What is the origin of ginger and what uses does it have?

Ginger is one of those plants that is grown for the different uses it has. And, although it is very popular in the kitchen, it is also used in natural medicine, and it also looks great in a garden.

However, when someone is asked what the origin of ginger is, they tend to doubt. So so that this does not happen to you, we are going to tell you not only what the answer to that question is, but also what it is used for exactly.

Table of Contents

• 1 Origin of ginger
• 2 What uses does it have?
  • 2.1 Edible
  • 2.2 Medicinal
    • 2.2.1 Decoction
    • 2.2.2 Topically

Origin of ginger

Ginger, whose scientific name is Zingiber officinale, is a rhizomatous plant that grows in the tropical rainforests of India. Its aroma is characteristic, which is why it came to Europe during the spice trade in the time of Ancient Rome around 750 BC. C.

It grows to 2m tall, and has linear leaves 5-25cm long by 1-3cm wide. But without a doubt what is most interesting are its rhizomes, which are very nutritious.

What uses does it have?

All these:

Edible

The tender rhizomes are juicy and fleshy and can be used as snack pickled, or added as an ingredient in different recipes. With those that are more mature as they are very spicy, they are used more as a spice to disguise other aromas and flavors that are stronger, such as shellfish.

Other uses are to make candy, gingerbread, flavor cookies and / or drinks.

Its nutritional value per 100g is as follows:

• Carbohydrates: 71,62g
  • Sugars: 3,39g
  • Fiber: 14,1g
• Fat: 4,24g
• Proteins: 5,55g
• Water: 9,94g
• Vitamin B1: 0,046mg
• Vitamin B2: 0.17 mg
• Vitamin B3: 9.62 mg
• Vitamin B5: 0.477 mg
• Vitamin B6: 0.626 mg
• Vitamin C: 0.7 mg
• Vitamin E: 0 mg
• Calcium: 114 mg
• Iron: 19.8 mg
• Magnesium: 214 mg
• Manganese: 33.3 mg
• Phosphorus: 168 mg
• Potassium: 1320 mg
• Sodium: 27 mg
• Zinc: 3.64 mg

Medicinal

Decoction

The decoction of rhizomes is used in cases of gastrointestinal and respiratory problems and also to treat rheumatism, gout, malaria and dysmenorrhea.

Topically

Poultices and ointments are made that are used to treat headaches, inflammations, tumors, rheumatism, ulcers, and cancer.

Anyway, before starting a treatment with ginger you should consult a doctor.