A distant relative of the banana, ginger gets its name from the translation of the Sanskrit word meaning shaped like a horn. Used widely in Asian dishes and to flavor soda (ginger ale and cola) it can also act as a preservative in food. Ginger capsules may help relieve motion sickness and it has a long history of treating nausea, loss of appetite, and pain.
Chewing raw ginger, eating ginger candies and sipping ginger tea are home remedies for nausea and can be helpful during cancer treatment. Pregnant women who suffer with morning sickness can safely use ginger lozenges or candies to relieve some of the symptoms. Research studies have shown ginger to be effective against inflammation, muscle pain and severe pain (dysmenorrhea) during menstrual cycles. A pinch of ginger in a cup of tea may help relieve a stuffy nose and intestinal gas.
Like garlic, ginger get milder when cooked and turns bitter if burned. One-half teaspoon of ground ginger equals 2 teaspoons of fresh or preserved ginger. Crystallized ginger, made from fresh ginger root preserved in sugar, is more like a candy than a spice. A one-ounce serving has close to 100 calories.
