Ginger: History, Health, & Hacks
When I think of ginger, I think of warmth, energy, and memory. For me, this fiery root isn’t just a spice — it’s a piece of home, tradition, and everyday ritual. It’s the slice that goes into my morning cuppa, the zing that transforms a curry, and the remedy that’s been trusted in kitchens for centuries.
But ginger is much more than a flavour booster. It carries a fascinating history that spans continents, and modern science is now catching up with what ancient traditions always knew: ginger heals, energises, and connects us to culture through food.
“....ginger isn’t just a spice in a jar... It’s memory...”
The Rich History of Ginger
Ginger has one of the oldest spice stories in the world.
Origins: Native to South and Southeast Asia, ginger has been cultivated for over 5,000 years. It first grew in India and China, where it became deeply embedded in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Spice Routes: Traders carried ginger across Asia and the Middle East, where it quickly became one of the most sought-after spices.
Europe: The Romans imported it from India over 2,000 years ago. By the Middle Ages, ginger was so valuable in Europe that a pound of it cost as much as a sheep!
Cultural symbolism: Beyond food, ginger has long symbolised warmth, vitality, and longevity — often used in tonics, teas, and even rituals of healing.
From medicinal brews to festive baking, ginger has always been a spice that travels well - across borders, traditions, and kitchens.
The Health Benefits of Ginger
“It’s soothing, gently fiery, and the perfect way to fire up digestion before the day begins.”
For centuries, ginger has been treasured not only for flavour but also for its natural healing powers. Today, science confirms what ancient wisdom already taught us: ginger is a true wellness ally.
Anti-inflammatory: reduces joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Digestive aid: soothes indigestion, bloating, and nausea — even recommended for morning sickness.
Circulation booster: its warming nature stimulates blood flow, making it perfect for colder months.
Immunity support: antibacterial and antiviral, helping the body fight colds and flu.
Natural energiser: perks up the body and mind without caffeine.
It’s no surprise that ginger is often called “nature’s medicine chest.”
Ginger in My Kitchen
In my household growing up, ginger was always on hand. I remember my mum making fresh ginger tea whenever someone felt under the weather, or grating fresh ginger into a variety of Indian dishes for that unmistakable sharp, earthy warmth.
Now, ginger is part of my own kitchen rituals. Every morning, I drop a few slices of fresh ginger into my cuppa. It’s soothing, gently fiery, and the perfect way to fire up digestion before the day begins. That little infusion of warmth feels grounding, nourishing, and full of energy.
In cooking, I use ginger everywhere - from stir-fries and smoothies, to roasted sweet potatoes, and from spice rubs to cakes. It’s the spice that effortlessly moves between savoury and sweet, comfort and energy.
Everyday Ginger Hacks
Here are some simple, no-fuss ways you can bring ginger into your daily meals:
Morning tea ritual – add a few slices of fresh ginger to hot water or tea for digestion and warmth.
Grated into stir-fries and soups – adds brightness, depth, and heat.
In marinades – perfect for chicken, fish, or tofu with soy sauce and garlic.
Baking and desserts – add to cakes, biscuits, muffins, or sprinkle candied ginger on yoghurt.
Smoothies – blend a small piece of ginger into fruit smoothies for a natural kick.
Pro tip: Don’t peel your ginger! The skin is totally edible. Just scrape off any soil or knobbly dried bits and use the whole root. It’s less waste, more nutrition, and maximum flavour.
Spice Tools: Pestle & Mortar Magic
One of my favourite ways to connect to the ritual of spices is by using a wooden pestle and mortar. Crushing ginger slices to release their oils feels grounding - and a reminder of how spices were always prepared before modern machines. It deepens flavour and slows you down in the best possible way.
👉🏽 You can find my handcrafted wooden pestle & mortar here!
Ginger as Memory, Medicine, and Magic
For me, ginger isn’t just a spice in a jar. It’s memory - of family kitchens, steaming cups of chai, and childhood remedies. It’s medicine - warming, soothing, energising. And it’s magic - a single root that connects cultures and centuries through taste and tradition.
So next time you reach for ginger, don’t just think of it as a way to add flavour. See it as a ritual - one that nourishes your body, links you to history, and makes every dish a little more alive.
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And please check out our traditional wooden spice boxes handcrafted in India - the collection box includes high quality, organic ground ginger, together with it’s information cards detailing it’s tasting profile, wellness properties, and recipe tips, PLUS there are four spice blend recipes to get you started on your spice journey!
