Ginger is a must-have ingredient in our kitchen cabinet, that is used extensively in almost every dish. Right from making refreshing tea to adding in dal, chutneys and sabzi – ginger is multipurpose to the core. This is one of the healthiest spices, chock full of nutrients and bioactive compounds that confer umpteen benefits for the body and brain. Besides, ginger in the form of dry ginger powder or saunth is a warm spice with a sharp taste, produced from dried ginger roots.
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Dry ginger or saunth has been a key ingredient in a rich array of traditional medicine for aeons. It assists in balancing Vata and Kapha doshas and increases Pitta dosha, It is usually taken in the form of kadha or churan due to its healing nature. Dry ginger aids in digestion improves appetite, soothes stomach woes and keeps up respiratory system health and joint health. Saunth powder is used as a vital ingredient that melds well with other spices like turmeric, cayenne, cumin, coriander, fennel and cinnamon.
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Healing Properties of Dry Ginger
- Packed with potent bioactive compounds dry ginger holds a key role in sustaining overall health
- A storehouse of antioxidants, dry ginger combats oxidative damage and lowers the risk of chronic diseases
- Dry ginger initiates the action of trypsin and lipase enzymes that aid in the breakdown of proteins and fats
- Dry ginger powder is a natural analgesic and offers respite from pain
Potential Health Benefits Of Dry Ginger Powder
Diminishes Cholesterol:
High levels of cholesterol in the blood mainly LDL (bad cholesterol) lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Several pieces of evidence have revealed that dry ginger powder assists in reducing total cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Further, the study showed that cholesterol markers diminished remarkably when the participants consumed about 3 grams of dry ginger powder daily for 45 days.
Promotes Digestion:
Dry ginger powder is known to ease pain and discomfort in the stomach caused by long-term indigestion issues. Poor dietary habits and delay in gastric emptying time are reasons for indigestion. Consuming 1-2 grams of dry ginger powder before a meal helped to speed up the emptying of the stomach and ease indigestion.
Remedies Common Cold:
The potent anti-inflammatory effects of ginger are credited to gingerols and shaogals present in the ginger root which aids in curing a common cold. Dry ginger powder kadha blended with tulsi, pepper, clove and turmeric is the best fix for instant relief from cold, and flu.
Eases Menstrual Pain:
Dry ginger powder is a natural analgesic that offers respite from abdominal pain and discomfort during menstruation. Take about a gram of dry ginger powder daily for the first three days of the period’s cycle to ease menstrual pains.
Alleviates Nausea And Morning Sickness:
Dry ginger powder is believed to be effective in remedying the symptoms of morning sickness in pregnant women. Take half a teaspoon of dry ginger powder mixed with honey and warm water on an empty stomach to get respite from morning sickness.
Manages Diabetes
Dry ginger bestowed with powerful bioactive compounds is an excellent natural cure for controlling blood sugar spikes. This medicinal spice is loaded with zinc promotes insulin secretion and regulates blood sugar levels. Have about 2 grams of dry ginger powder mixed in warm water daily on an empty stomach in the morning to control diabetes.
Reduces Inflammation:
Dry ginger powder heaped with anti-inflammatory traits is well-known to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of diseases. Having dry ginger powder with little salt aids in lowering inflammation in the system. It is also beneficial in healing swollen joints and offers respite from arthritis.
Is It Safe To Take Ginger Daily?
Ginger is safe to be consumed by all when taken in moderate amounts. The recommended intake of ginger is about 1-3 grams per day.
Ways To Add Dry Ginger Powder
- Dry ginger powder can be used to make kadha or masala tea
- Mix the dry ginger powder with warm milk to induce sound sleep
- For children make small balls of dry ginger powder by mixing equal amounts of ghee, jaggery and turmeric.
- Add dry ginger powder to flavour desserts like dal payasam, salampaak, or aam panna
How To Make Dry Ginger Powder At Home
Dry ginger powder is readily available in all grocery stores. You can prepare saunth powder at home by following these simple steps:
- Wash, peel and dry fresh ginger
- Cut ginger into very thin slices and dry them in the hot sun for 2-3 days
- Allow it to dry for another 4 days at room temperature
- Once dried well, ground it in a mixer grinder
- Store the dry ginger powder in an airtight container
