‘Tis the season to take advantage of ginger.  It’s a great herb for cooking, but it is also useful as a healing herb to get us through traveling, the cold season, and the holidays, a time of feasting and overindulgence.

What it’s for:

Ginger is a digestive aid and can greatly reduce or eliminate nausea, heartburn, indigestion, and help with constipation.  It is also stimulates the circulatory system and warms the body on cold wintry nights.  Soothing to a sore throat and great for colds, a steamy cup of hot ginger tea can make a big difference in how you feel!

To relieve vertigo carry along candied ginger for emergencies or in case of traveling sickness. Drinking ginger tea can also help heal ear infections, and ginger oil can be topically applied for chest colds and menstrual cramps.

How to Use it:

Tea:

Start with a piece the same size as your thumb and peel. Grate it or chop it into fine pieces.  Pour boiling water over the herb and cover.  Soak until only cool enough to drink, add honey and lemon if desired. The tea can be strained, but I like to eat the ginger bits with a spoon when I get to the bottom of my cup!

Oil:

Soak 3 Tablespoons finely chopped ginger in 1/4 cup of olive oil overnight. Strain. Use as a massage oil for the chest during a cold or rub behind ears to relieve congestion. Use with a heating pad or hot water bottle for menstrual cramps. Discontinue use if skin becomes irritated.

Candy:

Here is a great recipe for candied ginger.

Take advantage of this great herb while it lasts!

If you don’t need it right away, frozen ginger is great to have on hand.