You may have noticed that every word in this AtoZ series isa verb because holistic self-care involves taking action. Today is nodifferent. So, when you read the word “ginger,” think “to ginger.”

To ginger can mean, literally, to add ginger (root, spice,powder, juice) to flavor a dish. But beyond the aromatic, wonderful flavor ofginger – which is one of my favorite spices – ginger has many health benefits.

To ginger can also mean to invigorate or liven up – a personor a conversation.

I, personally, love the taste and ginger almost everything.I even add it to my morning smoothie.

My personal favorite remedy when I’m feeling a cold or flucoming on is to boil chopped up ginger root and green onion in Coca-Cola.Simple but effective. As I don’t drink coke or soda, this means a trip to the store,but I’ve also replaced the soda by adding maple syrup or molasses to some waterinstead. Either way, drinking this concoction under the blankets after a hotshower knocks out all the germs.

A chunk of crystalized ginger settles most upset stomach and heart-burn.

The benefits of ginger-ing your life far exceed temporary relief from annoying symptoms.

Body:

When you ginger your food, your body will thank you. Gingeris known to:

• Reduce nausea and gas
• Improve gut health - reducing stomach ulcers,ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and treats diarrhea
• Promote sweating, which detoxifies the body –and helps to treat cold and flu
• Fight inflammation – reducing muscle pain and arthriticsymptoms
• Prevent menstrual cramps
• Lower LDL cholesterol
• Improve insulin resistance and controls diabetes
• Alleviate inflammatory skin conditions
• Prevent infection
• Boost metabolism
• Reduce risk of breast and colon cancers
• Relieve asthma

And ginger is loaded with vitamins and minerals!

Mind:

When you ginger your food, you reduce the risk of dementiaand Alzheimer’s and improve cognition.

Imagine the peace of mind you get when you feel better.

Spirit:

• —and, last but not least, ginger is an aphrodisiac, which can certainly liven things up and boost your spirits a bit!

Do you ginger your life?