Ginger is Character: The Winter Spice
Ginger is a spice with an esteemed place in many kitchens. Beyond its special taste, it stimulates blood flow, warms during winter, and is anti-inflammatory.
One of the roots we encounter in the winter market is ginger, or as it is commonly known - ginger.
Ginger has numerous properties. Firstly, it is a spice that enhances the flavors of many dishes. Due to its juicy and stimulating taste, ginger holds a place of honor in many kitchens and gourmet meals. But beyond its quality and refreshing taste, ginger serves as a medicinal plant and is recommended to have at home as a first aid for different conditions.
This plant has warming and stimulating characteristics. As such, it stimulates blood flow in remote blood vessels in the body, such as in the hands and feet. Therefore, those who suffer from cold in the winter can drink it to warm their body in general and hands and feet in particular. Ginger induces sweating, which can alleviate fever. It also stimulates stomach activity, thus helping to relieve gas and counteracting nausea and vomiting. The root is very helpful for pregnant women suffering from nausea, although it is advised to consume it with caution, in small amounts, and with care.
Ginger is known as anti-inflammatory and is thus used for various joint inflammations or rheumatic pains. It is also recognized for reducing phlegm, and therefore can be used in cases of flu, colds, and runny nose. It is also considered antibacterial and can be used in cases of acute infections in the digestive and respiratory systems.
Despite all the medical properties, those who suffer from heartburn or gallstones should use caution when consuming it.
Ginger can be consumed in various ways: as a powder, dry or fresh. For a warm winter morning, you can prepare a mixture of black pepper (preferably ground on the spot), cloves, and freshly grated ginger root. Pour boiling water over them, wait about fifteen minutes, and drink with or without honey.
In cases of cold or when there's a need to relieve gas, you can make a mixture of half a teaspoon of ginger and half a teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour boiling water and wait a few minutes. Then you can drink with or without honey.
Ginger is one of the components found in Yemenite coffee. Yemenite coffee is based on coffee beans that undergo a very short roasting process, allowing them to be ground but not destroyed. Various spices, including ginger, are added to it, making it a drink that coffee lovers are advised to switch to thanks to its healthy ingredients.
Eliyahu Shechter is an iridologist and natural therapist
