Garlic and Ginger: Dynamic Duo for Digestion and Immunity

Introduction:

Have you ever wondered why garlic and ginger are often the go-to remedies for colds, flu, and digestive issues? These two potent ingredients have been cherished for thousands of years, not only for their kick-ass flavours but also for their incredible health benefits. Revered in traditional medicine and increasingly validated by modern science, garlic and ginger are a powerful duo for boosting digestion and immunity. Today we explore the remarkable properties and versatile uses of these dynamic spices in everyday life.

Garlic: Ancient Remedy for Health and Vitality

Garlic is a root with a rich history spanning thousands of years, revered in Ayurveda and traditional medicine across continents for its healing properties. In Ayurveda, garlic is noted for its ability to support healthy digestion, bolster the immune system, improve heart health, and detoxify the body. Modern research confirms garlic’s therapeutic effects, highlighting its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-hypertensive properties. Garlic is also known to lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and improve overall cardiovascular health.

Ginger: The Versatile Spice for Wellness

Ginger has been prized in Ayurvedic practices and culinary traditions for its versatility and powerful therapeutic properties. Ayurveda recognizes ginger as a potent digestive aid and immune booster, effective in relieving nausea, improving circulation, and reducing inflammation. Recent scientific studies have validated ginger’s role in promoting gut health, enhancing immune function, and providing anti-cancer properties. Ginger also helps in managing blood sugar levels, alleviating menstrual pain, and improving brain function, making it an essential addition to every kitchen and wellness regimen.

Synergistic Benefits of Garlic and Ginger

What makes garlic and ginger truly remarkable is their synergistic relationship, working together to amplify their benefits. Combining garlic’s digestive support, cardiovascular benefits, and detoxifying properties with ginger’s immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties profoundly optimizes overall health and well-being. Incorporating both garlic and ginger into your daily routine not only enhances the flavor of your meals but also provides a holistic approach to wellness, promoting longevity, vitality, and a robust immune system. There is scarcely a meal I cook that doesn’t begin with ginger and garlic in the base.

Incorporating Garlic and Ginger into Daily Life

 

Ginger/Garlic Paste:

Directions
Use 150g each of fresh ginger and fresh garlic cloves
Wash ginger and leave skin on. Peel and clean garlic. Add together with some pure sunflower oil or extra virgin olive oil, to a blender, juicer or food processor, and blitz into a paste. You’re adding the oil to help the process of blending and also to act as a preservative, so you only need to add just enough. You can also add fresh curry leaves into this mixture to pimp up its flavour and medicinal content.
Store in an airtight container and keep in the fridge or freezer.
How to Use? Literally add a teaspoon to everything you cook, early in the cooking process so ingredients have time to mellow and merge their flavours.

Take Note: Blenders and juicers all differ, so you’ll need to check/test whether yours can handle the job or whether a food processor is necessary.

 

Garlic and Ginger Tea:

 

• Crush 1 clove garlic and an equal part fresh ginger, per cup.
• Bring to boil in slightly more water than a full cup, then reduce to a medium simmer for 15 minutes. Keep saucepan covered throughout.
• Strain the mixture and add jaggery or raw honey and/or a drizzle of lemon juice for taste.
• Enjoy this soothing tea daily for its immune-boosting and gut-enhancing properties.

 

 

Garlic and Ginger Stir-Fry:

 

 

• Heat some oil in a pan and add finely chopped onions, and saute until soft and moist. Then add 1 heaped teaspoon ginger/garlic paste. Mix and cook 20 seconds.
• Add your favorite vegetables, diced and sliced, and toss them well.
• Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
• Stir-fry until everything is cooked through.
• Serve over rice or noodles

 

 

Garlic and Ginger Salad Dressing:

Ingredients:

• 2 cloves of garlic, peeled
• 1-inch (about the size of the first joint of your thumb) piece of ginger, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup of pure sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of raw honey
• A pinch of salt

Directions:

• Place 2 cloves of peeled garlic and 1-inch piece of peeled and chopped ginger in a blender.
• Add 1/4 cup of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a pinch of salt to the blender.
• Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the blender if needed.
• Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, honey, or lemon juice, according to your preference, until it has the desired consistency and taste
• Transfer it to an airtight glass jar and keep in a cool, dark place.
• Drizzle freely over your salads, and enjoy the flavours and healing.

 

Ginger and Garlic Topical Applications:
Precautions:

• Perform a patch test on a small area of skin on the back of your hand, to check for any adverse reactions before applying ginger or garlic topically.
• Use fresh and organic ginger and garlic for optimal benefits.
• Avoid applying ginger or garlic near sensitive areas like the eyes, mucous membranes, or broken skin.
• If you experience any irritation or discomfort, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.

 

Ginger Compress for Pain Relief:

• Grate 1 tablespoon fresh ginger and wrap it in a clean and steaming warm cloth.
• Apply the ginger compress to the affected area. Test first on the back of your hand. Don’t burn yourself.
• Leave it on for 10-15 minutes to help reduce pain and inflammation.

 

Ginger Oil Massage:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of grated ginger
• 1/2 cup of sustainably sourced coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

• In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of grated ginger with 1/2 cup of coconut oil or olive oil.
• Warm the mixture over low heat for a few hours to infuse the ginger into the oil. Be careful not to boil the mixture.
• After infusing, strain the oil to remove the grated ginger pieces, leaving you with the ginger-infused oil.
• Use the ginger-infused oil for a soothing massage on sore muscles or joints.
• Massage gently in circular motions to promote circulation and relieve pain.
• Garlic Paste for Wound Healing:
• Crush fresh garlic cloves to make a paste. As many as you need to make enough paste to cover the wound. More is better than less.
• Apply the garlic paste to minor cuts or wounds. Anything more than ‘minor’ might need you to see a healthcare professional.
• Cover with a clean bandage and leave it on for a few hours to promote healing.

 

Garlic Acne Treatment:
Ingredients:

• 2-3 garlic cloves
• A small amount of water (approximately 1-2 teaspoons)

Directions:

• Peel and crush 2-3 garlic cloves to release their juices.
• Mix the crushed garlic with a small amount of water to dilute the mixture. You can start with approximately 1-2 teaspoons of water.
• Apply the garlic mixture to acne-prone areas on your skin, focusing on areas with acne breakouts.
• Leave the garlic mixture on for a short period, about 5-10 minutes, to allow it to work on the skin.
• After 5 – 10 minutes, rinse off the garlic mixture with lukewarm water. Make sure to gently wash off the mixture and gently pat your skin dry with soft and absorbent towel.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, garlic and ginger are powerful allies in promoting overall health and vitality. By embracing the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and harnessing modern scientific insights, you can leverage the synergistic benefits of these spices to support digestion, boost immunity, improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall well-being. With the simple techniques shared above, you can incorporate garlic and ginger into your daily routine and experience their transformative effects firsthand.

Share your experiences and questions below in the comments section!

With love,

Research and Further Reading
Immunomodulation and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Garlic Compounds: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4417560/
Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ginger in Health and Physical Activity:: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3665023/Garlic and Cardiovascular Disease: A Critical Review: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622081330
Ginger Bioactives: A Comprehensive Review of Health Benefits and Potential Food Applications: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/12/11/2015