Ginger (zingiber officinale) is a tropical flowering plant with a white, yellow or red root that’s been widely used for culinary and medicinal purposes since ancient times. Ginger comes from the botanical family that also includes turmeric and cardamom. The leafy ginger plant grows to about three feet in height and displays green or purple flowers. It’s harvested by pulling the entire plant from the ground, stripping its leaves and cleaning the root.

What is Ginger?

It is a flowering plant that belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is closely related to cardamom, galangal, and turmeric. While ginger originated in Southeast Asia and was one of the first spices introduced in Europe through the spice trade, a large percent of ginger is now grown in India.

Today people use fresh or dried ginger in meal prep for its delicious flavor and take ginger supplements for health benefits.

Benefits of Ginger and the Ginger Root

It is thought that Ginger supplies antioxidants and other nutrients for overall wellness. Ginger contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals including vitamins B3, B6, C, iron, zinc, magnesium, folate and more. Today most people use ginger for occasional indigestion and overall benefits to digestion.  

Ginger Joins Our List of Top Herbs

Herbs have been used for thousands of years but in recent months the popularity of herbs and herbal supplements has skyrocketed as more people seek a natural approach to good health. Here’s our list of the top 10 most popular herbs. 

1. Echinacea
2. Elderberry
3. Turmeric
4. Cranberry
5. Ginger
6. Garlic
7. Cannabidiol (CBD)
8. Aloe Vera
9. Red Yeast Rice
10. Apple Cider Vinegar

How to Include Ginger into Your Daily Routine

With its delicately yet zippy flavor, fresh ginger can be added to just about any beverage or dish to give it an extra kick.

• Made in a tea and added to coffee
• Blended into smoothies or salad dressings
• Included in soups
• Sprinkled on fish or chicken, it pairs well with soy sauce
• Desserts – pumpkin pie, spice cake, ginger loaf bread and gingersnap cookies
• Vegetables – a dash on sweet potatoes or squash

Ginger, Extracts and Supplements

Not only can ginger be eaten fresh or consumed in a beverage, it can also be found in the beauty aisle in soaps, fragrances, and lotions.  For health purposes ginger supplements come in many forms including:

Lozenges and sprays – Ginger’s often an ingredient in lozenges to soothe throats.

Capsules – This is the most common and convenient type of supplement with two outer shells that hold ginger’s powder.

Liquids – Ideal for individuals who have difficulty swallowing pills, liquids, including ginger extracts have increased in popularity. They can be taken by the spoonful or added to your favorite beverage. 

Gummies/chews – What began as a way to get children to take their vitamins, quickly expanded to adult use. Ginger gummies and crystal chews are ideal after a big meal.

Tea – Hot or cold, ginger makes an excellent tea to comfort mild digestive upset.

Powders – Powders are another good option for those who have difficulty swallowing. Powders can be mixed with water, milk or added to smoothies and yogurts.

Other Tips for Health and Wellness