Ginger is one of those indispensable herbs that we often take for granted. I can remember having a jar of ground ginger in my cupboard for so long that it lost it's flavor! That was before I realized how many things it could be used for.

In the 13th Century the English Royalty loved it so much it became worth it's weight in gold. We are fortunate that we can buy ginger fresh or ground at our grocery stores without having to sell our earthly possessions.

You can grow fresh ginger by planting a ginger root in a 12 inch pot, just below the surface of the dirt. Place the pot in a warm sunny spot, making sure it has good drainage. Water sparingly until the small green shoots appear, and then water well. Ginger loves being misted and fertilized regularly. You will have to bring it inside during the winter, where it will become dormant and die down. After the plant is well established, in about a year, dig up the roots from the newer sprouts to use; these will be more flavorful.

Roots will keep in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, and you can freeze them if they are wrapped well in plastic.

You can use fresh ginger in recipes that call for dried, but use about half the amount called for.

Ginger: latin name Zingiber officinale is a very popular warming herb and spice. It promotes circulation and digestion. Studies even show ginger as a possible agent to assist "food poisoning " out of the body by creating a barrier between the intestinal wall and the offending agent. It also seems to protect the liver and stomach.

Ginger is a common treatment for nausea. Ginger is used in easing digestive problems from nausea, morning sickness, motion sickness , gas pains and nausea from chemo-therapy. It is also used to help detoxify the body since it promotes sweating.

This is a good herb to take if you feel a cold coming on, plus it helps to reduce coughing.

The medically active oils in ginger are responsible for ginger's characteristic odor and taste. The aromatic elements include zingiberene and bisabolene, while the pungent elements are known as gingerols and shogaols.

The pungent constituents are credited with the anti-nausea and anti-vomiting effects of ginger.

It is possible to make your own "natural" ginger ale for pleasure or for treatment nausea. Make a strong ginger tea using fresh or dried ginger root. Squeeze a quarter slice of lemon into the tea. Sweeten with your preferred sweeting agent, then add carbonated water at a 50/50 ratio. Put in the frig to get cold. You should comsume within the next few days.