ½ lemon. Fill the mug with boiling water.
Stir in a teaspoon of organic honey.

Ginger Socks
This will keep your feet warm and boost sluggish circulation.

You will need powdered cayenne pepper for this to be even more
effective. Mix ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper with 1 teaspoon powdered
ginger. Add the mixture to a pair of socks. If you are very cold and
are not moving, this remedy won't be of much help. The more you move,
whether you're walking around in your home or are outdoors really
getting a workout, the better this is. A lot of movement will heat
your feet too much so be careful! If you are really feeling unwell,
you should still attempt to do some form of exercise, even if it's
just wiggling your toes, so that the cayenne/ginger mixture has some
kick to it!

Ginger Bath
Bathing in fragrant ginger is a luxury as well as a recipe for
getting better. Powdered ginger is the recommended form and it should
be added slowly. Start with the addition of 1 tablespoon's worth of
ginger. If that isn't enough, add another. Don't add too much. You
will feel your heart rate increase and you'll begin to detoxify your
symptoms soon after bathing in ginger. Drinking plenty of water is
recommended.

WHERE TO BUY GINGER

You can find ginger at your supermarket or health food store.

Herb Products
Here you can make your own ginger capsules as they sell powdered or
cut ginger and gelatin capsules in `O' and the standard `OO' size.
They also sell ready-made ginger capsules [100] for $4.00.

Note: Consult your physician before trying any of these remedies.
Ginger is not recommended for infants.


----------------------------------------------------------------------


GINGER

Aromatic, pungent and spicy, ginger adds a special flavor and zest to Asian stir fries and many fruit and vegetable dishes. Fresh ginger root is available year round in the produce section of your local market.
 Ginger is the underground rhizome of the ginger plant with a firm, striated texture. The flesh of the ginger rhizome can be yellow, white or red in color, depending upon the variety. It is covered with a brownish skin that may either be thick or thin, depending upon whether the plant was harvested when it was mature or young. 

Here are ten health benefits of this powerful herb.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment
 Ginger may be powerful weapon in the treatment of ovarian cancer. A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that ginger powder induces cell death in all ovarian cancer cells to which it was applied.

Colon Cancer Prevention
 A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.

Morning Sickness
 A review of several studies has concluded that ginger is just as effective as vitamin B6 in the treatment of morning sickness.

Motion Sickness Remedy
 Ginger has been shown to be an effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness.

Reduces Pain and Inflammation
 One study showed that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful natural painkiller.

Heartburn Relief
 Ginger has long been used as a natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.
 Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment Ginger has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and the flu. Many people also find ginger to be helpful in the case of stomach flus or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract.

Migraine Relief
 Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.

Menstrual Cramp Relief
 In Chinese medicine, ginger tea with brown sugar is used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.

Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy
 A study done on diabetic rats found that those rats given ginger had a reduced incidence of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).

GINGER TEA

A good healing tea is made from a pinch of peppermint, a pinch of ginger and either a pinch of clove powder or 2 bruised cloves, add 1 cup of hot water and steep.

Here are 10 health benefits of ginger tea:

Heart Health
 Ginger tea may help reduce the risk of blocked arteries, a common cause of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It increases circulation and supports good blood flow. Some studies show that drinking ginger tea regularly can also help reduce cholesterol levels, essential for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.

Cancer Treatment
 Preliminary studies show that ginger may help shrink cancerous tumors and lesson the risks of cancer spreading in patients in remission. Other studies have shown ginger to kill ovarian cancer cells and slow the growth of colon cancer cells. Ginger may also be a useful treatment for nausea associated with cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. More studies are necessary to prove the effectiveness of ginger and ginger tea in cancer treatment.

Digestive Aid
 Ginger tea aids in the absorption and digestion of food after eating. It helps the body release gastric acids necessary for digestion and may help soothe stomachache and ease the bloating often associated with overeating.

Antibacterial
 Ginger contains an active compound called zingiber, which kills salmonella and other types of bacteria. Additionally, the commonly consumed lemon-ginger version of ginger tea provides two more bacteria fighting compounds from its lemon content: limonene and pectin.

