As a versatile natural ingredient with a spicy, zesty flavor, ginger has been used for centuries as both a cooking spice and an herbal remedy. You likely know ginger as an ingredient in popular Asian-inspired dishes, but this knobby root offers a wealth of benefits when used in your own home. With its unique flavor and aroma, ginger can enhance both sweet and savory recipes. However, ginger also contains powerful compounds like gingerol that can help alleviate nausea, reduce inflammation in the body, and may even help fight infections.
In this article, you’ll discover 10 incredible ways to use ginger in your daily routine, from flavoring your favorite recipes to boosting your health and wellness. Whether you enjoy the tang of fresh ginger in a stir fry, the warmth of ginger tea on a cold day, or the rejuvenating effects of a ginger-infused bath, this ancient spice has so much to offer for your home and your health. Read on to explore how you can incorporate more of this zingy, nourishing ingredient into your life.
The Amazing Health Benefits of Ginger
Ginger has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to improve health and flavor foods. Consuming ginger regularly can have significant benefits for your body and mind.
Reduced Inflammation
Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols that can help reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is associated with many health conditions, so consuming ginger may help with conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and muscle pain.
Improved Digestion
Ginger has been used traditionally to relieve digestive problems like nausea, cramps, and diarrhea. The gingerols and other compounds in ginger have anti-nausea effects and can help relax the intestinal tract. Ginger may provide relief from pregnancy-related nausea and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Lowered Blood Sugar
Ginger may help improve long-term blood sugar control. Some studies show ginger can lower blood sugar levels, reduce A1C, and improve insulin sensitivity. Ginger’s anti-diabetic effects may help prevent or control high blood sugar and complications from diabetes when consumed regularly.
Reduced Risk of Heart Disease
Ginger may lower the risk factors for heart disease like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Ginger can modestly lower blood pressure and LDL or “bad” cholesterol. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of ginger may also help prevent atherosclerosis and reduce plaque buildup in the arteries.
Including ginger in your diet is an easy way to boost your health and add flavor to your meals. Grate fresh ginger over salads, stir fries and curries, or steep sliced ginger in hot water to make a refreshing ginger tea. Discover more ways to use ginger at home for health and enjoy all the benefits this zesty root has to offer.
Eating Ginger: Different Ways to Add Ginger to Your Diet
To maximize the health benefits of ginger, incorporate it into your diet in a variety of ways.
Eating Raw Ginger
The simplest way to eat ginger is to consume it raw. Grate a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger root and add it to salads, marinades, dressings, or smoothies. Raw ginger provides the maximum health benefits since none of the nutrients or compounds have been destroyed by heat.
Ginger Tea
Steeping fresh or dried ginger root in hot water makes a refreshing ginger tea. Add a 1-inch piece of grated fresh ginger or 1 tablespoon of grated dried ginger to 2 cups of boiling water. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes, then strain and sweeten with honey if desired. Ginger tea aids digestion, reduces inflammation and boosts immunity.
Ginger Juice
For a quick immune boost, make fresh ginger juice. Grate a 2-inch piece of ginger and squeeze out the juice. Mix 1 tablespoon of ginger juice into a glass of water or citrus juice. Ginger juice contains high amounts of gingerol, the compound responsible for ginger’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Ginger Broth
Simmer grated ginger, garlic and aromatic veggies like onions and carrots in broth to make a nourishing ginger broth. Strain and season the broth with soy sauce, sesame oil and chili oil. Ginger broth is excellent for preventing and relieving cold and flu symptoms.
Pickled Ginger
Thinly slice fresh ginger and pickle in a vinegar brine. Pickled ginger can be consumed on its own or used as a condiment. The pickling process preserves the ginger for several months while mellowing its flavor. Pickled ginger aids digestion and provides probiotics.
In summary, by incorporating ginger into your diet in a variety of forms – raw, tea, juice, broth and pickles – you can maximize its unique health and flavor benefits. Make ginger a part of your daily diet to boost your health and wellness.
Home Remedies: Using Ginger to Treat Common Ailments
Ginger has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help alleviate symptoms for many common health issues. Here are a few ways ginger can be used as an effective home remedy:
Nausea Relief
Ginger can help reduce nausea and ease an upset stomach. Make ginger tea by steeping grated fresh ginger in hot water. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes, then strain and drink. You can also suck on ginger candies, gummies or lozenges.
Cold and Flu Symptom Relief
Ginger helps boost the immune system and can relieve congestion from the common cold or flu. Add grated ginger, lemon juice and honey to hot water for a soothing ginger lemon tea. The ginger and lemon work together to thin mucus secretions and make them easier to cough up. The honey is soothing for a sore throat.
Reduced Inflammation and Pain
Ginger contains compounds that act as natural anti-inflammatories and can help reduce pain. Apply a ginger compress to sore joints or muscles by grating fresh ginger and wrapping it in cheesecloth, then applying to the affected area. The gingerol in ginger helps block inflammatory compounds that increase pain. You can also add ginger to a warm bath to help relax the body and ease aches.
