While the ancient root has long been touted a sick-day panacea in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, Ginger is a flowering plant that originated in Southeast Asia. It’s among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet.

The rhizome (underground part of the stem) is the part commonly used as a spice. It’s often called ginger root or, simply, ginger.

Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice. It’s a very common ingredient in recipes. It’s sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics.

And during change of seasons, where just about everyone is developing a snotty nose, allergies, aches and pains, ginger is one of the roots that should be included in your diet. Apart from helping fight common colds, it also helps with digestion and reducing nausea.

Ginger tea is a popular beverage for warming up chilly winters. Not only is it warm and comforting, it may help calm an upset stomach. A cup of this spicy tea in the morning would be particularly helpful in relieving nausea, motion sickness, or pregnancy-induced morning sickness. Ginger can also help you digest quicker after a meal

Food babies are pretty uncomfortable, but thanks to ginger, they don’t have to last forever. A cup of ginger tea could help your stomach empty faster so food doesn't just sit there after an indulgent meal. What’s more is that it'll help calm your stomach and stave off bloating and gas.

You can easily make your own ginger tea at home by grating ginger root and letting it seep in boiling water for 10 minutes. Add honey to taste. 

One of the traditional uses of ginger is for pain relief, including menstrual pain and appears to be very effective against menstrual pain when taken at the beginning. To get cracking on making your tea, below is an easy recipe.

Ingredients

4–6 thin slices of peeled, raw ginger (for stronger ginger tea, add more slices)2 cups (473 ml) waterJuice from half a lime or lemonHoneyor another sweetener, to taste (optional)

 

Directions

First, wash and scrub ginger root. Then, peel ginger and slice thinly.Fill a medium pot with 2 cups water.Place ginger slices in water and bring to a boil, then simmer 10–20 minutes. Simmer longer for spicier tea.Remove from heat. Add lime or lemon juice and honey to taste, if desired.Serve in your favourite mug.

If making with milk

Boil ginger root slices in 1 cup (237 ml) water for 10 minutes.Remove from heat and add 2 cups (473 ml) milk.Put pot back on stove and gently simmer milk and ginger for 5 minutes.

Serve up.

Ginger tea is an easy, delicious, and all-natural way to promote good health.

In addition to giving you the many health benefits of ginger, it’s simple and easy to prepare at home.

Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving a warm drink, with a cup of ginger tea you can sit back, breathe in, sip slowly, and enjoy.

The culinary artist at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa do use ginger from time to time in their recipes, and by adding ginger to your diet, they suggested that the beauty is it can be added to meals so they want to encourage you to try your hand at the below recipes that include this magical root..

Christmas ginger beerGinger TartGinger SnapsGinger malva puddingGemmerbier (South African Ginger Beer)Ginger chicken potjieRoasted south african lobster tails with ginger dipping sauceCarrot, ginger and coconut soupGinger and paw paw chicken flattie

The bottom line is that Ginger is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain.

To find out more, go to www.grannymouse.co.za to see when next you can head on up there for your tasty ginger treat!