This week’s Medicinal Monday feature is Ginger. Being a child of the Caribbean, ginger has pretty much been a staple ingredient in our household. As children, we were exposed to many fruits, vegetables, spices and juices used for a variety purposes. But, ginger was (and still is) one of my favorites. I have early memories of my grandfather making me ginger beer (non-alcoholic of course) and buying me sweet treats made with grated ginger. He also used it as a digestive aid.
Those were the early memories. Currently, as a mom, I use ginger root steeped in hot water for tea when my little ones have a tummy ache, in food, smoothies, juices and for baking. I also make some delicious ginger beer.
Ginger has many essential oils which assist with immunity of the body and high antioxidant intake. Many people (myself included) add about a thumb sized (inch) of ginger root to their morning smoothies or juice. This not only helps with weigh loss, it also acts as a natural appetite suppressant and boosts metabolism.
Doing a deep dive into the other benefits and uses for ginger, I found a surprising use; hair growth and scalp rejuvenation as both an addition to oil for the scalp in the form of http://stylesatlife.com/articles/ginger-for-hair-growth/.
Ginger is cousin to last week’s medicinal feature – Turmeric and has very similar healing qualities and health benefits.
One of my favorite online ‘go-to’ medics, Dr. Axe highlights the Top 10 ginger health benefits
Beauty benefits of ginger:
-ANTI-AGING
-ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
-HYPERIGMENTATION TREATMENT
-CELLULITE REDUCTION (my fave benefit)
My appreciation for ginger has certainly increased. My plan is to implement more ginger into my health and beauty regimen…will keep you posted.