M and I are both fighting a cold. Me for almost 2 weeks now, M's started yesterday and I guess he will be ok by tomorrow. He is like that and I wish that was me.... I stayed in bed 90% of the time on the past 2 weekends, and after work just had dinner and than back to bed with a hot water bottle.
Since I really finally want to be healthy again, we bought our secret weapon yesterday. We usually have it at home, but during the colder months, I always want to make sure I have enough of it in my pantry. What is the secret weapon?
Ginger!
I know, I know, it´s not a secret. But maybe some of you don´t know how ninjaresque (nice made up word!) ginger actually is:
"Ginger is one the foods with the highest content of antioxidants. Not only does it act as a natural antihistamine and a mild decongestant, it is also great for sore throat. The herb promotes the release of bile from gallbladder for people suffering from gallstones. Ginger may also decrease joint pain from arthritis, and blood thinning and cholesterol lowering properties that may make it useful for treating heart disease.
There was one time when I had problems with a swollen lymph node in my neck, and I took ginger tea, and within minutes of drinking it, it took away the inflammation and allowed me to swallow again."
What we do is, drink it as a tea:
"Ginger tea is a beverage in many countries, made from ginger root. In China, the tea is made by boiling peeled and sliced ginger to which brown sugar is often added. Sliced orange or lemon fruit may also be added to give a flavor. In Korean cuisine, ginger tea is called saenggang cha (생강차). It can be made either by boiling the ginger or by mixing hot water and preserved sweetened ginger. For the latter, sliced ginger root is stored with honey for a few weeks like jam. In Japanese cuisine it is called shōgayu (生姜湯). In Philippine cuisine it is called salabat and served in the relatively cold month of December. From its main ingredient ginger tea derives a flavor that is spicy and stimulating."
I usually just cut the ginger in slices, add boiling water, fresh lemon juice and a little bit of honey. DELICIOUS!
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To celebrate my little ginger-ninja, I made a free printable for you guys! As always: for the best and biggest resolution, right-click on the picture to open it in a new window/tab and download it from there.
Feel free to share it!
