. Growing up in the Caribbean, I am very familiar with the taste and bite of ginger root. One of my favorite flavors. It is used in Caribbean food, such as deserts, curries and other tasty dishes, it’s benefits surpass more than its wonderful warm and spicy flavor, it’s good for you”. One of ginger’s active enzymes, zingibain, reduces inflammation, reducing the risk of acne, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Ginger’s antimicrobial and antiseptic properties can also kill the bacteria that causes acne. It promotes skin elasticity and firmness due to it’s antioxidants ginerol and shogoal, which have both been shown to fight skin damaging free radicals.
To achieve these skin benefits, I advocate using actual ginger root. Why take capsules when you can use the root? It is cost effective and has a great return on investment and it tastes great. It is also a wonderful warming spice with which to cook with.
Food
Oatmeal: Adding a bit of spice to your oatmeal (I boil a few slivers, add cloves and boil and add the oatmeal) sweeten, or add raisins, cranberries, berries. Yumm!
Tea: It is so easy to use to make a cup of tea. Peel the ginger root and cut into thin strips. Steep the strips in a cup of boiled water for about 10-15 minutes. If you wish, sweeten the tea and add other spices such as cinnamon and clove along with agave nectar.
Indian and Chinese Food: It is often used in Indian, Chineese, Caribbean dishes and in desserts
Salad dressing: Grate the root, mix with Rice Vinegar, a little Sesamee Seed oil and use as dressing to your favorite vegies. I like to add Flax Seeds to my salads for additional omega 3s. (great for skin and heart health too.
Skin Care
Toner: Brew tea, let cool, use it as a toner or refresher water by spraying it on the face.
Moisturizer: You can add a drop of ginger essential oil to your daily moisturizer.
Pain
Massage the painful area with the essential oil diluted in a carrier oil. (Do not use directly on skin). Please note, the essential oil itself, is not for internal use.
Feeling Sexy???? Some say it could also work as an aphorodisiac due to it’s promotion of blood circulation. Try it!
From: Skin Deep Magazine by Sheley Burns, Dr. of Naturopathic Medicine.
& Lilly Rivera www.bridalgal.com
Recent Comments