Love it or hate it, ginger has been used for its health benefits for hundreds of years. Yes - it's pungent scent and flavour makes it great in stir fries and curries, but did you know that this root is also great at relieving muscular pain and treating colds and flu? That's just two of the brilliant things this plant can do...
In fact, ginger is a great all-rounder when it comes to finding natural remedies. Margo Marrone from The Organic Pharmacy explains. "Ginger is well known for its pain-relief and anti-inflammatory properties but it also has high antioxidant properties too. Ginger improves the circulation and digestion and can soothe intestinal cramps. It can also cleanse and repair the gut by helping to reduce bloating and nausea".
Mums-to-be or sufferers of travel sickness should take note. A few drops of a ginger tincture in water or chopped raw ginger to chew on can do wonders for calming the digestive system and curing that sickness feeling. (And if you can't stomach it raw? Try ginger tea or a freshly-made juice for a tastier alternative).
Whether it's used to add spice to cooking or for relieving a stomach cramp, the best news is that a little goes a long way with this fragrant root. A couple of slices can transform a meal or a mug of hot water, plus you'll still reap the health benefits.
And if you simply love the smell? Here's a few of our favourite ginger-scented products:
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