Ginger - a root for the defences

Ginger can now be bought in almost every supermarket, as it is part of the standard repertoire of spices in many households. With its aromatic pungency, it provides a special taste experience in many dishes and drinks. But the root has even more to offer. Because of its healthy ingredients, it is also highly valued as a medicinal plant.

Ginger is rich in vitamin C, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus. It also contains so-called pungent substances, which have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral effects. The main active substances are gingerols and shogaols. With their help, ginger can improve blood circulation and stimulate the circulatory system. Ginger extract is also used to relieve muscle pain, headaches, menstrual pain and rheumatic diseases. In multiple sclerosis, treatment with products containing ginger is said to reduce the symptoms.

Ginger increases the production of gastric juices, saliva and bile, which is why it is often used for digestive problems. Ginger candies can help with bloating, motion sickness and nausea of all kinds. Aromatherapy with ginger oil is effective against nausea, exhaustion or general listlessness. For this, a few drops are vaporised with water in a fragrance lamp.

In the cold season, we catch a cold more often than in summer. This is due on the one hand to the cold and dry air and on the other hand to the cold viruses, which multiply more easily indoors. When we are outside, the blood vessels contract, which is especially noticeable in the form of cold feet. Ginger tea or a foot bath with 5 drops of ginger oil can help improve circulation and counteract excessive cooling. To reduce the risk of contracting viruses, a few drops of ginger essential oil can be vaporised in a fragrance lamp as a preventive measure.

When the first signs of a cold are already noticeable and mucus forms in the respiratory tract, ginger can naturally liquefy the mucus and soothe the mucous membranes. To achieve the desired effect, either a piece of ginger can be chewed pure or a tea can be prepared. Capsules are also available in the shops as dietary supplements. However, the content of ingredients in ginger preparations varies greatly. It is therefore important to choose high-quality products with a high content of active ingredients. The gingerol content per daily dose should be at least 25 mg. If the active ingredient content is too low, the effectiveness is rather questionable. Unfortunately, you cannot rely on the claim "high-dose".

You can make your own ginger tea to activate the body's protective shield. Especially on cold days or when you start to catch a cold, it has a soothing, warming effect. To make it, slice the ginger, pour boiling water over it and let it steep for 10 - 15 minutes. Then strain the ginger, refine the tea with lemon juice or honey as desired and enjoy it warm.

Ginger water is similar to ginger tea in preparation, but is drunk cold or at room temperature. It is said to help with nausea and flatulence and to dispel bad breath. To make it, peel a fresh ginger bulb, cut it into slices and pour half a litre of boiling water over it. After about 15 minutes, the ginger is taken out and drunk throughout the day after cooling. A few ice cubes, mint leaves or a dash of lemon juice add flavour to the drink.

Since ginger stimulates the metabolism and promotes fat loss, it can also support weight loss and compensate for the loss of important minerals during dieting. The root is also suitable for slimming baths. Warm water opens the pores so that the ingredients can enter the body through the skin. This is said to promote the elimination of waste products. Peel about 20 cm of ginger and cut it into slices. Pour half a litre of boiling water over it, cover it and let it steep for 20 minutes. Then pour it through a sieve into the bath water and relax.

Ginger oil is obtained by steam distillation from cut pieces of root. For one litre of oil, 25 kg of roots are needed. Applied externally, it is said to help with various complaints, for example: headaches, migraines, rheumatism and sore muscles. For a compress against muscle pain, 20 drops of essential ginger oil are added to 250 ml of lukewarm water and a cotton cloth is soaked in it. Then place the compress on the painful area for 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of ginger oil and almond oil.

Since ginger oil promotes blood circulation, it is suitable for massages to relieve tension or mild abdominal pain. For this, 3 drops are added to 5 tablespoons of sunflower or olive oil and massaged in evenly. A few drops of ginger oil can also be used as a bath additive in a warm bath to relieve muscle tension.

When buying ginger, make sure that it is fresh. This can be recognised by the fact that the skin of the roots looks matt shiny and is undamaged. The ginger should yield slightly to pressure and the flesh should be juicy and free of fibres. Chinese or Peruvian ginger is usually available in shops, with Peru specialising in the cultivation of organic ginger. The Bavarian Consumer Advice Centre advises choosing organic ginger, as it is less contaminated with pesticides than conventional produce.

While older ginger sprouts have a sharper taste and are suitable for drying and grinding, younger sprouts are rather mild and are suitable for fresh use. To use fresh ginger, cut an approximately 1 cm piece from the bulb, peel it, chop it finely or grate it with a kitchen grater and mix it into the food. As a spice, it can be used in sauces, meat dishes, salads, soups, rice dishes, vegetable pans or compotes. Due to its intensity, it should be used sparingly. Ginger can also be used to flavour biscuits or biscuits and to refine water, punch or lemonade. Many people are familiar with "ginger ale", a non-alcoholic ginger-flavoured lemonade. But alcoholic drinks, cocktails and liqueurs also benefit from the lemon-like, pungent aroma of the ginger tuber.

Any leftover root can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. If the ginger tuber has not been peeled or cut, it is possible to store it for several weeks in a dark and cool place. Fresh ginger can also be frozen. If you have bought too much or have only used part of the tuber, slice it, put it in a tin and place it in the freezer. Frozen ginger will keep for up to 6 months. Dried ginger can be ground into powder. This makes it possible to store it like a spice in an airtight jar.

If you want to grow ginger, place a tuber in warm water overnight and set it in a shallow dish of nutrient-rich soil the next day. Fill another 2 cm of soil on top and press down lightly. Then place the tray in a bright spot out of direct sunlight. Now water regularly, as ginger likes it moist. Waterlogging is undesirable, however, because of the risk of mould. As soon as the ginger plant has grown, it should be repotted. After several months, the green leaves turn yellow and the ginger is ready for harvesting.

Ginger combines a strengthening and healing effect with an extraordinary aroma. As many people are increasingly adopting a healthy lifestyle and relying on natural remedies, this delicious all-rounder is becoming more and more popular - both in the kitchen and for use against all kinds of aches and pains.