In this season of colds and flu, a much beloved treatment lurks right next to the chicken soup in the kitchen to hasten a cure. What those in the Western world think of as a childhood treat may indeed be what staved off some of those bouts of colds, flu, diarrhea, and nausea.
Ginger's Healing Properties
Ginger's healing properties come as no surprise to anyone familiar with Eastern cultures. Pythagoras advocated ginger for what ailed ancient Greeks and the list of treatments seems to grow with each study made of this ancient root. And the list of studies is lengthy.
Fresh ginger, according to the University of Maryland's Medical Center, seems most advantageous when treating migraines -- a few slices steeped in hot water to form a ginger tea, then sipped with the first twinge of impending distress. This rather knotty looking tan fleshy tuber from the Zingiber officinale plant also has been studied and believed to lower cholesterol, treat arthritis and ulcerative colitis, colic, diarrhea, heart conditions and work as well as aspirin to avoid blood clots and thin the blood. Ginger should not be taken in conjunction with aspirin.
Ginger also is a preferred method of warding off sea or air sickness. Recently, ginger has been found most effective in treating the disagreeable side effect of nausea associated with chemotherapy. And some recommend it to treat morning sickness during pregnancy, although caution must be used as with anything when pregnancy is involved. If dosing children with ginger, do not treat children younger than two years old and of course always check with your doctor or pediatrician.
Current research leans toward ginger as possessing anti-cancer properties. A long list of medical and research journals include research and results involving ginger and its healthy properties. For more information about ginger and its healing properties check out the bibliography at the University of Maryland's Medical Center.
Ginger as a Tasty Treat
But in most households in the Western world, ginger brings up memories of childhood treats and favorite stories -- the folktale about the Gingerbread Man has been told and retold by a variety of authors through the years. Baking and constructing gingerbread houses become a favorite project at Christmastime. And ginger bread, gingersnaps, ginger cookies, ginger cakes, ginger tea and ginger ale all speak of sweet delight and happy memories.
Below is a favorite and time-honored recipe for gingersnaps with a few tweaks and improvements. Easy, fast, inexpensive and good for what ails you.
Homemade Gingersnaps
The following recipe is from the kitchen of Dawn Goldsmith:
Cream:
3/4 cup butter
Add:
2 whole eggs
1/2 cup light molasses
1 1/3 cups brown sugar slightly packed
2 teaspoons plain white vinegar
Mix these together and then add the dry ingredients:
3 3/4 cup flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 heaping tablespoon of ground ginger. (YES, 1 Tablespoon)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of cloves (optional)
Roll the dough into balls and roll the balls in granulated sugar before placing on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes in a 375 degree F oven.
When thoroughly cooled, store well in an airtight canister. Can also be frozen.
For more information about ginger and its healing properties check out the bibliography at the University of Maryland's Medical Center.
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