7 Healing Powers Of Ginger

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Ginger is a wonder root. Its healing power is inversely proportional to how knobbly and unattractive it looks. Its role in easing digestive problems and healing painful joints is undisputed. It brings relief from coughs and colds and strengthens your immune system. And those are only a few of ginger’s amazing health benefits.

I cannot imagine my kitchen without a handful of young, pink-tipped, robust ginger root. Try these easy and health-boosting ideas, and you’ll be a ginger lover, too!

For your tummy: Slice fresh ginger into matchsticks. Squeeze a whole lemon on it. Place in a small glass jar. Suck on those matchsticks or eat it as pickle. Lovely punchy taste, and great for digestion.

For your throat: Grated ginger, mixed with a big spoonful of honey, brings instant relief to a sore throat.

For an Antioxidant bounty: A fresh tomato-ginger relish for your table: 1 tomato, finely chopped, tossed with finely chopped or freshly grated ginger, a little salt, some cilantro or parsley leaves.

For power soups: Stir a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger into your soups, for a dramatic burst of flavor and all the health-giving goodness of this wonder root.

For a guilt-free but delicious bite: Boil 4 potatoes. Cut them into cubes, and toss them with a teaspoon of finely chopped garlic, a teaspoon of finely chopped ginger, 1 green chili, salt and fresh herbs.

To wake up your sleepy grains: Grate some ginger and squeeze some lemon over freshly boiled rice, couscous or pasta for a tasty kick and loads of antioxidant benefits.

For an energetic day: Grate ginger and stir it into a cup of plain yogurt. Place them in a blender with ½ tsp roasted and powdered cumin seeds, a little sea-salt and 2 cups of ice-cold water and give a good whizz. This lassi is a supremely refreshing and digestion-friendly summer drink to kick start your day!

Shubhra Krishan is a writer, editor, journalist and the author of Essential Ayurveda: What it is and what it can do for you (New World Library, 2003), Radiant Body, Restful Mind: A Woman’s book of comfort (New World Library, 2004), and The 9 to 5 Yogi: How to feel like a sage while working like a dog (Hay House India, 2011).