Did you know - Ginger

• Ginger cultivation began in Asia, but spread to East Africa and the Caribbean.  It is the underground stem, or rhizome of the plant Zingiber.
• It was commonly used medicinally in China as a aid in digestion and to treat stomach upset, diarrhea and nausea for more than 2,000 years. It has been used to help treat arthritis, colic, diarrhea, and heart conditions. 
• The flesh of the rhizome has culinary uses in many Asian dishes.  In the West, it is often used in sweet dishes, such as cookies and bread, and in beverages, such as ginger ale.
• Fresh ginger can be substituted for ground ginger at a ratio of 6 to 1, although the flavors of fresh and dried ginger are somewhat different.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger


http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ginger-000246.htm