Ginger or Zingiber officinale is an aromatic spice belonging to the family Zingiberaceae. The rhizome is rich in essential oils and contains Vitamin A, C, E, B-complex, sodium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, iron and calcium. It is high in potassium and manganese which help develop immunity to resist the diseases. Ginger also contains silicon which helps to maintain healthy skin, hair, teeth and nails. For its aromatic, culinary and therapeutic benefits, ginger has been used inIndian kitchen since ages. This herb has also been used in natural folk remedies in dealing with day-to-day health problems. Let us learn more about some of such simple and useful remedies in treating common illnesses: (1) For arthritis, pound and boil about half inch of fresh ginger in two cups of water. Strain and add a tsp castor oil to it. Drink the same before going to bed. (2) To get relief from gastritis, take 1/4th tsp each of ginger, carom seeds and black salt with warm water after meals. (3) Sucking on a piece of ginger is effective in hiccups. (4) For relief from swelling in any part of the body, mix ginger powder into sesame oil and massage over the area. For weight loss, drinking ginger tea with black pepper powder is helpful in burning fat. Another way to control weight is to prepare a paste by mixing one tsp of ginger, 1/2 tsp of guggal powder in a tsp of honey. This remedy is said to be useful in reducing weight. (5) In case of nausea & vomiting, mix equal amounts of ginger, basil and mint juice and have it. (6 In bronchitis, mix equal proportions of powdered ginger, black pepper and cloves & take ½ tsp of this mixture with honey twice everday. (7) For throat infection, take 1/4th tsp of ginger juice with honey twice daily. (8) To treat cough & cold, take equal proportions of ginger powder with mulaithi mixed in honey and lick it to get relief. Source: HerbHealtH
