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Sep 13, 2011

Ginger is the common name for Zingiber officinale, which was originally cultivated in China. Ginger is a herb but is often known as a spice.

Ginger is the common name for Zingiber officinale, which was originally cultivated in China. Ginger is a herb but is often known as a spice.

In Uganda, lack of disease-free planting material has discouraged many farmers from growing the crop, which is on high demand in Kenya. Ginger is known to promote energy circulation in the body while positively increasing the body’s metabolic rate. It is also said that consuming ginger before taking a plane flight can prevent motion sickness.

Ginger was widely used by the ancient Romans and it was a very expensive spice; one pound of ginger was equivalent to the price of a sheep. Ginger is known to be effective in the treatment of cataracts, menstrual problems, heart disease, migraines, stroke, angina, infertility and kidney stones.

It is also known to treat athlete’s foot, colds, bursitis, chronic fatigue, tendinitis, depression, dizziness, fever, erectile difficulties and viral infections.

Ginger can be grown indoors or outside. The best time to plant ginger is the beginning of the rainy season. Ginger is cultivated all year round and can be harvested about five months after it is planted.

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