Today's Nature Post features the Ginger plant.

Ginger, Zingiber Officinale, is a flowering, herbaceous plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family with relatives such as Turmeric and Cardamom. The Ginger plant is a perennial well known for being used in food preparation and folk medicine. It originates from areas throughout Southern Asia and the Indian subcontinent with a preference for warm habitats such as tropical, lowland forests. As Ginger rose in popularity, it began to be grown in various other countries. Wild relatives of the Ginger plant can still be found throughout areas such as Australia, Malaysia, Japan, and Hawaii. This plant will produce false stems made of the rolled bases of leaves called a Pseudostem each year which can grow over three feet tall. Ginger will also produce a cluster of flowers called an Inflorescence which will produce purple flowers. The root of the ginger plant, called a Rhizome, is what is used to create the spice as well as a range of foods. They can be pickled, boiled to make tea, wine, candies, or added as ingredients in various meals. In the Caribbean, it is created into a drink called Sorrel and into a beer broth in Jamaican culture. In Indian cuisine, Ginger is often used in gravies, curries, masalas, and various drinks. Ginger also possesses a white range of health benefits due to the warming qualities it holds. The Ginger rhizome stimulates digestion, circulation, and the nervous system. It can also increase perspiration, relieve motion sickness, ease the symptoms of colds and flus, and work as an anti-inflammatory.

Ginger, also known as African Ginger, Jake Root, and Jamaica Ginger, is associated as being a Masculine plant connected with Fire. It's properties link it strongly to courage, success, love, physical and magical energy, and money. To attract money, one can plant a whole ginger root to grow or sprinkle powdered ginger root onto money or into pockets. Due to it's warming quality, it is said that eating ginger can activate personal powers. It can be used to increase the success of money spells. An entire dried root kept under the pillow will protect one from evil spirits or bad dreams. This plant will promote sensuality, personal confidence, and prosperity and so is wonderful in adding new adventures into your life. Ginger has an important role in Ayurvedic medicine, which is a form of folk medicine originating from the Indian subcontinent.