Heard of Sonth/Saunth/Sonth/Sukku? This is no word game, but other names of Dry Ginger, which is rife of benefits when it comes to putting up its medicinal worth. And when you read about the health benefits of dry ginger, you will be surprised about how this must-have kitchen ingredient has a pride of place in the health business.
Read on.
What is Dry Ginger?
It is easy to understand what dried ginger means – fresh ginger which is dried before being used. Its fine off-white powder stands out for its pungent flavor and strong aroma. It is easy to store and has a long shelf life (of 1 year) as compared to the raw ginger.
Nutritional Properties
Not all of us know that the medicinal properties of dry ginger have been documented. For many years now, it has been recognized as anti-inflammatory and anti-flatulent in nature and having antimicrobial properties.
Some of the good things about dry ginger –
- It is LOW in Sodium and Cholesterol
- GOOD source of Dietary Fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin E, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Manganese
- The root of dry ginger has many essential oils – gingerol (which boosts the production of gastric juices in the belly), zingerone (effective against bacteria E. coli which causes diarrhea)
- Is effective in bringing relief from pregnancy blues (such as nausea and vomiting), motion sickness
- Decreases the nausea feeling cause by radiation and chemotherapy
Health Benefits of Dry Ginger:
Unbelievable it is, and effective:
1. Anti Inflammatory
Dry ginger powder has anti-inflammatory properties which bring relief from arthritis.
How to consume:
- Add 2-3 tbsp of dry ginger powder in water.
- Boil it and then drink it to cure the swollen joints.
- You can also apply this paste on your swollen knee joints to experience relief.
2. Helps in Digestion and Constipation:
Ginger is nature’s way to promote bowel movement. So, goodbye constipation and happy and easier digestion.
How to consume:
- Take 100 gm of ginger.
- Dissolve it in water.
- Since it has 14.1 gm of dietary fiber (soluble), it turns into a gel and softens stools, which makes them easier to pass through the colon.
3. Relieve Gastrointestinal Distress
Given our lifestyle habits, most of us end up with gastro-intestinal problems. This hampers our day-to-day performance and causes mental and physical stress, both.
How to consume: Eat 1 gm of dry ginger every day for best results from gastric problems.
4. Prevents Motion Sickness
Ginger root is a traditional Chinese medicine which has been used to combat belly ache and nausea.
How to consume:
Three choices you have – ginger ale, ginger tea or powdered ginger capsules. All these three are of major help in preventing motion sickness.
5. Treats Cold and Flu
One of the most common kitchen ingredients is ginger powder, which helps treat common cold and flu effectively.
How to consume:
7. Lowers Blood Sugar
Those of you suffering from Type 2 diabetes can breathe a sigh of relief. Dry ginger has been shown to improve blood sugar control in people with Type 2 diabetes on a long-term basis.
How to consume:
Take 3 nos. of 1 gm ginger capsules (made of ginger powder) in addition to your regular medicines for diabetes. You will see a decrease in blood sugar after 8 weeks.
8. Treats Diarrhea
Reduce the discomfort and embarrassment of diarrhea by taking dry ginger as home remedy.
How to consume:
- Mix 1 tsp each of dry ginger powder, cinnamon powder, cumin powder and honey to make fine paste.
- Consume the paste 3 times a day.
9. Treats Pain in Ribs
Ribs pain can affect a person of any age group. But it is more common among children.
How to consume:
- Take 25 gm ginger, crush it and then boil it in 2 glasses of water.
- Once the water gets reduced to half, sieve it, divide it into 4 doses and consume one dose a day.
Memory booster – Did you know human body has a total of 24 ribs and they provide protection to organs in the upper body (including heart and lungs)?
10. Toothache and Swollen Gums:
Ginger root calms the toothache pain. The anti-bacterial properties of the ginger root heal all types of toothache problems – minor infections, wounds, redness and swelling.
How to consume:
- Put 1 tsp of powdered ginger and cayenne pepper each in a cup.
- Add a few drops of water to make a paste.
- Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and place it on the affected tooth (keep it away from the gums as cayenne pepper can irritate the gums).
11. Treats Headache and Body Aches
Whether it is a tension headache or body ache, dry ginger is a powerful home remedy which helps you overcome the ache.
How to consume:
- Grind ginger to 1/2 teaspoon.
- Stir the powdered ginger in a glass of water.
- Consume
There is another way:
- Pour 1 cup hot water over 1 tsp freshly ground ginger.
- Now let the tea cool a bit, and then drink it.
12. Reduces Joint Pain
Being anti-inflammatory in nature, ginger helps tackle the rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis.
How to consume:
- Mix 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 2 cups water and few drops of honey.
- Bring it to boil, and then reduce it to simmer.
- Turn off the flame.
- Strain the solution.
- Add honey to taste and consume.
13. Helps in Treating Jaundice
Why resort to meds when Jaundice can be prevented and treated by consuming dry ginger.
How to consume:
- Take 10 gm of dry ginger with jaggery for a couple of days.
- Alternatively, you can take half a teaspoon of dry ginger with hot milk for best results.
14. Improves Blood Circulation:
How to keep blood going in the body can be a challenge at times (depending on the ailment). Dried ginger can be of major help in correcting the situation.
How to consume: Keep drinking ginger tea several times a day to get improved blood circulation.
15. Ideal for cardiovascular health
How many of us know that Dry ginger powder has warming properties which improves the cardiovascular system in our body and reduces hypertension? Yes, it is true.
How to consume: Take 2-3 cups of ginger tea during the day and watch the benefits roll out in due course of time.
Tips
- Dry ginger, sunth or soonth powder has a therapeutic effect and gives you multiple health benefits when taken in small quantities.
- Avoid taking it in summers, though because it is warm.
- Use dry ginger alone or in combination with other herbs. You can also use it as a condiment to spice up bland foods.
Read the impressive long-term benefits of dry ginger? Drop your comments below or add more tips from your side.