Improved Digestion
Ginger stimulates saliva, bile and gastric juice production which aids digestion and helps food move through the intestines. Add grated or sliced ginger to meals, especially those containing beans or cruciferous veggies which can cause gas. Ginger tea also helps relieve bloating, cramps and indigestion.
Ginger is a versatile and all-natural remedy for many common health issues. Adding more ginger to your diet and using it as a home remedy can help boost your health and relieve discomfort in a safe and inexpensive way. With so many options like tea, compresses and cooking with it, ginger can easily be incorporated into your daily routine.
DIY Ginger Skincare: Making Ginger Beauty Products at Home
Ginger contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can benefit your skin and hair. You can make simple DIY skincare products at home using fresh ginger root.
Ginger Face Mask
A ginger face mask can help reduce inflammation, brighten skin and minimize pores. To make a basic mask:
- Grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger and squeeze out the juice.
- Mix the ginger juice with 1 tablespoon of honey. Honey is antibacterial and helps moisturize skin.
- Apply the mask to your face and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water and pat your face dry.
- Use 1-2 times a week. The ginger may cause irritation for some, so do a patch test on your inner wrist first.
Ginger Body Scrub
An invigorating ginger body scrub will exfoliate, increase circulation and leave your skin feeling smooth. To make the scrub:
- Grate 1/3 cup of fresh ginger and mix with 1 cup of brown sugar or sea salt. Brown sugar is gentler while sea salt is more exfoliating.
- Add 1/2 cup of coconut or olive oil and mix well to form a paste. The oil will help moisturize your skin.
- Apply the scrub to your body in the shower, avoiding any broken skin. Gently massage into your skin and then rinse off.
- Pat yourself dry and moisturize as desired. Use 1-2 times a week.
Ginger Hair Rinse
A ginger hair rinse can stimulate hair follicles, reduce inflammation and leave your scalp feeling refreshed. To make a basic rinse:
- Grate 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger and squeeze out the juice.
- Mix the ginger juice with 1 cup of water. For dry hair, add 1 tablespoon of coconut milk or oil.
- After shampooing your hair in the shower, pour the ginger rinse over your scalp and hair.
- Massage into your scalp and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing out with water.
- Use 1-2 times a week. The ginger may irritate sensitive scalps, so do a patch test behind your ear first.
Ginger in the Kitchen: Add Flavor to Food and Drinks With Ginger
Ginger adds flavor to both sweet and savory foods. Its spicy and zesty flavor pairs well in many dishes. Here are some ways to use ginger in the kitchen:
Add to Sauces and Marinades
Ginger works great in many Asian-inspired sauces and marinades. Add freshly grated ginger to stir fries, teriyaki sauce, and pad thai. Ginger also helps tenderize meat in marinades. Mix grated ginger, garlic, soy sauce, rice wine or sherry vinegar, and sesame oil for a flavorful Chinese-style marinade for chicken, beef, or fish.
Flavor Soups and Stews
The warming, zesty flavor of ginger complements many soups and stews. Add grated ginger to chicken noodle soup, wonton soup, or egg drop soup. Ginger also adds flavor to coconut-based curries and Thai-inspired stews. Simmer grated ginger, garlic, and red curry paste in coconut milk for a quick and delicious ginger curry stew.
Bake into Cookies, Cakes and Breads
Ginger adds a spicy kick to many baked goods. Add ground ginger to classic gingerbread cookies, ginger snaps, and molasses cookies. Gingerbread cake, moist ginger cake, and pumpkin gingerbread muffins are also popular. For a savory option, add grated ginger to zucchini bread, carrot cake, or banana bread.
Brew Ginger Tea or Ginger Ale
For a refreshing ginger-infused beverage, brew ginger tea or homemade ginger ale. To make ginger tea, simmer sliced ginger in water until fragrant, then strain and sweeten with honey. For ginger ale, combine grated ginger, sugar, yeast, and water and allow to ferment for a fizzy ginger kick. You can also add ginger juice or grated ginger to cocktails like the Moscow Mule.
Ginger has so many uses in the kitchen. Whether adding zest to sauces and marinades, warmth to soups and stews, spice to baked goods, or flavor to beverages, ginger’s versatility makes it a must-have ingredient. Experiment by adding grated, ground, or sliced ginger to your favorite recipes for extra flavor and health benefits.
Conclusion
You’ve now discovered 10 amazing ways to use ginger at home to boost your health and add flavor to your meals. Whether you enjoy ginger in a soothing tea, as a zesty marinade, or in baked goods, ginger has so much to offer. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties provide real benefits for your body and mind. So go ahead—stock up on ginger and start incorporating it into your daily routine. Your body will thank you, and your taste buds will rejoice in the flavor. Ginger truly is an incredible, versatile ingredient that can enhance your health, your cooking, and your life.