The power of ginger – the super star spice!
Ginger,
a spice native to Southeastern Asia, is a rhizome and is botanically
known as Zingiber officinale. The
fresh flesh of ginger can vary from yellow, white or red. These
colours are dependent on the variety used. The taste & smell has
been described as aromatic pungent and hot. It
surprises many people that ginger can be hot.
I
first discovered the power of ginger when I was teaching & I
found myself constantly battling sore throats. I knew that ginger
could help to fight colds/coughs as its a warming spice. As an added
bonus it also helps to fight muscle tension. I used to make a
infusion to drink which helped to lubricate & ward off infections
from students sneezing all over me! I always tried to find the
freshest ginger possible (preferably organic) & then used a few
strips in a drink. To make the drink: firstly, thinly slice or grate
the ginger into a mug/flask & then add boiling water. Then leave
it to infuse for 5 – 10 minutes. You can keep on topping up the
drink with more hot water. You can also add honey to sweeten it.
Honey is another of nature's wonder drugs but more of that another
time. Enjoy!
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