The Dried Ginger - The Universal Medicine

How elite are those cosy winter evenings with a cup of ardrak chai and ardrak gud? Or that spicy-sweet flavour of Inji Puli in Sadhyas? The warmth and sharpness of the rhizome refresh the mouth and soothe the gut. The tint and aroma of ginger can be explored in confectionery and beverages. Dry ginger powder became a primary ingredient in cuisines internationally. But are you aware of the health benefits it possesses?

Dried ginger is obtained from the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale belonging to the Zingiberaceae or ginger family. Originating in Southeast Asia, the rhizome is cultivated from the beginning of spring and harvested when the leaves start yellowing and drying. The collected ginger is washed, peeled, cut into small pieces, and dried in sunlight until entirely dehydrated.

Adored as Vishwa Bhesaja, dried ginger, aka Shunti or Shonth, is a primary ingredient in Indian, Chinese, and Tibb-Unani medicines. Dried ginger is highly pungent, very heating, and balances Vata and Kapha doshas. Slice of ginger before meals can kindle the appetite, promote the digestive fire, and stimulate the enzymes. It can keep the body healthy from the harshness of cold and respiratory conditions.

A bite of dried ginger helps fight motion and morning sickness, flush out toxins from the body and boosts immunity. The health benefits of dry ginger are incorporated in numerous Ayurvedic formulations and digestive formulas, including Trikatu.

Benefits of Dry Ginger

Dried ginger is known for its health benefits and is utilised as a health supplement worldwide. They have been used extensively in respiratory, digestive, and cardiac conditions, boosting overall health. Here are some of the dry ginger powder benefits you can explore:

Dried ginger for Digestive Health

Dry ginger powder is known for its digestive benefits. Adding it with buttermilk or vegetables can ease aches and discomforts associated with long-term digestion issues. Grabbing a pinch of dry ginger powder before meals kindles the digestive fire. It is renowned for its Grahi (absorbent or binding nature), making it suitable for constipation and IBS. It relieves bloating, intestinal gas, indigestion, and other discomforts.

Dried Ginger for Inflammation

Dried ginger is rich in gingerol and shogaol, contributing to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can inhibit the release of inflammatory molecules and flush out toxins in arthritic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, etc. Traditional formulations include dried ginger as an active ingredient in herbal formulations for pain and swelling.

Dried Ginger for Immunity

Consuming dried ginger can support the immune system. The anti-microbial properties help fight bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, strengthen the body’s innate immunity, and improve overall health. The tradition of ginger tea or ginger kwath during winter has deep roots in enhancing the body’s strength.

Dried Ginger for Respiratory Health

Whether it is a cough or a cold, ginger combinations always win the hearts of millions as the quickest remedy. Gingerol, the active constituent in dried ginger, contains anti-microbial compounds that help fight respiratory conditions. A pinch of dry ginger powder with honey or turmeric helps address dry cough and cold.

Dried Ginger for Cardiovascular Health

The increased cholesterol levels in the body may increase the risk of heart attack and other conditions. Incorporating dried ginger in meals can significantly reduce harmful cholesterol levels and improve good cholesterol levels.

Dry Ginger Powder for Skin

Dry ginger powder can create wonders on the skin. Dried ginger’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties boost skin hydration, increase skin elasticity, reduce acne and wrinkles, improve skin tone, and prevent ageing.

Dried Ginger for Weight Loss

Gingerols and Shogaols in ginger can stimulate various biological reactions, including burning belly fat and body weight. They can indirectly act on weight management by stabilizing blood sugar and improving digestion, absorption, and elimination of food we consume.

Dried Ginger Benefits for Hair Growth

Ginger-based hair products, including oil, paste, or hair mask, can adapted according to your choice. They benefit from enhanced blood circulation to the scalp, improved hair growth, hair loss and premature greying, and prevention of scalp infections.

Organic Ginger Powder Benefits During Periods

Dried Ginger Powder can be an ideal remedy for period-related issues such as muscle cramps, body aches, nausea, bloating, etc. Natural compounds in ginger can relax uterine muscles and reduce muscular contractions' intensity. Furthermore, they improve blood circulation, regulate hormones, and alleviate periods of pain.

Ayurvedic Remedies Using Dry Ginger

Dry ginger powder is included in our diet and regimen in various ways. In earlier days, they are used in home remedies and Ayurvedic formulations. Common dry ginger uses are:

Ginger Tea for Digestion

Ardrak chai or ginger tea is a traditional remedy for digestive conditions. Ginger tea combines one teaspoon of grated ginger and one teaspoon of tea powder or tea leaves into a cup of boiling water or milk. Add sugar for taste. Boil it for 3 to 4 minutes to extract the flavour and nutrients. A hot cup of ginger tea can improve appetite and digestion, kindle the digestive fire, and promote nutrient absorption.

Ginger and Honey for Cold and Cough

Ginger-honey combinations act as a medicine rather than a delicious treat. Dried or fresh ginger mixed with honey aids in coughing, coldness, and sore throat. The anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory constituents relax the respiratory tract. The combination effectively fights different types of bacteria and improves the body’s defence mechanism.

