Weekly tips to bring island-inspired wellness into your everyday life from Rosalie Bay Resort wellness coordinator Laura Lund.
Ginger root is the rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale, a beautiful flowering shrub that grows abundantly in Dominica and in parts of the US. Originally from Asia, it was used in ancient Asia and India both medicinally and as a spice.
Ginger has anti-inflammatory compounds, anti-oxidants and anti-tumor properties. It has been shown to be effective in soothing the digestive system, treating nausea, alleviating motion sickness, reducing inflammation and pain – especially in those with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, and even inhibiting cancer cells in the colon and ovaries.
You can use ginger in cooking to achieve all of the above. Just remember that it doesn’t take much to receive all the health benefits.
On Dominica, ginger is commonly used as a tea to soothe an upset stomach. Ginger tea can also boost your immune system the next time you’re suffering from the cold or flu. Or, be used in a bath to relieve aches and pains.
Ginger tea is one of the many local herbal teas available at our wellness resort. You can enjoy it at home with this quick recipe.
Ginger tea
- Take ¼ to ½ inch of ginger root.
- Peel and boil for 5 minutes.
- Add a dash of cinnamon and it’s ready to enjoy.