Scientific characteristics of fresh ginger root and its applications in health care
Fresh ginger has been used since ancient times as a medicine. Together with Vipsen learn the scientific characteristics of fresh ginger root and application in health care.
The ginger plant is a plant native to tropical Asia, mainly grown in countries such as India, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Scientific characteristics of fresh ginger root include:
1. Scientific characteristics of fresh ginger Vietnam
1.1. Scientific name ginger
Ginger’s scientific name is Zingiber officinale Rose, Ginger family (Zingiberaceae).
1.2. Sorting fresh ginger
1.2.1. Wild Ginger – Zingiber Parpureum
The tubers are quite large, spicy, fibrous, the flesh is yellow-green, pungent, and grows wild in our country.
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1.2.2. Zingiber Zerumbet – Zingiber Zerumbet
The tubers are small, fibrous, light yellow in color, and are commonly used as medicinal herbs
1.2.3. Zingiber Gramineum – Zingiber Gramineum
Long tubers, green skin, fibrous, less used than others
1.2.4. Zingiber officinale – The most commonly used type of ginger
There are 2 types: thin ginger and big ginger
- Thin ginger: small tubers, pungent, fibrous, yellow flesh
- Big ginger: big tubers, less fibrous and less spicy than ginger dé
Both types of ginger are widely used in the country and exported in the form of fresh ginger, dried ginger, peeled ginger, ginger powder, ginger essential oil, young or old ginger.
In addition to the above types of ginger, there are several other types of ginger that belong to the Ginger family, such as ginger (Zingiber montanum), black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora), and lonely ginger (Hedychium coronarium). These types of ginger are also used in cooking and medicine, however they are less known and widely used than popular ginger roots such as Zingiber officinale.
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1.3. Botanical characteristics of fresh ginger
- Stem: Fresh ginger has a short, upright stem and can be about 1-1.5m tall. Stems are green, hairy, may bear some brown spots.
- Leaves: The leaves of the ginger plant grow in pairs and are usually about 20-40cm long. Leaves are lanceolate, green with smooth upper surface and soft hairy underside.
- Flowers: The ginger plant has yellow flowers, the flowers grow in clusters and are tubular. The flowers of the ginger plant are beautiful and fragrant.
- Root: The root of the ginger plant is the most commonly used part, containing essential oils and valuable active ingredients. The swollen ginger root is white or yellow, multi-branched, about 5-10cm long and 2-4cm wide
- Fruit: The fruit of the ginger plant is uncommon and rarely used. They are spherical and red when ripe.
- Growth: Fresh ginger plants have a fast growth rate and are able to withstand many different climatic conditions. Plants are usually grown from seeds or roots.
1.4. Chemical composition of fresh ginger root
Ginger root contains abundant biological compounds, a number of active substances with pharmacological effects are commonly applied such as:
- Gingerol: As one of the most important components of fresh ginger root, gingerol has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. It is also known for its anti-cancer and pain-relieving effects.
- Shogaol: Shogaol is also an active antioxidant and has antibacterial properties. It also has anti-infective and pain-relieving effects.
- Zingiberene: As a terpenoid found in ginger root, zingiberene has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Phellandrene: A sesquiterpene with antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Curcumene: As another sesquiterpene found in ginger root, curcumene also has antibacterial and antifungal effects.
- Paradol: Paradol is an antioxidant found in ginger root, which has anti-cancer and pain-relieving effects.
- Zingerone: As an active ingredient in ginger root, zingerone has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
- In addition to the above chemical components, there are many other substances such as flavonoids, fatty acids and polyphenols. Together these compounds form a complex mixture that plays an important role in improving health and healing.
With the above characteristics and diversity of ingredients, fresh ginger root has been widely applied in human health care in many different fields. Let’s find out more!
See more: Ingredients of fresh ginger and 12 how to use fresh ginger to cook
2. Applications of fresh ginger root in health care
Fresh ginger root is one of the foods widely used in both traditional and modern medicine. It contains compounds with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal diseases. Here are some applications of ginger root in human health care:
2.1. Application of fresh ginger root in medicine
- Pain relief and anti-inflammatory: Ginger root has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can relieve pain in a variety of ailments such as joint pain, headaches, sinusitis, enteritis, and hepatitis.
- Mild pain relief and antispasmodic: Ginger root is widely used for pain relief and mild antispasmodic, especially in the case of women during the menstrual cycle.
- Promotes Heart Health: The antioxidants in ginger root may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including angina attacks and strokes. In addition, ginger root also helps reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, enhance blood circulation.
- Fights motion sickness and nausea: Ginger root is also used to combat motion sickness and nausea
- Immune Booster: Ginger root contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help strengthen the body’s immune system.
- Lower cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular disease: Ginger root has the ability to reduce cholesterol in the blood, helping to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Improves Digestive Function: Ginger root is used to relieve symptoms of digestive conditions, including constipation, bloating, and indigestion.
- Support cancer treatment: The substances in ginger root have the ability to prevent the growth of cancer cells and reduce the possibility of recurrence after treatment.
- Helps reduce stress: Ginger root has the ability to help reduce stress and anxiety. It can help boost mental clarity and concentration.
2.2. Application of fresh ginger root in dentistry
- Use in oral care: The antibacterial substances in ginger root can help clean and deodorize the mouth, while also helping to whiten teeth naturally.
2.3. Application of fresh ginger root in traditional medicine
- Use as male medicine: Ginger root has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years and is considered one of the most effective male medicines in the treatment of many diseases such as colds, sore throats, asthma, stomach pain, diabetes and many other diseases.
2.4. Application of ginger in beauty
- Use as an exfoliant: The essence in ginger root has the feature of deep cleansing and removing dead cells on the skin, making the skin brighter and smoother. However, do not use ginger directly on the skin, so buy products made from ginger to avoid skin burns
- Use in cosmetic production: Major cosmetic companies have used ginger root in the production of beauty products such as lotions, soaps, shampoos and shower gels.
2.5. Application of ginger in the food industry
- Uses in food production: Ginger root is also used in the manufacture of food products such as juices, spices and confectionery.
- You can use ginger in the traditional way by adding ginger to hot porridge, grinding ginger root or drinking ginger tea. Today, there are many ginger products on the market that are produced in the form of capsules, powder or ginger essential oil for convenience in use.
- In addition, it should also be noted that ginger root can cause some side effects such as headache, nausea, and indigestion. Therefore, you need to monitor your health condition and stop using it if there are any abnormal signs.
See more: Fresh ginger to ground ginger and how to use fresh ginger, ground ginger
In short, ginger root is a widely used food in our country. It is an important food and condiment with many useful applications both in daily life and in culinary, medical, beauty, oral care and in the manufacture of food and cosmetics. With such diverse applications, Vipsen encourages you to use fresh ginger in your daily menu.
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Above is Vipsen’s article about the scientific characteristics of fresh ginger root and its applications in health care. Hope that the article has brought useful knowledge to you. To order fresh ginger in bulk, contact us now:
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