Ginger and Turmeric Decoction for Immunity

Boil the paste of ginger and turmeric for 5 minutes in a cup of water to prepare the decoction. Brew it with honey or lemon to enhance the taste. The decoction effectively fights diseases and increases the person's overall health.

Ginger and Lemon Juice for Weight Loss

Drinking ginger tea or drink mixed with lemon juice might help lose weight. Lemon can reduce fat accumulation in the body, and ginger helps reduce hunger. The ginger-lemon beverage maximises hydration and suppresses the appetite, resulting in weight loss.

Ginger and Rock Salt

Incorporating ginger with rock salt can help manage digestive conditions. Dry ginger powder is known for its digestive, appetizing, and tate-enhancing properties; rock salt helps improve the body’s metabolic activities. Chewing a piece of ginger with rock salt helps control loss of taste and appetite, nausea, abdominal bloating, indigestion, and stomach aches.

Ginger and Jaggery (Adrak Gud)

The homemade candy once ruled the Indian households during winters, helping to fight respiratory conditions and boost immunity. Adrak Gud can be prepared by peeling and chopping the ginger, drying it out in the sun, and crushing it into powder. Take a vessel and add jaggery, powdered ginger, clove powder, black pepper, and water. Keep it in medium flame till the jaggery is completely melted. Switch off when the texture resembles syrup, and keep it aside for a few minutes. Take a chocolate mould or butter paper and transfer the sugar candy to that one spoon at a time after smearing the ghee. Keep it there till it is completely cooled. The candy can enhance your digestive and respiratory function.

Ginger Oil (Sonth Taila)

The essential oil from ginger has been widely used in food and pharmaceutical processing. Ginger oil, extracted from the fresh ginger rhizome after distillation, has a natural yellow colour with a strong, spicy aroma, adding to its warmth. Owing to its therapeutic benefits, ginger oil became an inevitable compound in aroma therapy.

Whether inhaled or applied to the skin via carrier oils, ginger oil fights free radicals in the body, preventing inflammation and cell damage. From improving digestive health and enhancing skin radiance to easing body aches, ginger oil has got immense health benefits, including:

• Improves digestive health.
• Inhaling ginger oil relieves respiratory symptoms.
• Reduce pain associated with arthritis.
• The essential oil's fragrance can enhance mood by managing stress and anxiety.
• Help manage wrinkles, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation.

Sonth Laddoo for post-pregnancy care

The traditional post-pregnancy laddoos prepared with your mother’s love are delicious and loaded with nutritional benefits. Shonth laddoo can be prepared by roasting one cup of dry ginger powder in 2 tablespoons of ghee until fragrant. Add one cup of jaggery to the pan and cook till it melts to a syrupy consistency. Later, mix it with roasted gram flour, shape the mixture into small balls, and allow them to cool. The sweet laddoo can boost immunity, fight respiratory ailments, improve metabolism, stimulate digestion, and regain lost energy.

Uses of dry ginger

The key ingredient in cuisines and medicines, ginger conquers the culinary and pharmaceutical world with its immense uses. Here are some of the benefits of dry ginger:

Culinary Uses of Dried Ginger

Ginger is a staple ingredient in Indian, Chinese, and Eastern cuisines. Ginger can enhance flavour and soothe curries, stir-fries, and Masala chai taste buds. In Chinese cooking, ginger, garlic, and scallions make up the Holy Trinity. Gari, the Japanese pickled Ginger, serves as a side dish for sushi and cleanses the palate. Western cuisines utilise the spice in sweet recipes such as gingerbread, ginger cookies, and ginger ale. The spice's popularity and production are increasing daily.

Medicinal Uses Of Dried Ginger

The universal medicine is an active ingredient in Kerala Ayurveda’s medicinal formulations. Browse through our website and deliver the medicine in the comfort of your home.

• ASHTA CHOORNAM - Ashta Choornam is an Ayurvedic supplement for improving digestion and managing digestive issues. Enriched with Shunti, Pippali, Maricha, etc., the formulations help manage indigestion, abdominal bloating, flatulence, and dyspepsia. It also helps cleanse the body's toxins.
• TUSSNIL SYRUP - Tussnil Syrup from Kerala Ayurveda is an excellent Ayurvedic remedy for respiratory conditions. Whether it is a sore throat or dry or productive cough, the syrup is a miraculous remedy for adults and children.

Precautions to Take with Dry Ginger

Dry ginger is relatively safe to use without side effects. In some individuals, it can cause mild side effects such as heartburn, diarrhoea, general stomach issues, and skin irritation

Dried ginger is a safe drug to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding within the suggested dosage. It can also be consumed by children under the guidance of a registered physician.

Care must be given if you are under anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, or medicine for hypertension or diabetes, as the spice can interact with the medicine. Always consult the physician and determine the dosage before intake.

Key Takeaways

• Ginger is renowned as ‘Vishwa Bheshajam’ or ‘Universal Medicine’ because of its health benefits.
• The herbal remedies incorporating dried ginger are beneficial in managing digestive, respiratory, integumentary, and cardiac conditions.
• Grabbing a cup of ginger tea or ginger kwath can help fight infections.
• Consume dry ginger powder after consulting an Ayurvedic physician.