Discovering Ginger - Culinary Therapy

Discovering Ginger

I love to cook in the kitchen. For me, the experience is calming, almost meditative, like a great yoga class with aroma and flavor.

I tend toward cooking with Italian herbs like basil, parsley, oregano, and thyme. But, lately, have developed a love affair for ginger.

It started with my older daughter, who indulged a little over the holidays. Not too much for some, but too much for her… and her belly reminded her of that. We tried a few different natural remedies, but ginger tea is what finally eased her pain.

A couple of days later my younger daughter caught the stomach flu. She had multiple holiday parties at school where sugar took center stage. Sugar depresses the immune system, making us more susceptible to illnesses at school and at work. Hence, a sick child. Ginger tea worked miracles for her too.

Ginger, as it turns out, is the ideal remedy for digestive distress of any kind. It’s great for tummy aches, but that just touches the surface of its amazing healing properties.

The many health benefits of ginger include:

  • A digestive superstar, ginger soothes stomach aches, relieves gas, reduces nausea
  • It destroys intestinal parasites
  • It helps to reduce menstrual discomfort
  • Ginger eases lung and throat congestion, relieving symptoms of the cold and flu
  • It boosts circulation, helping to naturally detoxify the body through the skin, bowels, and kidneys
  • It is a strong anti-inflammatory, which is the backbone of disease prevention
  • The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger also reduce symptoms of arthritis
  • It is liver-supportive

*Ginger is contraindicated for people suffering gallstones.

Buying and storing ginger:

Fresh ginger can be found in the produce section of most supermarkets. Store it unpeeled in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Or, freeze it and it will last six months.

Quick serving ideas:

    • Ginger is a warming spice, making it perfect for cold weather soups, stews, cookies, smoothies, and in salad dressings.
    • It can be used to flavor fish, chicken and vegetables.
    • Fresh ginger can be peeled with the edge of a spoon (try it!) and grated, then used in Asian stir-fried dishes or in rice dishes with sesame seeds.
    • For a smoothie, peel and cut off a ¼ inch piece and add to your blender. Try my Winter Green Super Smoothie here.
    • For throat and lung congestion, colds, the flu, or any digestive upset, try preparing a Warming Ginger Tea.
    • My new, favorite ginger elixir is a restorative Ginger Tonic.

Give it a try!

This week’s Simple Action Step:
Whether you’re still recovering from Thanksgiving or you’re busy busy busy this holiday season, rather than relying on quick fixes and sugary drinks, try one of my favorite ginger tonics to get you through your days with ease.

2 comments to " Discovering Ginger "

  • What is the easiest way to get powdered ginger? I grow my own an usually slice thin an freeze but would love to make my own powder as well..

    • Culinary Therapy

      I use a cheese grater to grate the ginger root.Then I set it onto a large baking sheet (single layer) and let it dry on my kitchen counter, or if the weather is sunny and dry, outside in the sun. It will take anywhere from 3 days up to a week to dry. Once dry, the ginger can be ground into a powder using a food processor or coffee grinder.

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