In Ayurveda spices and herbs play a special role in maintaining health because they enhance digestion, and thus our ability to absorb nutrients and energy from our food.
As we move towards a cooler season, ginger is an excellent spice to include in our diets. Not only is it a spice that most people enjoy in one form or another – fresh, dried, in power form, crystallised – it is also versatile. It stimulates the appetite and also provides relief for allergies and other respiratory complaints. And its heating effect on the body helps to improve circulation.
Ginger originally comes from South-East Asia but is now grown in most tropical countries. For centuries this root has been well known for its aromatic and medicinal properties, which include relief from flatulence and, when in the form of a herbal tea, relief from colds or coughs.
It works on all the tissues, enhances protein digestion and reduces the effect of uric acid after eating proteins. It aids digestion by promoting the secretion of gastric juices and eases swelling, rhematic pain and migraine headaches.
Advice in Ayurveda
Fresh ginger root is considered better for Vata and the dried root better for Kapha because the increased heat in the dried form helps to stimulate the inertia and dry the cool. Ginger has the pungent and neutral/sweet tastes and is considered good for all body types – (use very modestly for Pitta). It is useful to have handy when travelling since it provides relief from travel sickness and nausea, jet lag and general weakness.
Tip: When you are buying ginger look for a firm root that is not fibrous. Store in the fridge.
It’s Recipe Time!
Ginger & lemon tea
This is a cleansing and refreshing drink that can be drunk hot or at room temperature. It is best drunk approximately one hour before or after eating.
Juice of one lemon
3-4 cm fresh ginger root
- Peel the ginger
- Put it into approximately 2 litres water.
- Boil for 15-20 minutes.
- Add the lemon juice and serve.
What’s next?
1. Go shopping for fresh ginger and lemons – organic if possible.
2. Start enjoying the tea and share your experiences with us below.
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