By Todd Maurice Hebert

Ginger was introduced to me at a very young age. My grandmother knew the power of ginger as did her mother before her. I am positive that if I was able to go back in time I would find that my ancestors started off with Wild Ginger which grows all over here in Vermont and is also medicinal but in smaller doses.

I remember every time I had a cold as a child my grandmother would brew up a cup of Ginger tea. I have to say it was not a pleasant experience but boy did it work. My grandmother who was Native American knew the herbs to use when sickness struck. She would make the ginger tea by boiling dried or fresh Ginger Root in water and adding a dabble of honey to help with the flavor. My grandmother has since passed on but as I am learning about herbalism I have come to realize that my grandmother was right.

Ginger is very powerful for colds and flu but what I have learned is that Ginger can also be used for other things. A few years back I was diagnosed with GERD a gastrointestinal disorder causing bloating and an upset stomach. I felt that I was always sick until I discovered that Ginger could be used to treat this illness. Ginger will help calm an upset stomach and will rid the body of toxins that cause such a thing. I cannot describe the difference this has made in my life. I no longer have to take chemicals (over the counter meds) such as Mylanta to calm my stomach.

Another great use I have found for Ginger is its heating ability. I have found that there are some cold people out there. I am not talking about rude people I am talking about people who are cold all the time. Ginger is a welcoming herb for these people. The heating power of Ginger brewed as a tea will warm them up and make them comfortable. Senior citizens are good candidates for the warming qualities of Ginger.

Well I have covered some of the great uses for Ginger. There are many more such as Ginger can be used to treat arthritis, colic, diarrhea, and heart conditions. I hope you will find that Ginger can be used to help you. It sure has helped me.