Ginger as a cure

• Ginger has been used for centuries in Asia as a curative for everything from an upset stomach and motion sickness to high blood pressure. It's known for anti-oxidant properties that aid the body by reducing swelling and aiding circulation.
  
  

Ginger and Menopause

• Although no scientific studies have been conducted, thousands of women have offered anecdotal evidence that ginger in many different forms helps with both the hot flashes and nausea associated with menopause. It may also help to lower blood pressure that is also sometimes related to menopause.
  
  

Types of Ginger

• Ginger root is the freshest and most pungent form of ginger. It will keep for about a week at room temperature and about a month in the fridge. Dried ginger lasts a little longer. Powdered ginger can be found in most spice sections and can be added to recipes. Crystallized ginger is ginger root that has been dried, cooked in a sugar syrup and rolled in sugar. It is often a great choice for alleviating menopause symptoms because it's easy to carry.
  
  

Preparation

• Raw ginger root can be steeped into a tea and sipped throughout the day (add honey for extra health benefits) and powdered ginger can be added to about any cooked recipe, sprinkled on popcorn or mixed with a butter spread for toast. Even a glass of ginger ale can help alleviate menopause symptoms.
  
  

Cautions

• Ginger can cause an allergic reaction in some people and, because of its spiciness, it may also cause hot flashes in some women. It's best to start with a small amount--perhaps a sprinkle of ground ginger on a yam--to see how your body tolerates it.
  
  

Fun Fact

• King Henry VIII believed ginger could cure the plague. It can't.