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Ginger is one of my all time favorite herbs and I love to make these Candied Ginger Chews to have on hand! Ginger has helped me through morning sickness and colds. Plus it just tastes good and you can’t say that about all herbs. In fact I love it so much I named my dog Ginger!
Benefits of Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is such a powerful and versatile herb that can be used for so many different conditions.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Ginger contains bioactive compounds like gingerol that have potent anti-inflammatory effects. It can help reduce inflammation in the body, which may be beneficial for conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Digestive Aid: Ginger has long been used as a remedy for digestive issues. It can help alleviate nausea, reduce motion sickness, and ease stomach discomfort. Ginger tea or ginger chews are commonly used for digestive relief.
Nausea Relief: Ginger is known for its anti-nausea properties. It’s often recommended for pregnant women experiencing morning sickness and for individuals undergoing chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Pain Reduction: Ginger may help reduce muscle pain and soreness due to its anti-inflammatory effects. It can be beneficial for athletes and individuals with exercise-related discomfort.
Lowering Blood Sugar: Some studies suggest that ginger may help lower blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. This can be particularly important for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular Health: Ginger may have a positive impact on heart health. It can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol levels.
Antioxidant Effects: Ginger is rich in antioxidants, which combat free radicals and oxidative stress in the body. This may reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall well-being.
Immune System Support: The immune-boosting properties of ginger may help the body fight off infections. It’s often used as a natural remedy for colds and flu.
Menstrual Pain Relief: Some women find that ginger can alleviate menstrual pain and reduce the severity of cramps.
Weight Management: Ginger’s potential to increase feelings of fullness and reduce calorie intake may be helpful for weight management.
Cognitive Health: Emerging research suggests that ginger may have neuroprotective properties that can benefit cognitive health and protect against age-related cognitive decline.
Skin Benefits: Topical use of ginger may help improve skin health by reducing inflammation and promoting even skin tone.
Respiratory Health: Ginger can help relieve respiratory conditions like congestion and coughs. It’s commonly used in herbal teas to soothe these symptoms.
Aid in Cancer Prevention: Ginger’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may play a role in cancer prevention and treatment. In this study on gastric cancers they found that Ginger can induce apoptosis (cancer cell death) in vitro.
How to Make Ginger Candy Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup fresh Ginger root
1/2 cup pure cane sugar (try monkfruit for a sugar alternative!) plus more for coating
2 cups water for boiling
Directions
Step 1: Peel ginger and slice into small pieces (1/8″).
Step 2: Bring sugar and water to a boil and continue to boil until sugar is dissolved.
Step 3: Add sliced ginger into saucepan and simmer on low until tender (about 30 minutes).
Step 4: Transfer ginger to a wired rack and let dry a little.
Step 5: Pour 1/4 cup sugar into a bowl and toss ginger in sugar.
Step 6: Lay ginger out in a parchment lined baking sheet to cool. Store in airtight container for up to a month or up to 3 months in refrigerator.
Enjoy these homemade Candied Ginger Chews when nausea hits, as a co*cktail garnish, to flavor your tea, in trail mix or whenever you want a little treat!
Melissa Vines is founder and content creator of Along The Meadow. She has training in herbalism and aromatherapy with a background in the skincare industry as an Aesthetician. A passion for nontoxic skincare and wellness has propelled her into a life long pursuit of helping others live a more natural lifestyle as well. Her most important role however is being a wife and mom to 3 amazing kids. Read More…
Typically, consuming 1 to 2 ginger chews at a time, up to a maximum of 4 to 6 chews per day, is considered a reasonable amount. However, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist for personalized advice based on your specific needs.
The terms “candied” and “crystallized” are typically used interchangeably. If a distinction is made, the term candied refers to ginger stored in the simple syrup and crystallized ginger means the version cooked in the sweet syrup and rolled in sugar.
Candied ginger retains its medicinal and nutritional value, although it should be consumed in moderation given the amount of sugar. One piece of candied ginger can have 3 to 5 grams of sugar and about 20 calories.
Ginger has powerful components that lower blood sugar levels and prevent heart disease. Eating ginger every day can regulate the production of insulin in patients with diabetes. Due to the cholesterol-lowering abilities in ginger, it prevents heart-related diseases and strokes.
It is rare to have side effects from ginger. In high doses it may cause mild heartburn, diarrhea, and irritation of the mouth. You may be able to avoid some of the mild stomach side effects, such as belching, heartburn, or stomach upset, by taking ginger supplements in capsules or taking ginger with meals.
Other side effects of crystallized ginger — and sugary foods in general — include a greater risk of cavities, metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Ginger itself is considered safe. However, it may cause bloating and heartburn in some individuals, warns the University of Rochester.
Storing plain candied ginger: If you didn't sugar coat the ginger, it's best to store it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for up to 3 months.
Ginger might lower blood pressure. Taking ginger along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Anyone with GI issues should also consume ginger with caution. Those with a history of GERD or acid reflux should keep an eye on their ginger intake, as ginger can cause heartburn and worsen gastric reflux, says Reuben Chen, MD, sports medicine physician and international chief medical advisor at Sunrider.
Turmeric or curcumin might also increase the effects of other blood sugar medications, which could lead to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. People should talk to a doctor before increasing their intake of turmeric or curcumin and before taking turmeric or any other supplements for their symptoms.
Studies show that ginger can reduce blood pressure and may be as effective as some typically used medications. Gingerol, a component of ginger, has been shown to suppress tumor growth in the lab. Many users claim ginger tea alleviates arthritis pain and muscle aches.
When taken by mouth: Ginger is likely safe. It can cause mild side effects including heartburn, diarrhea, burping, and general stomach discomfort. Taking higher doses of 5 grams daily increases the risk for side effects. When applied to the skin: Ginger is possibly safe when used short-term.
Gingerol, a natural component of ginger root, benefits gastrointestinal motility ― the rate at which food exits the stomach and continues along the digestive process. Eating ginger encourages efficient digestion, so food doesn't linger as long in the gut. Nausea relief.
Ginger is safe to eat daily, but experts recommend limiting yourself to 3 to 4 grams a day — stick to 1 gram daily if you're pregnant. Taking more than 6 grams of ginger a day has been proven to cause gastrointestinal issues such as reflux, heartburn and diarrhea.
Fortunately, ginger is a food that has all the elements needed to prevent and treat liver problems. Experts suggest that ginger supplementation represents a new treatment strategy for NAFLD by improving the body's antioxidant activity, reducing inflammation and insulin resistance.
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Melissa Vines is founder and content creator of Along The Meadow. She has training in herbalism and aromatherapy with a background in the skincare industry as an Aesthetician. A passion for nontoxic skincare and wellness has propelled her into a life long pursuit of helping others live a more natural lifestyle as well. Her most important role however is being a wife and mom to 3 amazing kids. Read More…