By Gilbert Kidimu
ON her first trip upcountry, Kate suffered from a running stomach. Within a week, she had lost about 5kg due to loss of fluid. “My neighbour gave me a mixture of ginger, lemon and honey tea, and I healed,” says Natunga.

Ginger has been used as a natural remedy for many ailments time immemorial. Researchers say ginger works wonders in the treatment of cancer.

Benefits of ginger
Doreen Tindyebwa, a nutritionist, says: “A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Centre found that ginger induces death in ovarian cancer cells.”

Ginger reduces pain and inflammation. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful painkiller.

Ginger is a remedy for a cold, sore throat, stomach upset, heartburn and flu, especially if taken in tea.

“Research shows that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop pain and inflammation of the blood vessels,” explains Tindyebwa
A study carried out on diabetic rats found that ginger had a reduced incidence of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).

According to Internet sources, ginger tea with brown sugar is used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.

Ginger has also been shown to clean and thin blood, thus positively affecting the heart and almost every other organ in the body. Tamara Nyombi, a nutritionist, says ginger improves blood circulation and boosts immunity.

A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger slows the growth of colon cancer cells. Several studies reveal that ginger is as effective as Vitamin B6 in the treatment of nausea, associated with motion sickness.

Iced- ginger tea recipe
Peter Kalema, a chef, shares a recipe:
4 big cloves of ginger
1 tablespoon of cinnamon
2 litres of water
½ kg of sugar
One ripe lemon
Pour water in a medium-size saucepan and cover. Allow to boil and add a teaspoon of tea, cinnamon and crushed ginger. Simmer for five minutes. Add sugar, cool and chill.

Slice a ripe lemon and add to chilled tea, 20 minutes before serving.
Alternatively, put two tablespoons of grated ginger in two litres of water. Boil water in a small saucepan with ginger. Add lemon and sugar.

Compiled by Agnes Kyotalengerire