Antiviral
 Ginger tea may offer antiviral properties. It is believed that fresh ginger destroys virus cells that cause the common cold and flu.

Respiratory Health
 Ginger tea may be beneficial for a variety of respiratory conditions. Often used to treat colds, coughs and soar throat, it loosens phlegm and helps the lungs expand properly.

Anti-Inflammatory
 Used as a soak, ginger tea can reduce swelling and ease the pains associated with joint and bone discomfort such as rheumatoid arthritis. It is recommended as a treatment for athlete's foot to ease the discomfort of burning and itching.

Soothes Menstrual Discomfort
 Drinking ginger tea can ease the painful cramps associated with female menstruation. A warm cloth drenched in ginger tea and then placed over the uterine area is believed to relax muscles and ease menstrual discomfort as well.

Reduces Stress
 Ginger tea has a natural calming quality that is known to help reduce stress levels.

Immune System Support
 The antioxidants in ginger tea help support an active, healthy immune system.

History

Native to southeastern Asia, a region whose cuisines still feature this wonderfully spicy herb, ginger has been renowned for millennia in many areas throughout the world. Ginger is mentioned in ancient Chinese, Indian and Middle Eastern writings, and has long been prized for its aromatic, culinary and medicinal properties. After the ancient Romans imported ginger from China almost two thousand years ago, its popularity in Europe remained centered in the Mediterranean region until the Middle Ages when its use spread throughout other countries. Although it was a very expensive spice, owing to the fact that it had to be imported from Asia, it was still in great demand. In an attempt to make it more available, Spanish explorers introduced ginger to the West Indies, Mexico and South America, and in the 16th century, these areas began exporting the precious herb back to Europe.
 Today, the top commercial producers of ginger include Jamaica, India, Fiji, Indonesia and Australia.

How to Select and Store

Whenever possible, choose fresh ginger over the dried form of the spice since it is not only superior in flavor but contains higher levels of gingerol as well as ginger's active protease (it's anti-inflammatory compound). Fresh ginger root is sold in the produce section of markets. When purchasing fresh ginger root, make sure it is firm, smooth and free of mold. Ginger is generally available in two forms, either young or mature. Mature ginger, the more widely available type, has a tough skin that requires peeling while young ginger, usually only available in Asian markets, does not need to be peeled.
 Even through dried herbs and spices like ginger powder are widely available in supermarkets, you may want to explore the local spice stores in your area. Oftentimes, these stores feature an expansive selection of dried herbs and spices that are of superior quality and freshness than those offered in regular markets. Just like with other dried spices, when purchasing dried ginger powder try to select organically grown ginger since this will give you more assurance that it has not been irradiated.
 Ginger is also available in several other forms including crystallized, candied and pickled ginger.
 Fresh ginger can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks if it is left unpeeled. Stored unpeeled in the freezer, it will keep for up to six months.
 Dried ginger powder should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place. Alternatively, you can store it in the refrigerator where it will enjoy an extended shelf life of about one year.

Tips for Preparing Ginger

To remove the skin from fresh mature ginger, peel with a paring knife. The ginger can then be sliced, minced or julienned. The taste that ginger imparts to a dish depends upon when it is added during the cooking process. Added at the beginning, it will lend a subtler flavor while added near the end, it will deliver a more pungent taste. 

A Few Quick Serving Ideas

-Turn up the heat while cooling off by making ginger lemonade. Simply combine freshly grated ginger, lemon juice, cane juice or honey and water.
 -Add extra inspiration to your rice side dishes by sprinkling grated ginger, sesame seeds and nori strips on top.
 -Combine ginger, soy sauce, olive oil and garlic to make a wonderful salad dressing.
 -Add ginger and orange juice to purĆ©ed sweet potatoes.
 -Add grated ginger to your favorite stuffing for baked apples.
 -Spice up your healthy sautĆ©ed vegetables by adding freshly minced ginger. 

