Ginger: A Beneficial Plant for Health

Ginger is a plant that’s native to tropical areas within the Far East. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is considered one of the most beneficial plants, due to its benefits for health. The most used part of the plant is the rhizome (the inside of the stem), which is where its benefits originate.

As we know, ginger is used in oriental cuisine to flavor all types of dishes. However, more recently, its use has spread around the world and its main characteristic is the spicy, fresh flavor.

Next, we’re going to discuss its benefits and how to grow and take care of your own ginger plant.

Properties and benefits of ginger

Ginger is an aromatic plant that’s been used for healing purposes for years. Studies have shown it to be beneficial for colds and digestion, as well as a potent anti-inflammatory. These healing “powers” originate from within, where compounds high in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and essential oils such as gingerol, lemongrass, and camphene abound.

It’s a potent anti-inflammatory

Ginger as an anti-inflammatory needs more clinical studies, but gingerol has been found to be the essential oil responsible. For this reason, it’s used by people with arthritis to relieve their symptoms and reduce the inflammation in their joints.

An antioxidant

There is a considerable amount of antioxidants in the composition of ginger. As such, consuming it helps to delay aging and the body’s natural oxidative process.

Prevents dizziness and nausea

This medicinal plant is used as a natural remedy to help prevent nausea in patients who have undergone surgery or chemotherapy. It’s also recommended for those who suffer from vertigo and nausea. Although, of course, pregnant women should be careful with its consumption.

Improves cold and flu symptoms

Due to its essential oils, ginger decreases the annoying symptoms of a cold and improves sinus issues and nasal congestion. It can be taken as an infusion with a few drops of lemon at night before going to sleep.

How to grow ginger at home

Now that you know some of the benefits and properties of ginger, you’ll undoubtedly want to have this natural remedy growing in your home. Here’s how to cultivate it:

• Get a piece of ginger root: clean it and submerge it in a glass of water. This will help it to germinate. Leave the piece of rhizome submerged for about three or four hours.
• Take a plastic bag: after it’s soaked, take your ginger and put it inside the bag. Leave it there for at least a week. After this time, the rhizome will have developed shoots.
• Prepare a pot filled with soil: choose a good substrate and whether you grow your ginger plant indoors or outdoors, it’s advisable to add a little perlite.
• Divide the root: If you have a large root, divide it into several plants. Push each one into the substrate.
• Water sparingly: from now on the plant will germinate at its own pace, you just have to water it sparingly every two or three days.

Enjoy your ginger plant!

It’ll take approximately three to four months for your ginger plant to grow large enough for you to take its stems for your own consumption. To do this, gently dig up the earth and take the piece you want to consume. After that, cover well with soil again so that the plant continues to grow.