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zingeber officinale

Ginger

Mon, 01/07/2008 - 20:09 — kitchenwitch
Botanical Name:

Zingiber officinale

Zones:
10
Other Names:
African ginger; Black ginger; Jamaican ginger;

The ginger root, which is the part that is used, is a twisty, knotted grayish-yellowish rhizome that is somewhat juicy with a pungeant, spicy aroma.

Propagation:

Ginger can't really be grown in the average American back yard, but it can be purchased in the average American grocery store. If you want to try growing it, you'll have to keep your plant indoors. Ginger does not like temperatures below 50 degrees. It also doesn't like full sun. You can grow ginger from the knobby bits off a ginger root. Soak them overnight and set them in a pot just beneath the soil's surface the buds facing up. Water very lightly at first, and then increase water as the plant starts growing. Stop watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.

History and Folklore:

"Had I but a penny in the world, thou shouldst have it for gingerbread"- Shakespear

Harvesting & Storage:

Dig up new young sprouts that form around the main plant. Use the tubors you need and replant the rest.

Household Use:
Magical Attributes:

Ginger is energetic and firey and adds power to any magical activity. It is used in spells to "speed things up" or to cause plans to come to fruition quickly. It can also be used in spells to add passion to an existing relationship.

Healing Attributes:

Ginger is a warm, stimulating plant that triggers the immune system and is great for any cold conditions associated with shiverring. Such as low grade fever or walking home from the busstop in the rain.

The most common use for ginger in healing is the treatment of upset stomach. Ginger tea, ginger ale, candy, tablets, and the curiously strong ginger Altoids are often kept on hand for sour stomachs, morning sickness and car sickness. It is also used to help combat nausia associated with chemotherapy. Studies have shown similar results between ginger and over the counter medicines for treating nausea. (These contain sugar and phosphoric acid and coloring, which is pretty much Caffein Free CocaCola. You decide.) People who tend to have sensitive stomachs and indigestion may find relief by developing the habit of drinking a cup of ginger tea after each meal.

Overdoing it, however, can stimulate your stomach too much and lead to indigestion and gassiness, so moderation is advised.

It is also a noted anti-inflammatory agent. Eating ginger candy has helped me with back pain but others have used it for osteoarthritis. I am told you can also apply fresh slices of ginger right to the affected area, but I have not tried this. (Your comments on this are appreciated!)

Ginger has also been rumored to help fight cholesterol (it hasn't helped mine) and to prevent blood clots. Some research also suggests that ginger has cancer fighting properties.

Ginger candy is my favorite method of consumption (you can make this by soaking dried ginger in a sugar syrup and then letting it dry again, or buy it at a specialty shop. I get mine at Trader Joe's.) but some people find the flavour of ginger to be just too strong. It is an acquired taste. Ginger tablets or ginger extract might be better for these folks.

People who are taking blood thinners or who have bleeding disorders should be cautious of possible complications caused by ginger. (None have been reported, they are just theoretically possible.)

Pregnant women shouldn't use huge amounts of ginger for a long period of time (again, theoretically possible complications) but it is safe to use up to 1 gram of ginger a day for morning sickness.

Culinary Use:

Ginger is a traditional spice in many wintery warm goodies such as gingerbread and apple pie. In these, it is generally used in a dry, powdered form. Fresh ginger is often used in asian stir fries and soups.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

Trader Joe's has candied ginger and a fabulous trail mix called Ginger and Mago Go Nuts. Stock up and store some in your glove compartment to do double duty as car sickness and fast food attack preventatives.

The only popular ginger ale that actually contains ginger these days is Vernors. It is, unfortunately, not available everywhere. Ginger ale snobs agree that Jamaican ginger beer is superior to American varieties. You can find these at health food and specialty stores.

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