Individual Concerns

Even though ginger is a natural herb that is generally safe, some people may experience side effects from it when taking large amounts. These may include gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn, diarrhea, upset stomach, mouth irritation, or belching. Taking ginger in capsule form may help to alleviate some of these side effects.
 If you have gallstones or you are planning to go in for surgery, it is a good idea to avoid ginger supplements or talk with your doctor in order to be sure that the ginger is safe to use. As with any supplement, you should consult with your doctor before you begin using the supplements, especially if you are taking any medications.
 Another side effect of ginger may be blood-thinning. Even though there haven't been any specific scientific studies proving this side effect, it is still a good idea to avoid ginger if you are on blood-thinning medications.

Magickal Properties:
 Magical attributes: Love, Money matters, Power, Success
 Gender: Masculine
 Planet: Mars
 Element: Fire
 Magickal Uses: Used to make sure spells are effective. 
Ginger is eaten before spells to make them successful, or simply add to herbal mixtures, used for love spells.
 Plant the root to attract money or sprinkle powdered root into pockets or on money for prosperity.
 Eating Ginger before performing spells will lend them power, since you have been "heated up" by the Ginger; this is especially true of love spells. Ginger is also used in Success spells, or to ensure the success of a magical operation.

Sources: 
healthdiaries.com
 whfoods.com
 janih.com
 oocities.org
 pagandreams2.blogspot.com

******
Ginger roots creep and spread around underground, while a stalk spikes up 
bearing narrow leaves and a white or yellow flower. What color your ginger 
root is depends on where you obtained it, but most store-bought ginger is 
called black (scalded and unpeeled) or white (peeled). The flowers are quite 
fragrant, but the root is the only part having any real medicinal use.

HEALING

Stomach: Ginger is every herbalist's favorite for calming tummy turmoil. 
Stomach aches, menstrual cramps, morning sickness, and heartburn can all be 
soothed with a cup of ginger. It can also be excellent for soothing motion 
sickness, in fact, it may be more powerful for this purpose than familiar 
medications such as Dramamine. 

Digestion: A small amount of fresh or powdered ginger will stimulate the 
digestive system. In cases of gastritis or alcoholic gastritis, a pinch of 
ginger powder or a slice of the fresh root can be made into a tea to calm 
this discomforting problem.

Aching Joints: Use ginger to help soothe your aching muscles and joints. Add 
a couple spoonfuls to a warm bath to soothe your joints. Or, you can brew a 
tea with ginger to have the same joint-relieving effect.

Cholesterol: Recent studies have shown that ginger may help keep down 
cholesterol levels. Along with exercise and a healthy diet, ginger tea may be 
a pleasant way for those with high cholesterol levels to start towards a 
healthier life.

Menstruation: A ginger tea can be used when the menstrual period is late 
because of a cold or when cramps are especially severe.

Sore Throat: Treat a sore throat by gargling with a ginger infusion or 
sucking on a ginger candy. Remember that a little goes a long way! Try the 
ginger candy recipe under the culinary uses of ginger.

CULINARY USES

Ginger has a spicy-citrusy flavor and is a favorite cooking spice in Asian, 
East Indian, North African, and Carribean cooking. Here is a unique recipe 
you may enjoy:

Ginger and Honey Candy

1 pound honey -- the darker the better 
1 pound walnuts -- shelled and chopped coarsely 
½ teaspoon ginger 
Simmer the honey over low heat and add the walnuts and the ginger. Stire for 
forty-five minutes over very low heat.

Butter a large platter and pour the candy. Take it away from the heat, and 
let it stand for a few hours. This can be cut into different shapes with a 
wet knife.

(From Herbal Medicine by Dian Dincin Buchman)

FOLKLORE and HISTORY

Many centuries ago, English herbalists believed that ginger was a "remedy" 
for rotting meat. It was also used for many other curious purposes, including 
insomnia, cold breasts, snakebites, swooning, and bad eyesight.

Ginger was first introduced to Europe by Alexander the Great upon returning 
from Asia. It quickly became a favorite and no dinner was complete without 
the herb.

At one time ginger maintained a good reputation as an aphrodisiac (and it 
still does to some extent). It was believed that even the most prudent women 
would be transformed into a vixen with the aid of ginger.

Source: Spirit Online.com



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