May 29, 2022

Ever find yourself wondering what the differences are between ginger and ginseng? They are both popular herbs derived from the root of a plant and are employed in various cooking styles and to prepare medicinal remedies.

So, is one better than the other? This comprehensive comparison will explore the history, similarities, and differences between ginger and ginseng. We will also discuss the various uses for each herb. So, let’s break it down!

 

A Brief History of Ginger

Ginger, a spice derived from the root of the leafy flowering ginger plant, is native to Southern China. Its discovery dates to 2700 BC when Chinese emperor, Sheng Nung, wrote of its medicinal properties in his book entitled “The Herbal.” In China, concoctions containing this potent spice were used to treat nausea, joint pain, and menstrual cramps.

Ginger was later introduced to India in its practice of Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda, thought to have originated in 2000 BC with Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods in Hindu mythology, is one of the oldest holistic healing systems globally and continues to be practiced today. Ginger was an essential ingredient in developing remedies to treat nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and various digestive issues.

From India, traders and travelers took ginger to the Middle East, Greece, Rome, and eventually to Europe. Ginger was commonly used as a form of currency and traded for goods such as gold, silver, frankincense, and myrrh.

Ginger continued its westward journey to Africa and the Americas with the slave trade. African slaves would take ginger with them on their journeys to help relieve nausea during long voyages. In the West Indies, slaves would use ginger to make a popular drink known as giro. This drink was made by boiling water and adding grated ginger, lime juice, and sugar.

Properties of Ginger and Uses

Ginger possesses warm, tangy, slightly bitter, and pepper-forward notes when incorporated into either medicine or food.

Ginger may be sliced and boiled to make herbal tea or added to medicinal cocktails. Furthermore, the root’s flesh may be ground or grated and incorporated into the base of a curry dish, a soup or stew, or into Grandma’s famous gingerbread cookies. What’s more, ginger boiled with sugar will result in a delightful treat known as candied ginger!

 

Health Benefits of Ginger

The health benefits of ginger are immense. It contains essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and zinc. In addition, it is an excellent source of vitamins C and B6. It can also do the following:

  • Alleviate inflammation
  • Improve digestion
  • Relieve nausea and vomiting
  • Treat cold and flu viruses
  • Improve brain function
  • Reduce muscle pain
  • Lower blood sugar levels